FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1996, 529 college savings plans offer parents a way to save for college expenses for a designated beneficiary. They are exempt from federal taxes and some states offer special tax benefits as well. And yet, studies show fewer than 1 in 5 people have a 529 plan. With the growing number of people facing student Read more >
Q. I have an outstanding student loan from 1990. I have seen information to the effect that the loan can be forgiven after 25 years. Is this true? If so, could I hire you to facilitate it? I can’t get through their phone line. Dear reader, It’s true that there are federal student Read more >
It’s great to think big with your New Year’s resolution, like saying you’ll pay off your student loans in 2019. But a goal that big often doesn’t even make it to the end of January. Instead of letting an unrealistic resolution frustrate you, focus on a small change that moves the needle for your student Read more >
Facing more than $80,000 in student loan debt, Tiffany Tatafu did what thousands of other student loan borrowers do: She searched for answers on her phone. The single mother of two had heard that as a public employee, she could be eligible for student loan forgiveness. She’d landed job as a student support coordinator at Read more >
Q. I’m a physician working in critical access hospitals within the Indian Health Service as an independent contractor. Do I qualify for the PSLF? How do I apply for it? Dear Reader, As an independent contractor you would not qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness because you do not satisfy the employment eligibility Read more >
The cost of higher education has ballooned exponentially in recent years. The days of being able to put yourself through a big university on a part-time or full-time job are mostly gone. Today, financial aid and student loans are almost as much a part of college as attending class. As a result, many students graduate Read more >
Q. I have the regular student loans, and I have graduated. I’m married filing jointly and about to make my first standard payment of my student loan, but I am interested in applying for an income-based repayment (IBR) plan. My husband doesn’t have any student loans. My husband wants to apply for a mortgage in Read more >
If you are among those who have been asked to wait out the shutdown on the sidelines or continue reporting to work without pay, you are all too aware of the mounting financial pressures. Mortgage lenders, credit card companies, utility service providers and others have come forward with temporary hardship programs specifically for furloughed workers, Read more >
“Ask Brianna” is a column from NerdWallet for 20-somethings or anyone else starting out. I’m here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans — all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to askbrianna@nerdwallet.com. This week’s question: “I Read more >
When you’re struggling financially, keeping up with your student loan payments might feel like you’re stuck on a runaway train — and student loan forbearance, which allows you to pause these payments temporarily, might look like a soft landing. But watch out: Although forbearance is undeniably quick and easy to set up, its high costs Read more >
Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) is the nation's first and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving people's financial well-being.
NFCC members help millions of consumers like you through community-based offices located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each NFCC member agency has earned our seal by adhering to high standards and ethical practices designed to help you achieve financial stability.
Funding for operations and services comes from an ever-changing combination of federal, state and local government grants, as well as donations from financial industry participants and private donors.
For more on the NFCC, visit www.NFCC.org
The Sharpen Your Financial Focus™ program is an initiative of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) in partnership with a broad cross-section of supporters. Together, we are committed to increasing the financial well-being of Americans. This initiative is partially funded by Bank of America, Chase, Synchrony, Wells Fargo and other major financial institutions. We thank all funders and partners who make this program possible. For more information, visit www.SharpenToday.org.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
2000 M Street, NW
Suite 505
Washington, DC 20036
For NFCC Media Inquiries:
Bruce McClary
Vice President of Communications
Email: bmcclary@nfcc.org
