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Aug 28, 2008 -- New options for students in need of financing

For months, Clark has been telling you about the student loan market collapse and the woes it has caused for students and parents alike. The tightening of lending has made it particularly hard to get a private, non-governmental educational loan.

Previously, the best Clark could do was suggest that students who needed additional funds petition the financial aid office at a private college or talk to deans and department heads at state schools.

But now he has 2 new options to share with you. GreenNote.com and Fynanz.com both specialize in peer-to-peer lending specifically for the educational market. Students can borrow from friends, family and strangers alike.

Just be careful how much loan debt you take on. The fact is that you can't even get rid of it in bankruptcy. Collectors can garnish your wages -- even for private loans -- without going to court to prove that you owe the money.

And after you pay your student loans off, keep your pay-off statements forever!

But the best option is to not accumulate a lot of student loan debt to begin with. The cost of a community college is one-tenth to one-twentieth that of a private college. The cost of a state school, meanwhile, is one-fifth to one-seventh that of a private college.

Being harassed by a debt collector over your student loan? Visit StudentLoanJustice.org to find out how you might be able to pushback.


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What others are saying

  • funding college
    stay with 529s. Tax free if used for college expenses. Can be passed on to siblings if not used up or not used at all. Do not do UGMA accounts. Counted more heavily against you if you need college financing.
  • State funded college plans
    I have been putting money in a state funded college plan for years. Last year the fund lost $1,600 and still charges a 5% fee for transactions.
    The state of Oregon is proud of this fund yet I can't afford to lose money when I put $200 a month in.
  • Student Loans
    I'd like to open a stock account for my 11 year old with the $300.00 received from the stimulus package. The funds will be used for college. What company do you suggest I open it with.
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