Debt consolidation – Consolidate Your Student Loans Now!Written by Charles Essmeier
The Federal student loan program has benefited thousands of college students in forty years since it was introduced. Interest rates for program have historically been quite competitive, and program has allowed many people to acquire a college education who otherwise might not have been able to afford one.
At moment, interest rates on Federal student loans are lowest in history, but that is about to change. On July 1, 2005, interest rates on Federal student loans will rise, due to an increase in price of Treasury, bills, to which interest rates on student loans are tied.
While an increase in interest rates is seldom viewed as a good thing, knowing about it ahead of can be helpful. Between now and June 30, new graduates or those who have been repaying existing loans can consolidate their student loans at current rates. The rates
| | How to BudgetWritten by John Mussi
Do you know how to budget? Strangely enough, most people are unaware of how to do so. Hopefully, this information will prove to be a useful guide. As a consumer, you face many choices on how to manage your money. Knowing how to manage money can help you make smart choices. Your money will work harder for you. You'll be more likely to avoid traps that can undermine your ability to attain your financial goals. You'll be in a better position to pay off debt and build savings. A few simple steps can make a big difference in making your money work harder for you. The first step is to create a budget: Monthly fixed expenses: Start with monthly fixed expenses such as regular savings, housing, groceries, utilities, and car payments. Put these continuing obligations under heading: Fixed. Make estimates for all money spent - regardless of how you pay: cash, cheque, credit card, debit card or automatic current account withdrawals. Use current account statements, credit card statements, receipts and other records to help you complete this estimate. Be realistic - it's better to estimate high than low. Monthly variable expenses: Once you have noted all your fixed expenses, write down your expenses that vary each month such as clothing, vacations, gifts and personal spending money. Put these expenses under heading: Variable. You might have these expenses every month, but amount you spend could change.
|
