Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Only 1/3 of College Grads Paying Off Student Loans




Far too many college students are conned into believing they will be able to pay off their student loans with the paychecks they will earn after graduation. Statistics tell a far different story. About 30 million grads are never going to be free of student loan debt.

Nationwide about 38% of graduates are current with their payments. Their balances are decreasing over time. Eventually, they will be debt free. This may not happen until they are old and gray, but at least they have a chance.

However, 62% of those with student loans are unable to make a dent in the principal owed. About 46% are current with payments, but the interest charged means the balance is not decreasing. In many cases, although payments are being made, the balance owed is actually increasing.

Those in the most trouble are in default or delinquent. That’s 16% of those with college loans. Although they are not making payments, or doing so sporadically, interest still accrues. The balance owed increases and cannot be erased by bankruptcy.

There is only one way to avoid falling into this trap. Don’t take out college loans, ever, for any reason. Go to the least expensive accredited college that teaches the subject you wish to study and get a job. Better yet, do what Full Ride Scholarship winners do. Become the ideal scholarship or grant applicant and earn enough scholarship money so college loans are not necessary. Graduate debt free and enjoy life. 



For more information, you'll want my new book, Free College Awareness, coming soon from Griffin Publishing and Watering Seeds. How to avoid needing college loans; available soon to families of Pre-K through High School students.


You are reading from the blog: http://www.roadtofreecollege.com

Photo Credit: Pixabay




Wednesday, June 21, 2017

The Secret to Happiness after College




Find a college that offers the course of study you need for the occupation of your choice which will also give you a full ride scholarship, (excluding loans of any sort). If they don't require you to take a job, that’s even better. Under no circumstances should you go somewhere requiring you to take out student loans, even if that university has a fabulous reputation. No one cares where you went, just what you learned.

If you can't find a full scholarship, attend the least expensive accredited college that will teach you what you need to know for your career choice. Start applying for scholarships while still in diapers (not really, but do start early). Live uber-frugally, even if that means living in your childhood bedroom (as I did). Get a part time job to pay any bills your parents are not willing or able to cover (dentist, shoes, etc.). Don't get married, no matter how cute he/she is. Don't have children either, no matter how adorable they may end up being.


I worked a full time job, lived at home and took a full load of classes the first two years of college. Then I foolishly married, making everything more difficult. We saw each other more while dating. Study hard, work hard. You can hold your breath for four years. Time will pass. The only two things that last forever are what you learn and student loan debt. Avoid the second while acquiring the first. Yes, of course there are other factors that contribute to or detract from happiness. But all things being equal, people with no debt are less stressed and happier than those with debt, especially student loan debt. This is the secret to happiness after college.


For more information, you'll want my new book, Free College Awareness, coming soon from Griffin Publishing and Watering Seeds. How to avoid needing college loans; available soon to families of Pre-K through High School students.


You are reading from the blog: http://www.roadtofreecollege.com

Photo Credit: Pixabay