What You Need to Know About Student Loans

Student Loans 101

Not sure how you (or your kids) will pay for college? You might be planning on a combination of savings, scholarships and grants, but it doesn't hurt to understand your options for student loans too.

Where can students get a loan?
There are two main categories of student loans:

• Federal loans -- Federal government loans with fixed interest rates. Repayment isn't required until after graduation.
• Private loans -- From a bank or other entity, these loans often have variable rates. Repayment may begin while the student is still in school.

Federal or private -- which is best?
Experts generally recommend applying for federal loans first because they typically come with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and then to consider three types of federal loans:

• Federal Direct Loans -- Unsubsidized loans are available to all students, regardless of financial need. These loans start accumulating interest as soon as they are received. Some students may qualify for subsidized loans, which cover the interest while the recipient is in school.
• Federal PLUS Loans -- Geared to graduate and professional degree students, or parents of students pursuing undergraduate degrees, a PLUS loan requires a credit check.
• Federal Perkins Loans -- These are need-based, government-funded loans administered by the college or university. The amount available to an individual student depends on how much is still available at the school, so apply early.

How to "fill in the gaps." Federal loans may not be enough to cover all education costs. In that case, a private loan may help. The school's financial aid office can help identify the available options, but they generally fall into three categories:

• State agency loans (for residents or students enrolled at a school in the state)
• Traditional bank loans (credit check and co-signer are typically required)
• School loans (administered by the school, often with fixed rates)

With all of these alternatives, it may be tempting to borrow too much. Students should consider the earning potential of their major before borrowing, and take only what can be repaid within a reasonable timeframe (usually about 10 years).

That way, student loans won't end up as a burden; instead, they'll be a smart investment in the future.

...

Problem viewing email? View online version. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe from our list. Brett Mills World Famous Mortgage Broker NMLS #120484 BrettMills@CFSonline.biz Phone: (619) 644-8344 Mobile: (619) 504-7108 Look me up on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter! I look forward to connecting with you through social media! Brett Mills Student Loans 101 Not sure how you (or your kids) will pay for college? You might be planning on a combination of savings, scholarships and grants, but it doesn't hurt to understand your options for student loans too. Where can students get a loan? There are two main categories of student loans: Federal loans -- Federal government loans with fixed interest rates. Repayment isn't required until after graduation. Private loans -- From a bank or other entity, these loans often have variable rates. Repayment may begin while the student is still in school. Federal or private -- which is best? Experts generally recommend applying for federal loans first because they typically come with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and then to consider three types of federal loans: Federal Direct Loans -- Unsubsidized loans are available to all students, regardless of financial need. These loans start accumulating interest as soon as they are received. Some students may qualify for subsidized loans, which cover the interest while the recipient is in school. Federal PLUS Loans -- Geared to graduate and professional degree students, or parents of students pursuing undergraduate degrees, a PLUS loan requires a credit check. Federal Perkins Loans -- These are need-based, government-funded loans administered by the college or university. The amount available to an individual student depends on how much is still available at the school, so apply early. How to "fill in the gaps." Federal loans may not be enough to cover all education costs. In that case, a private loan may help. The school's financial aid office can help identify the available options, but they generally fall into three categories: State agency loans (for residents or students enrolled at a school in the state) Traditional bank loans (credit check and co-signer are typically required) School loans (administered by the school, often with fixed rates) With all of these alternatives, it may be tempting to borrow too much. Students should consider the earning potential of their major before borrowing, and take only what can be repaid within a reasonable timeframe (usually about 10 years). That way, student loans won't end up as a burden; instead, they'll be a smart investment in the future. Casa Financial Services, Inc NMLS #120281 9560 Cuyamaca Street #101 Santee, CA 92071 Designed and Delivered by OutboundEngine, Inc

Your Options for Cutting the (Cable) Cord

How to Customize Your Cable and Pay Less

It's a win-win: cancelling your cable service and turning to more customized and less-expensive options for your favorite shows. But whether you end up saving money depends on what you like to watch and how many a la carte services you choose. Here's a quick look at your choices.

Buy an antenna.
Major networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, etc. are free, but you'll need a modern antenna to pick up the broadcasts. There are indoor versions and those that perch on your roof (which Consumer Reports says are better). Enter your zip code on AntennaWeb to find out how many channels you'll receive and which model is best for your area. Cost: $30 to $100.

Subscribe to streaming.
Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus are the "big three" in streaming services, although the depth of their libraries and the freshness of their content varies. You may have to settle for day-later viewing or last season's shows. New contenders include HBO NOW, for full HBO access, and Sling TV, which bundles multiple networks (including ESPN for sports junkies). Cost: $7.99 to $20/month per service.

Stream to your TV.
Once you have a subscription, you'll need to decide how to stream to your TV (unless you plan to watch your shows on a laptop or tablet). Newer smart TVs and some gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox have apps you can use for streaming. Otherwise, you can try Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or Chromecast. Cost: $0 if you own a device, or up to $100 for a streaming device (more for gaming consoles).

You'll have to crunch the numbers to figure out what's best for your viewing habits. This handy tool can help you determine how many services you can subscribe to before your monthly costs end up being a wash.

...

Problem viewing email? View online version. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe from our list. Brett Mills World Famous Mortgage Broker NMLS #120484 BrettMills@CFSonline.biz Phone: (619) 644-8344 Mobile: (619) 504-7108 Look me up on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter! I look forward to connecting with you through social media! Brett Mills How to Customize Your Cable and Pay Less It's a win-win: cancelling your cable service and turning to more customized and less-expensive options for your favorite shows. But whether you end up saving money depends on what you like to watch and how many a la carte services you choose. Here's a quick look at your choices. Buy an antenna. Major networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, etc. are free, but you'll need a modern antenna to pick up the broadcasts. There are indoor versions and those that perch on your roof (which Consumer Reports says are better). Enter your zip code on AntennaWeb to find out how many channels you'll receive and which model is best for your area. Cost: $30 to $100. Subscribe to streaming. Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus are the "big three" in streaming services, although the depth of their libraries and the freshness of their content varies. You may have to settle for day-later viewing or last season's shows. New contenders include HBO NOW, for full HBO access, and Sling TV, which bundles multiple networks (including ESPN for sports junkies). Cost: $7.99 to $20/month per service. Stream to your TV. Once you have a subscription, you'll need to decide how to stream to your TV (unless you plan to watch your shows on a laptop or tablet). Newer smart TVs and some gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox have apps you can use for streaming. Otherwise, you can try Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or Chromecast. Cost: $0 if you own a device, or up to $100 for a streaming device (more for gaming consoles). You'll have to crunch the numbers to figure out what's best for your viewing habits. This handy tool can help you determine how many services you can subscribe to before your monthly costs end up being a wash. Casa Financial Services, Inc NMLS #120281 9560 Cuyamaca Street #101 Santee, CA 92071 Designed and Delivered by OutboundEngine, Inc