A student loan is the most practical route to finance post-secondary education for most of us. While student loans do their part in paying for tuition, fees, and study supplies, they also leave behind a trail of incredible debt. Many people die with thousands of dollars in student loan debt. According to data obtained by the Education Data Initiative, the number of American adults with outstanding student loans is approximately 44.7 million. At some point, over 79 million people have used student loans. If you are stuck in a student loan debt rut, the good news is there is hope. Here are five ways to kick student loans to the curb for good.
Consider Refinancing
Refinancing is an excellent strategy to look into if you suspect that your interest rate is too high. If lowering your interest rate is something that interests you, refinancing your student loans may be the way to go. To qualify for this option, ensure that you have stable employment and your credit score is at its best. Don't forget to research a variety of lenders to get the best rate.
Take Advantage Of Tax Refunds
With tax season here, a relatively easy way to pay off your loans is to use your tax refund to pay off part of your student loan. Although this may not be the most exciting plan, it is an excellent plan towards pursuing it. Many people get a refund partly because they received a tax deduction for paying interest on their student loans. While this option may not apply to everyone, it is worth pursuing.
Make Extra Payments
If you have the right budget and a stable source of income, paying a little extra cash each month towards your loan can reduce the interest you pay and shave off the overall cost of your loan. Sticking to this plan can also help you quickly pay off your loan ahead of time. If you plan to pay ahead of time, communicate with your servicer and ask them to apply the overpayments to the following month's due date.
Look Into Repayment Forgiveness
Many forgiveness programs can help you get rid of some of your student loan debt. Although some of the programs have strict eligibility rules, they are options that are still worth exploring. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is currently the most well-known program. To qualify for loan forgiveness through this program, you would have to be employed at a non-profit or public service organization and make 120 payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
Keep Your Eyes On The Goal
With retail stores and online shopping deals at an all-time high, it can be easy to get distracted from what your goals are, but don't underestimate the power of living debt-free. If you don't want to prolong your loan payments for the next few years, focus on cutting down on unnecessary expenses. A serious dedication to your goal with ardent commitment and focus will ensure that you kick student loans to the curb for good.