Student Loan Support: Make Room in Your Budget to Pay Them Down
Student loans - federal or private can put a real strain on your monthly budget. Our certified counselors focus on your entire financial picture including your income, expenses, credit, and other debts and work with you to see whether a stronger budget and, when appropriate, a Debt Management Plan (DMP) for other unsecured debt can free up cash flow to keep your student loan payments on track.
Whether your loans are federal (Direct, PLUS, consolidation) or private loans through a bank or lender, they all have to fit within one monthly budget. In a free one-on-one session, a counselor can:
- Review your full budget and debt picture to see how much room you realistically have for student loan payments. - Explore if a Debt Management Plan for credit cards and other unsecured debt could lower interest rates and payments so you have more cash available for your student loans. - Review your credit report and score and coach you on actions that may strengthen your credit profile over time. This can be especially helpful if you’re thinking about refinancing student loans or applying for a debt consolidation loan in the future. - Connect you with trusted educational resources (including StudentAid.gov and our own FIT Academy courses) so you can better understand your student loan options.
What Our Counselors Do and Don’t Do
We do: - Provide budget, credit, and debt counseling that takes your student loans into account. - Help you evaluate whether a Debt Management Plan for credit card and other unsecured debt could free up money for your student loan payments. - Offer education and tools, including calculators, worksheets, and links to official student loan resources.
We do not currently: - Provide stand-alone student loan counseling sessions or act as your representative with the Department of Education or private lenders. - Enroll you in specific federal repayment or forgiveness programs or change your loan terms. - Refinance, consolidate, or service student loans.
Take the Next Step
If student loans are squeezing your budget, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Schedule a free budget and debt counseling session today. Together we’ll build a plan to reduce other debt where possible, strengthen your credit, and make more room in your budget for your student loan payments, so you can move toward long-term financial stability.
Make Student Loan Management Easier, Contact us Today!
Step 1 Start With a Free Student Loan Counseling Session
Meet with a certified counselor to review your federal and private loans, explore forgiveness options, and understand the repayment choices available based on your goals.
Step 2 Review Current Loans, Repayment Terms, and Forgiveness Eligibility
We’ll evaluate your loan balance, interest rates, and lenders to help you find affordable payment plans, reduce costs, or access relief programs.
Step 3 Create a Repayment Strategy That Matches Your Budget and Timeline
Learn the key differences between bankruptcy types, filing steps, and what’s legally required, so you feel fully informed and confident before taking the next step.
Step 4: Get Tools and Guidance to Stay on Track and Avoid Loan Pitfalls
You’ll gain budgeting tools, income tracking tips, and ongoing support to manage your student loans smartly, so you stay informed, in control, and on the right track.
Wherever You Are on Your Journey, We’re Here to Help
Use Our Tools and Resources to Manage Student Loans Easier
Managing student loans and improving your financial health is easier with the right tools. From repayment calculators to step-by-step guides, our resources help you explore student loan debt relief, understand repayment options, and build long-term financial stability.
What’s the Difference Between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans?
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Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest while you’re in school. Unsubsidized loans do. Knowing this helps you plan and manage future loan payments more effectively.
How Do Student Loans Work for College or University Costs?
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Student loans help cover tuition, books, and living costs. Repayment begins after graduation, with interest. Understanding loan terms is key to staying on track.
How to Apply for Student Loans and Secure Financial Aid?
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Start by completing the FAFSA. Accept your aid package, then review federal and private loan options. Finish with counseling and your Master Promissory Note.
Do Student Loans Show on Credit Reports and Impact Scores?
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Yes, student loans appear on your credit report. Timely payments build credit; late payments hurt it. Manage your loans well to protect and grow your score.
Dive Into Our Student Loan Blogs for Deeper Insights
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