New legislation means more "required reading" for creditors Photo by: Piotr Lewandowski (Stock Exchange)

It’s common wisdom – and it even happens to be true – that the longer your credit history, the better. The age of your revolving accounts, both individually and on average, is a major factor in determining your credit score.

Until recently, it was easy to “get in the game” of credit right out of high school, almost as soon as you hit 18. But many credit offers extended to college students have been rife with predatory practices and implicit in long-term debt burdens.

With this in mind, recent legislation aimed at protecting credit consumers has drastically altered the credit landscape for young people. (more…)

Ready to leave home after graduation? Not so fast!
Photo by: Robert Linder (Stock Exchange)

Inthe last few posts on UWSA, we’ve been talking about student debt. More than any other financial challenge, even high credit card balances, student loans and debt impact the lives of millions of young people on the long term. With tuition rising each year, and the job market unsteady, some experts are recommending systematic change to help students who are dealing with creditors and trying to establish themselves financially. Should college students consider staying at home a year after graduation? (more…)

Is he thinking ahead to years of debt?
Photo by: Harrison Keely (Stock Exchange)

Last time on UWSA we described the basic categories of college financial aid and how each one relates to a student’s financial future.

Now, we’ll zoom ahead a few years to discuss what happens after graduation, when both federal and private student loans fall due.

In today’s job market, a salary that can pay substantial student debts along with living costs within a short time of graduation simply isn’t guaranteed.

Knowing the ins and outs of repayment in advance can make debt management much easier. (more…)

Are you getting “hung out to dry” on student loans?
Photo by: mmagallan (Stock Exchange)

One of the central facts of financial life for millions of young Americans is student debt.

Indebtedness related to tuition at university is one of the major sources of long-term debt burden in the United States, ranking alongside costly medical bills as a potential source of monetary heartache for years to come; even high credit card balances don’t pose the same systemic risk.

For many students whose families lack financial resources to pay full cost of attendance, loans covering some expenses are nearly inevitable. But, with forethought and diligence, long-term debts can be minimized.

This is the beginning of an ongoing series intended to shine a light on college finance. We’ll give you the facts you need to make sure you won’t be dealing with abusive creditors the day after graduation. (more…)