Understanding Student LoansStudents who opt for higher studies often find that they lack the required capital to fund their anticipated study program stretching perhaps to several years. Fortunately, there are many institutions that a student can turn to for assistance for financing his education program. Except in the case of grants and scholarships, all other loans taken have to be re-paid; and unfortunately this fact does not strike the borrower forcefully enough at the time of obtaining loans. The obvious reason for same is since many repayments start only on graduation; and due to a feeling of satisfaction for the time being at finding the funds to cover more and more of the direct education costs and other education related expenses.There is a cost attached to every loan that you take and it is very important that you educate yourself first on the types of loans available, which carry fixed as well as variable rates of interest during the lifetime of the loan. Even at fixed rates, the rates attached to different types of loans differ, as does the repayment periods, deferment options etc. It is also pertinent to visit websites of different lenders and do an in-depth study of the diverse packages on offer and / or negotiable, incorporating varying concessions on credit terms with regard to rate of interest, repayment period, deferment options etc; so that you can select the type and lender that best suits the circumstances on a case by case basis.For purposes of college education, it is the Student Loans (except for limited Perkins Loans) that carry the most favorable all-round terms than any other general financial loans, and as such your search should mainly be confined to all types of student loans only.1. Student Loans may be classified broadly under 2 categories:(a) Federal LoansGovernment sponsored loans executed via the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and generally carry fixed, low interest rates; Perkins and Stafford Subsidized loans are need based while Stafford Unsubsidized and PLUS loans are not need based; but do not generally cover related costs of education such as tuition, books, computers, board and living expenses etc. Multiple options for re-payments and deferments may be available. Can be obtained through schools, banks and other student loans lending institutions(b) Private LoansGranted by private lenders and are obviously at higher interest rates than federal loans, but you do not have to show financial need for the amount of the loan and there is also no maximum limit, but have to show a good credit score. Deferment options may be obtainable (though at a price). Credit terms obtainable can be further improved by getting a good cosigner to support your loan application. A parent can apply on behalf of a student as a co-borrower to take advantage of his / her good credit score, but the responsibility for the loan lies with student as well as co-borrower parent.2. Federal Loans comprise mainly of 3 types of loans:(a) Perkins LoansTo qualify, have to establish “need” for exceptional financial aid, and be enrolled in school at least half time. Carries a Government subsidized fixed interest rate of 5%. Borrowing is limited to $ 4,000 for undergraduates and $ 6,000 for graduates.(b) Stafford LoansGeneral conditions applicable for all types of Stafford LoansTo qualify, have to be already enrolled in a college at least half time or planning to be enrolled at least half time in a school participating in the FFELP Scheme, sometimes trade and business schools also may be considered; but those attending full time could obtain enhanced loans than those attending half time. Interest rate is currently fixed at 6.8%.The applicant has to show the need for financial aid in respect of Stafford Subsidized Loans, (although it is not necessary to show need for financial aid to get a Stafford Unsubsidized Loan). No credit check is required; loans are low interest bearing at a standard fixed rate. Stafford Loans come in three types with prefix “Subsidized”, “Unsubsidized” and “Additional Unsubsidized”.Essential differences between Subsidized & Unsubsidized Stafford LoansThe meaning of “subsidized” in the context of these loans is that the federal government guarantees the loan and also pays the interest component of the loan while the student remains at school as well as in the case of any and every occasion a deferment of payments is allowed to the student on request. In the case of unsubsidized loans the student undertakes to pay the interest as well and although deferments may be allowed, the consequent accrued interest also has to be paid by the student, thereby adding to the total cost of the loan.Stafford Subsidized LoanLog term, low interest, need based which has to be shown by filling a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but no credit check is required;, Loan guaranteed by federal government and interest too paid by government, postponement of payments possible in some cases and if allowed, accrued interest thereon too will be paid by the government.Stafford Unsubsidized LoansLog term, low interest, not need based, no credit check, interest is paid by the student; postponement of payments is possible in some cases, but accrued interest thereon is payable by the student. More suitable for those who don’t qualify for other loans or those who still need additional funding for their education.Stafford Additional Unsubsidized LoanFederal guidelines classify certain students as “Independent Students”. Another branch of Unsubsidized Stafford Loans known as Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are generally reserved for borrowers from this Independent Students category.To change your status from eligibility for a subsidized loan from an initial eligibility for only an unsubsidized loan.Although a student may initially not qualify for a subsidized loan because of his lesser need in virtue of his part time work or other income, if he now quits his work / employment, he can fill a fresh application form showing his changed financial status and the new need for additional financial aid which may qualify him for a subsidized loan on the second occasion.If this succeeds, it would make a very big difference to your total cost ultimately payable as an unsubsidized loan ends up very much costlier than a subsidized loan to repay, for obvious reasons.Students may defer interest payments until graduation or up to when school attendance ends. When repayments start, a student may find himself owing anything between $ 20,000 – $ 100,000 or even more. Loan Repayment re-scheduling is not always negotiable and Stafford Loans are not dischargeable through bankruptcy.(c) PLUS Loans (Parent Loan Undergraduate Students).Parents do not have to show financial need to apply. The only federal loan where a credit check is required (although not a full scale check), however, parents should have not have had any adverse credit experience / records of default or bankruptcy; interest rate is currently fixed at 8.5%. This type of loan is disbursed to parents of undergrad dependent children who are enrolled in school at least halftime. (independent children are not eligible). Can borrow up to total cost of entire education of a dependent child undergraduate less: any grants, scholarships received. Repayments start after 60 – 90 days from the full disbursement of the loan; or after the student graduates.3. Private LoansThese are also known as Alternative Education Loans and are offered by private lenders. There are no federal forms to be filled and these loans are not need based. Eligibility will depend on a good credit score. The rate of interest is (obviously) higher than in the case of federal loans and variable. Maximum amount that can be borrowed as well as a reduction in the interest rate are dependent on how good your credit score is. If your credit score is not good enough for the lender, to service your maximum requirements, getting a cosigner of high credit standing to support your application may achieve those extra benefits for you. These loans are generally taken as a supplement to federal loans to bridge the gap between the borrower’s actual requirement of financial aid and the limited amount that can be borrowed under federal loans programs; or when they need more flexible repayment options.4. Conclusion:We have given above concise and yet sufficient details in order to get an all round basic idea of all types of student loans available for the funding of educational programs. We have not tried to overload this article with comprehensive details and facts pertaining to these loans since we have already posted 2 separate and more comprehensive articles on Federal Loans and Private Loans under the captions of Federal Student Loans and Private Student Loans respectively.We recommend the said two articles for those desirous of obtaining more details on eligibility, features, repayments etc., and a deeper understanding of the advantages / disadvantages and other implications pertaining to all classes of Student Loans.Taperman articles http://www.taperman.com

There are many reasons why consumers choose to go through the auto loan refinance process, but many often fail to fully understand the process of refinancing a vehicle and pursue it just because they want to get a lower monthly payment.It may be the case that current tough economic times have got you in a tough spot leaving you unable to afford your current payment, or you simply want to lower your monthly payment so you have more money to spend on other bills or monthly expenses. Then an auto loan refinance can help you achieve a lower monthly payment.Current interest rates are at all new low levels due to the swing in recent market conditions, so now may be the perfect opportunity for you if you are considering an auto loan refinance.Auto Loan Refinance DefinedAn auto refinance loan is a loan that aims to pay off an existing loan more effectively by providing a lower interest rate, reducing the monthly loan premium that the borrower is responsible for, and reducing the overall costs that the borrower ends up paying above and beyond the initial value of the loan.Borrowers can refinance their vehicles by going through their current lender for the new loan, or they can research other lenders to see who has the best terms based on current market conditions.Should You Refinance Your Auto?Before you jump into the process of refinancing your vehicle, it might be a good idea to assess your particular situation in order to identify whether or not refinancing is the right decision for you. The decision you make will depend on what your goals are from a borrowing standpoint.You should consider refinancing if:You would like to get a lower interest rate in order to reduce overall interest costs on your loan. As mentioned before, interest rates are at all new lows. This means that a new loan with the same terms will cost less when all is said and done because of the lower interest rates. If your current loan has a 6% interest rate, and you now qualify for a 3% loan with the same terms, you will save dramatically on interest costs when your loan is finally paid off if you refinance instead of sticking with your current loan.You might also consider an auto loan refinance if you want to reduce your monthly payment. Your monthly payment can be reduced if you are able to get a new loan with a lower interest rate, you extend the payoff period of the loan, or you get a lower interest rate and extend the period of the loan. Keep in mind that simply extending the period of the loan with all other factors remaining the same may increase your total interest cost in the long run.How To Refinance Your CarThere are a number of options that you can choose from in order to refinance your current auto loan. The first and perhaps the simplest option would be to contact your current lender to see if they can offer you a better rate on your current loan or if they can simply extend the payoff period of your loan. Going through your current lender would save costs associated with lien transfer fees and would save you the hassle of having to find a new lender.If you’d rather not stick with your current lender, then you can shop around to find another lender who is willing to offer you the best rates and terms on your new loan. The quickest and easiest way to find a qualified lender with better loan rates is by searching on the internet. There are numerous online lender comparison tools designed to get you in front of multiple lenders in order to compare the different rates and terms that they have available.Once you locate your lender of choice, then all you have to do is apply for the refinance loan with them. They will normally check your credit score and if you are approved for the auto loan refinance, your new lender will pay off your current loan and your title will be transferred to them.Calculating The Cost Of Auto Loan RefinanceThe quickest and easiest way of determining how much it will cost to refinance your current auto loan is to use a refinance auto loan calculator. You simply input the total amount of the loan, the interest rate, the number of months it will take to pay off the loan, and any down payment that you will be making. The end result is the total cost of the new loan that you will be taking on based on the new refinance auto loan rates. You can use the loan calculator to perform the same calculation for your current loan in order to determine whether or not refinancing is more cost effective.Advantages and Disadvantages Of Refinancing Your VehicleThere are many advantages and disadvantages of refinancing a vehicle. In order to make the decision on whether or not refinancing makes sense for you, you have to consider the advantages and disadvantages and whether or not they apply in your particular situation.AdvantagesLower Interest Rate – One of the biggest benefits of refinancing that consumers aim to take advantage of during certain economic conditions is lower interest rates. Lower interest rates on loans help save the borrower money in the long run. This is due to the fact that lower interest rates result in lower overall interest costs on the loan.Reduce Monthly Payment – Another important advantage of the auto loan refinance is that it can help you reduce your monthly payment. Borrowers can reduce their monthly payment either by extending the term of the loan or by getting a lower interest rate.Stress Relief – Often times borrowers enjoy lower stress levels when they are able to refinance and get a lower monthly payment. If you have seen a drop in income, have more bills to pay, or simply need more money for other expenses each month, refinancing can help give you the financial relief that you need.DisadvantagesThe auto loan refinance can also have disadvantages that you might want to consider before going through the process.Increase Interest Cost – If you refinance simply to extend the term of your loan and get a lower monthly payment, the auto loan refinance will most likely end up costing more in the long run due to higher interest costs. This would be true if you refinanced with a loan that has the same interest rate and a longer payoff period.