Raul asked:


So Sallie Mae loans and Direct loans, I want to consolidate, lower my payment, etc. Once I do that, do they still have options for deferrment, such as lack of income, going back to school, whatever?

Micky….the resurrection asked:


I recently consolidated old federal student loans. The consolidation is official and completed tommorrow. How long does it take before the default status comes off your financial aid record and does the consolidation company remove it or does the loan guaranteur that the consolidation company bought it from?

like the ocean needs the waves asked:


Who can I contact when my student loan consolidation company keeps lying to me?

young professional asked:


I am a young professional that is over my head in private student loan debt and credit card debt. I have found several companies willing to help me with my credit card debt but no luck with the private student loan debt because it is not considered “secured” debt. My interest rates on these loans are over 20% making my monthly payments total $700. Because I have credit problems in the past I am considered a “high risk” thus unable to get the banks to reduce my interest rate.

Does anyone know of an agency that is willing to help people with “private” student loan debt? I am looking for some type of debt consolidation that would reduce my interest rate and lower my monthly payment. Please keep in mind these are private student loans not government loans. Thanks in advance!

mzas asked:


federal student loan consolidation

mrman617 asked:


I recently consolidated a defaulted student loan and need to purchase a new vehicle. Approximately how much of an impact on my credit score will the consolidation have the day after it hits my credit report? I’m just curious if anyone could ballpark the number of points it could jump, with no other factors considered.

alirealtor asked:


I have about $71,000 in credit card debt. It’s a combination of lotsa medical debt and rolling over lots of other stuff. Don’t judge, I already know I’m in trouble.

I have NEVER been late on a payment (on anything, ever). The debt is spread over 5 cards and ALL BALANCES are at 3% interest or lower. The balances are such $32,000, $14,000, $10,000, $10,000 and $5,000. On these I pay $470, $300, $200, $150, and $150 per month. I also have 2 other cards available with $30k limits each – in case balance transfer is suggested by someone.

With the housing market as it is, I cannot get a home equity loan to consolidate debt. I also have $20k in student loans.

My monthly bills are making it so I CANNOT make ends meet. Rather than have any missed payments or late payments, I put groceries and gas back on the credit card I’ve just paid on time. This is NOT RIGHT, but I don’t know how to stop this evil cycle I’ve gotten myself into.

I buy generic, cut coupons, conserve electric and water, and penny pinch like crazy. I pay extra on bills when I can, but that bites me in the ass when auto insurance or HOA dues come around and I don’t have any money saved and just end up putting those on the credit card again.

Any suggestions?

- I’ve always had a great credit rating, despite my credit card debt. I’m not sure if a consolidation loan or trying to settle on a few cards would be the best bet. I have no collateral to offer for a consolidation loan. I’ve already ebay-ed everything I can for some living expenses cash. And IF I could get a credit card to settle (which I doubt they would because I’ve never made a late payment), I have absolutely no cash lying around to pay the settlement amount…so prior to trying to settle, I’d probably want to get that cash from a totally different credit card and have it ready to pay the settlement amount.

ACK! What has happened to me?? Please help with good suggestions and not yell at me for falling into this mess – my stress level and health has already suffered due to this mess. Thank you.

Z asked:


Why would a student loan company advertise loan consolidation? Is there a cost to consolidting student loans, or any other loans? What is the lowest rate you can expect if you consolidate now? When is a good time to consolidate?

Michael B asked:


So the feds slashed the interest rate to near zero. My current student loan has like 6% interest rate. Is it possible to get a new loan for the low interest rate?

javajunkie asked:


Hello. I am a recent law school grad with 120k of student loans (both private and federal) and I’d like to find out a way to consolidate my loans and hopefully lock in a lower interest and payment rate. Does anyone have any good advice on which bank to chose and how to go about consolidating? thanks!