Explore Cascade Student Loan Debt Consolidation Pros and Cons

You are making multiple payments on your student loan and your debt burden compared to your income is damaging your credit. You have heard people mention Cascade student loan debt consolidation, but are not quite sure what consolidating means or and if it will truly benefit you. Consolidating your loan may actually be a great option for you if you qualify. If you're considering consolidating, read this article to determine whether it's appropriate for you, then get a Free Student Loan Consolidation Quote from Bills.com.

Why Cascade Student Loan Debt Consolidation is Beneficial


If you have variable interest rate student loans issued between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 2006, then student loan consolidation can simplify your payments and save you money. The interest rate is reset annually at a rate not to exceed 8.25%. If the rate is currently lower than that and rates are falling, consolidating can lock-in that lower rate on your older loans. By consolidating, you will also simplify your loans by making just one or two payments a month instead of several. Many lenders also offer additional discounts for automatic payments and after a period of on-time payments.

If your loans were issued after July 1, 2006, then your rate is fixed, but consolidating can still reduce the number of payments and extend your repayment term. Discounts for on-time and automatic payments may also still apply.

Cascade Student Loan Debt Consolidation Disadvantages


If your loan was issued after June 1, 2006, you may already have a great fixed interest rate on your loans and consolidating them will only lengthen your repayment term and cost you your good interest rate. Even if you have a high interest rate, if your loan is less than $10,000 or you are close to paying off your loan, student loan debt consolidation may not be your best bet. You may end up paying more in interest over the length of your extended term or may not even be able to find a lender for your loan without consolidating with a private loan. Unfortunately, if you have financial difficulties a private loan cannot be put on forbearance on deferred, where as a federal student loan can be. In addition, if you die your federal student loans are waived, but your heirs will be responsible for them if they have been consolidated with a private loan. Loans consolidated with home equity loans could cost you your house if you are unable to make your payments.

Qualifying for Cascade Student Loan Debt Consolidation


You now know more about the pros and cons of consolidation and are ready to get started; the next step to figure out if you qualify. Usually, the best time to consolidate is when you have already graduated. If you are still in your grace period, you can request that your consolidation be delayed until your grace period ends. By filling out the paperwork, you lock in your low rate for that year and still enjoy a delay in your repayment. You can even lock in a great rate if you are still in school. Unfortunately, consolidating before you graduate cancels your interest deferral, so you will want to be sure that the interest rate is worth it. People with $10,000 or more in student loan debt will have the easiest time consolidating. If you have less debt or have defaulted on your loans in the past, you can still consolidate, but your interest rate may be higher.

Start shopping lenders if you have decided that you would like to consolidate. One monthly payment and a lower interest rate are both good reasons to approach a consolidating lender, but you want to make sure that you get the best deal available to you. If rates are low, make sure you lock in that rate before June 30.








Cascade, MD (21719)

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5:00 PM

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39.7038

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