Tag: Adriana Ocañas

How to Navigate Student Loan Repayment in 2024 | Student Loans and Advice
Money

How to Navigate Student Loan Repayment in 2024 | Student Loans and Advice

After three years of COVID-19 forbearance expired in October 2023, transitioning millions of Americans back into student loan repayment has been a logistical nightmare. More than 14 million borrowers had their loans transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Over four million borrowers were tasked with making payments for the very first time, per data from the Department of Education. All told, only about 60% of borrowers made federal student loan payments by mid-November, the Department says."While most borrowers have already made their first payment, others will need more time," writes U.S. Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal, in a recent blog post. "Some are confused or overwhelmed about their options."In ...
What Is a Purchase APR? | Credit Card News & Advice
Money

What Is a Purchase APR? | Credit Card News & Advice

Every credit card has certain terms and features you should be aware of – and purchase APR is one of the most important. The APR, which stands for annual percentage rate, is the amount of interest you will pay if you carry a balance.While there are a few different types of APR, perhaps the most important is the purchase APR. Learn more about what it is, how it’s determined and how to qualify for a competitive rate.What Is Purchase APR? Purchase APR is a measure of how much interest you pay on a balance from purchases that you make, says Matthew Goldman, founder of Totavi, a fintech advisory service.Though some cards have a single rate for all types of transactions, many have different APRs. The purchase APR applies every time you buy something from a merchant or service provider.Why Purch...
Are Private Student Loans Worth It? How to Decide | Student Loans and Advice
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Are Private Student Loans Worth It? How to Decide | Student Loans and Advice

Paying for college can seem like an insurmountable feat for students and their families amid the rising cost of a university education – especially for those who can't afford to pay out-of-pocket after maxing out federal student loans, grants and scholarships. When federal aid comes up short, private student loans can be one way to bridge the college financing gap.While private loans can be a legitimate funding option after federal aid has dried up, borrowers should know the risks of taking on privately held college debt. Private student loans aren't eligible for federal protections like income-driven repayment, administrative forbearance and certain student debt forgiveness programs. Plus, private lenders determine eligibility and interest rates based in part on the applicant's credit sc...