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Is Consolidation Right for You?
from:Here are some factors you should consider when deciding if consolidation is right for you.
What are the interest rates on your loans? If a Federal Consolidation Loan offers you a lower rate than your current loans, you may want to consolidate. Currently, the interest rate for a Federal Consolidation Loan is based on the weighted average interest rate on the loans being consolidated, rounded to the next nearest higher one-eighth of one percent. This rate is fixed for the life of the loan and cannot exceed 8.25 percent.
Are your monthly payments manageable? If you have trouble meeting your monthly payments, have exhausted your deferment and forbearance options, and/or want to avoid default, consolidation may help you.
How much are you willing to pay over the long term? Like a home mortgage or a car loan, extending the years of repayment increases the total amount you have to repay.
How many payments do you have left on your loans? If you are close to paying off your student loans, it may not be worth the effort to consolidate or extend your payments.
What consolidation loan benefits do your current lenders offer? Check with the loan holders currently servicing your loans to see if they can offer terms and repayment plans that meet your needs better than a Federal Consolidation Loan.
Source: US Department of Education
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