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Student Loans

How 3 People Changed Their Financial Lives

December 20, 2016 By Liz Weston

Lauren Greutman’s moment of truth dawned when she sneaked $600 worth of clothes into her closet. She didn’t want her husband to see what she had bought — or to know that they were $40,000 in debt.

J.D. Roth hit bottom after buying a home he thought he could afford

Zina Kumok’s epiphany came when she saw her student loan payment eating 20 percent of her paychecks.

The catalysts were different, but the reactions of these three people in different parts of the U.S. were the same. Years of incurring debt made them realize that they couldn’t continue to spend like before.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn how these three people changed their financial lives.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: debt, Savings, Student Loans, tips

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 19, 2016 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Advice from people who paid off student loans. Also in the news: How to turn a bad day into a tax break, why Austin, Texas is the best city for job seekers, and the bank account score agencies you’ve never heard of.

Advice From 3 People Who Paid Off Student Loan DebtTips from the experts.

How to Turn a Bad Day Into a Tax Break
Looking for the silver lining.

Study: Austin, Texas, Is the Best City for Job Seekers in 2017
Head to the Lone Star State.

The bank account scoring agencies you’ve never heard of
ChexSystem and Early Warning Services.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Austin, bank accounts, bank scoring, job seekers, jobs, Student Loans, tax breaks, Taxes, Texas, tips

Friday’s need-to-know money news

December 16, 2016 By Liz Weston

interest-rates-300x225Today’s top story: 7 questions and answers about the fed rate hike. Also in the news: How to avoid the Social Security tax bubble, how the fed rate hike could affect your student loans, and how not to be tricked by retailers’ “regular prices.”

Fed Rate Hike: 7 Questions (and Answers)
What you need to know.

How to Avoid the Social Security ‘Tax Bubble’
Know how and when Social Security benefits are taxed.

Fed Rate Hike: What It Means for Student Loans
How your loans might be affected.

Don’t Be Tricked by Retailers’ Unreal Regular Prices
Don’t fall for the bait-and-switch.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: fed rate hike, holiday shopping, interest rates, retail prices, Social Security, Social Security tax bubble, Student Loans, Taxes, tips

Q&A: The downside of federal student loans

December 5, 2016 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Are federal student loans turned over to a collection agency still collectible after 20 years?

Answer: Yes. Very much so. There is no statute of limitations on federal student loans, which means collectors can come after you until you pay or die, whichever comes first. Statutes of limitations on most other types of debt limit how long you can be sued. Federal student loans also typically can’t be erased in bankruptcy.

Those aren’t the only ways federal student loans differ from other debt. The government can seize your tax refunds or take part of your wages without going to court. Even Social Security benefits aren’t protected, as they are from other creditors.

So it makes sense to dig yourself out of this debt if you possibly can. You can find out how to do so at the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid site (studentaid.ed.gov).

Filed Under: Q&A, Student Loans Tagged With: federal student loans, q&a, Student Loans

Friday’s need-to-know money news

December 2, 2016 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: 5 browser extensions to save you money and time. Also in the news: The pros and cons of store cards, what effect Donald Trump will have on student loans, and the best and worst gift cards to buy this year.

5 Browser Extensions to Save You Money and Time
Making your browser work for you.

Store Credit Card Applications Surge During the Holidays — But Should You Get One?
The pros and cons.

Ask Brianna: Will Trump Hurt or Help My Student Debt?
What loan holders should expect.

The Best and Worst Gift Cards to Buy This Year, Based on Discounts and Popularity
Get the most bang for your buck.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: browser extensions, Donald Trump, gift cards, holiday shopping, store credit cards, Student Loans

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

November 29, 2016 By Liz Weston

shutterstock_102945899Today’s top story: With a new Education Secretary on the horizon, the outlook for student loan debt relief is unclear. Also in the news: The 5 best ways to invest $10,000, where people are banking off the grid, and 5 apps to make donating easier on this Giving Tuesday.

Outlook for Student Loan Debt Relief Unclear With Education Secretary Pick
What student loan holders need to know about Betsy DeVos.

The 5 Best Ways to Invest $10,000
What to do with your windfall.

Here’s Where People Are Off the Banking Grid
In 2015, 7% of American households were unbanked.

These 5 apps will make donating easy this Giving Tuesday
Help is just an app away.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, Giving Tuesday, Investing, student loan relief, Student Loans, tips, unbanking

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