<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Moneychump</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.moneychump.org/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.moneychump.org</link>
	<description>Moneychump</description>
	<pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:50:34 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1</generator>
	<language>en</language>
			<item>
		<title>Save Money - Clear your debts for your credit card</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/04/02/save-money-clear-your-debts-for-your-credit-card/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/04/02/save-money-clear-your-debts-for-your-credit-card/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:49:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Financial planning]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[credit card debt]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[save]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To save money, you need to obtain low-cost loan for your debts. That is why you have to transfer your credit card debts to low cost debts. It&#8217;s better to pay a 6% interest (low cost loan) on your credit card debts than a classic credit card debt (APR 17%)&#8230;
You can save a lot of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To save money, you need to obtain low-cost loan for your debts. That is why you have to transfer your credit card debts to low cost debts. It&#8217;s better to pay a 6% interest (low cost loan) on your credit card debts than a classic credit card debt (APR 17%)&#8230;</p>
<p>You can save a lot of money with that tip!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/04/02/save-money-clear-your-debts-for-your-credit-card/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Save Money on Health Insurance</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/13/save-money-on-health-insurance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/13/save-money-on-health-insurance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:10:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[save money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/13/save-money-on-health-insurance/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1/ Save Money thanks to your employer
If your employer pays for your health insurance premium through a group plan then you should enroll the plan. Unfortunately, employers are not that generous. Then, you should consider individual health plan and compare them to pick up the best one. 
2/ Review your coverage
Rates change frequently. That is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal" lang="EN-GB">1/ Save Money thanks to your employer</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal" lang="EN-GB">If your employer pays for your health insurance premium through a group plan then you should enroll the plan. Unfortunately, employers are not that generous. Then, you should consider individual health plan and compare them to pick up the best one. </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal" lang="EN-GB">2/ Review your coverage</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal" lang="EN-GB">Rates change frequently. That is why you need to check your rates and coverages regularly. If your plan is not competitive, change!<span> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal" lang="EN-GB">3/ Compare quotes</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal" lang="EN-GB">Never accept the first plan you get! Ask a broker on the internet to get the best deal for your! In an hour, you can get several offers.</span></strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/13/save-money-on-health-insurance/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>15 most dangerous sports</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/11/15-most-dangerous-sports/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/11/15-most-dangerous-sports/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:37:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Student]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[17]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[26]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to data from the U.S. Consumer Produce Safety Commission on injuries treated in emergency rooms.Top 15 dangerous sports in the U.S.:

Basketball: 512,213
Bicycling: 485,669
Football: 418,260
Soccer: 174,686
Baseball: 155,898
Skateboards: 112,544
Trampolines: 108,029
Softball: 106,884
Swimming/Diving: 82,354
Horseback riding: 73,576
Weightlifting: 65,716
Volleyball: 52,091
Golf: 47,360
Roller skating: 35,003
Wrestling: 33,734

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>According to data from the U.S. Consumer Produce Safety Commission on injuries treated in emergency rooms.<strong>Top 15 dangerous sports in the U.S.:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Basketball: 512,213</li>
<li>Bicycling: 485,669</li>
<li>Football: 418,260</li>
<li>Soccer: 174,686</li>
<li>Baseball: 155,898</li>
<li>Skateboards: 112,544</li>
<li>Trampolines: 108,029</li>
<li>Softball: 106,884</li>
<li>Swimming/Diving: 82,354</li>
<li>Horseback riding: 73,576</li>
<li>Weightlifting: 65,716</li>
<li>Volleyball: 52,091</li>
<li>Golf: 47,360</li>
<li>Roller skating: 35,003</li>
<li>Wrestling: 33,734</li>
</ol>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/03/11/15-most-dangerous-sports/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Saving Money</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/02/19/saving-money/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/02/19/saving-money/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:57:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Student]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=18</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To save money, you round every transaction up to the next dollar. If you spend $23.82 at the bookstore, you enter in your checkbook $24. Then, you save a few cents every time you make a transaction. After 500 transactions, you make $250 more than what you actually thought (according to your checkbook register).It is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To save money, you round every transaction up to the next dollar. If you spend $23.82 at the bookstore, you enter in your checkbook $24. Then, you save a few cents every time you make a transaction. After 500 transactions, you make $250 more than what you actually thought (according to your checkbook register).It is an interesting way to make good money!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2008/02/19/saving-money/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Buy A Used Car: Top Ten Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/12/11/how-to-buy-a-used-car-top-ten-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/12/11/how-to-buy-a-used-car-top-ten-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:53:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Money]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[15]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[3]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[7]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=17</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Buying a used car is obviously different from having to deal with a brand new vehicle. Aside from needing to check on where it’s been, there are basic rules you’ll need to abide to, such as tracking down the car’s maintenance record, doing some comparison-shopping before deciding, and putting it up for inspection by a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Buying a used car is obviously different from having to deal with a brand new vehicle. Aside from needing to check on where it’s been, there are basic rules you’ll need to abide to, such as tracking down the car’s maintenance record, doing some comparison-shopping before deciding, and putting it up for inspection by a certified mechanic. Of course, you also have to stay within your budget. If you are earning just twice as much as your car loan then forget it and look for something else. You do not want to bury yourself with debts over the long haul.</p>
<p>Here are ten pointers to remember before getting yourself a used car.</p>
<p>1. Be aware that the Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule expects dealers to present conspicuously and prominently a Buyer’s Guide sticker, which is a warranty notice. This sticker should be on all used cars, but never trucks. Look for the sticker to know whether the used car has a warranty. If the car does not have a sticker, then it is being sold “as is.”</p>
<p>2. Before you negotiate with the car loan agency, make sure to visit the car lot, superstore, dealership, or other source. If you’ve decided to buy a car from a private individual, you should meet the seller personally and take note of his name and face. Appear to be someone who is looking for cars at other places, so you have leverage to obtain a good bargain.</p>
<p>3. Money talks, so clean your credit first before even considering a car loan. If you have a clean credit record, the agency can even get you a stellar rate; thus, you can save more money.</p>
<p>4. Do not be lazy. Try to look for the best rates from credit unions and local banks because they may cut you a nice deal, especially if you already have an account with them.</p>
<p>5. You can tell the seller that you already have a car loan in hand because they would think you’ll agree to close a deal easily with a snap of the finger. Don’t look too desperate.</p>
<p>6. Have a mechanic to check the particular car that you want to buy before actually purchasing it. When your mechanic has found out that there the car needs certain repairs, you could actually negotiate with the seller or subtract the repair fees from the principal offer.</p>
<p>7. Take another look at the car if you have reached a price standoff. You could use the Buyer’s Inspection Checklist to check for problems that you may have overlooked.</p>
<p>8. The maximum amount that you would pay for the car should be your last offer to the seller. Tell the seller that your offer is the final one. Show the seller how you have arrived with that offer and justify it as reasonably as possible.</p>
<p>9. You already have a deal if the seller accepts your final offer. When that happens, the seller then prepares a Purchase Agreement or Buyer’s Order which you should sign. Do not accept a first draft; rather, insist on a readable document and examine the contract first before signing it. Read the fine print.</p>
<p>10. Before you sign the contract, ensure that the purchase agreement is free from blank spaces, omissions, extra charges, mistaken prices, and arithmetic errors. The information on the purchase agreement should be the same with the information in your copy. Include all verbal promises in your written contract.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/12/11/how-to-buy-a-used-car-top-ten-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Into Military Auto Loans</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/12/11/getting-into-military-auto-loans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/12/11/getting-into-military-auto-loans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:52:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Auto]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[20]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[3]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[6]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=16</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The military auto loan is an automobile financing scheme tailored for active-duty service women and men. The good thing about it is that while the load can be used for fresh purchases, it can also be used to refinance existing loans. Fortunately for individuals in the service, some lending firms have specific financing programs, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The military auto loan is an automobile financing scheme tailored for active-duty service women and men. The good thing about it is that while the load can be used for fresh purchases, it can also be used to refinance existing loans. Fortunately for individuals in the service, some lending firms have specific financing programs, and the requirements asked from them are way more flexible.</p>
<p>First, they will need to fill out military auto loan applications in hard copy or through an online process. A proof of service status is required and a verification of the individual’s social security number, permanent address where stationed, and credit report is conducted. If the duty service man or woman is sent overseas, then the lending firm would also get the contact information of an individual who they can forward important mail to. For those currently serving in the United States’ military, military auto loans provide a quick solution to immediate financial needs.</p>
<p>Lower interest rates</p>
<p>Compared to other auto loans, military auto loans have more favorable terms. Military auto loans offer lower interest rates, for one. The lender’s risk is smaller when providing loans for military personnel. This is due to the fact that the military are more reliable in terms of job continuity and income. Therefore, the lender will find it easy to offer lower interest rates, while still generating profit.</p>
<p>Flexible repayment programs</p>
<p>In terms of the loan amount open to borrowers, military loans are more flexible. Servicemen can borrow higher loan amounts under the same financial circumstances.</p>
<p>Flexible requirements</p>
<p>While getting into the military requires rigorous training and load of requirements, once you’re in, however, qualifying for an auto loan may prove to a piece of cake. Many of the lending institutions may require the borrower to be physically at the lender’s headquarters. The borrower can also fill out the application form online but to make the application process faster, he may need to process everything through regular mail.</p>
<p>The borrower needs to show proof of being active in the military service. There are also auto loans for veteran personnel, which offer more profitable terms. These loans are subsidized by private institutions or by government agencies. They are called the Veteran Military loans.</p>
<p>More advantages of military loans</p>
<p>To provide financing for regular auto loans, most lending institutions require at least two years on the same job. But with military auto loans, the borrowers are not required to have another steady job or a fixed residence address.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/12/11/getting-into-military-auto-loans/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Things That Only Ever Happen in the Movies</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/11/30/10-things-that-only-ever-happen-in-the-movies/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/11/30/10-things-that-only-ever-happen-in-the-movies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:04:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Student]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=15</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. When paying for a taxi, don’t look at your wallet as you take out a note. Just grab one out at random and hand it over. It will always be the exact fare.
2. Creepy music (or satanic chanting) coming from a graveyard should always be closely investigated.
3. All bombs are fitted with electronic timing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>1. When paying for a taxi, don’t look at your wallet as you take out a note. Just grab one out at random and hand it over. It will always be the exact fare.<br />
2. Creepy music (or satanic chanting) coming from a graveyard should always be closely investigated.<br />
3. All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with large red digital displays so you know exactly when they are going to explode.<br />
4. Should you wish to pass yourself off as a French officer, it will not be necessary to learn to speak French. Simply speaking English with a French accent will do. Similarly, when they are alone, all French soldiers prefer to speak English to each other.<br />
5. The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window of any building in Paris.<br />
6. Cars never need fuel<br />
7. If a microphone is turned on it will immediately feedback.<br />
8. Guns are like disposable razors. If you run out of bullets, just throw the gun away. you will always find another one.<br />
9. A single match is usually sufficient to light up a room the size of a football stadium.<br />
10. It is not necessary to say “Hello” or “Goodbye” when beginning a telephone conversation. A disconnected call can always be restored by frantically beating the cradle and saying “Hello? Hello?” repeatedly.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/11/30/10-things-that-only-ever-happen-in-the-movies/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Using Mortgage Consolidation to Get Off the Wall</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/12/using-mortgage-consolidation-to-get-off-the-wall/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/12/using-mortgage-consolidation-to-get-off-the-wall/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:24:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[16]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[27]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[9]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=13</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mortgage consolidation allows you to take all of your debts and combine them into one bigger loan. This enables you to pay off a good percentage of your current debts, and take care of some immediate bills as well. However, taking out a mortgage is awash with those usual problems, so you need to be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span lang="EN-GB">Mortgage consolidation allows you to take all of your debts and combine them into one bigger loan. This enables you to pay off a good percentage of your current debts, and take care of some immediate bills as well. However, taking out a mortgage is awash with those usual problems, so you need to be careful. This raises the obvious question - When should you consider mortgage consolidation? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">The best time to consider it is when you are undergoing a major financial upheaval, and need to get out of it. When you are under attack by creditors and lessors, and the debts are piling up quicker than you can take care of them, you should begin to seriously debate consolidating your loans and debts. Bad things can happen to good people; no matter how well you guard against them, for no one is immune to having a bad day. Mortgage consolidation saves you from being stressed out due to those niggling debt problems. You may not be able to wipe the slate clean, but you can make it more to your liking. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">You should debate consolidation when you have a number of small loans that you have managed to acquire just through living (car loans, student loans, and even large credit card debts); and they are eating through too much of your paycheck. By using consolidation, you can shrink how much you are paying, and help ease your debt. You need to realize that consolidation isn’t just for those with credit problems. Even those with great credit can benefit from paying off a number of small debts and replacing them with one big one. It makes good credit look better, and gives you back your paycheck. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">However, there are times when you should avoid consolidation. Keep in mind that it is a last resort method, and should be used sparingly. If you can take care of your debts without too much stress, do so. You can never tell when you may have problems that may require the tactical nuke that consolidation can be. After all, not all situations require dealing with the most extreme methods available, and you may be able to ride them out. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">At the same time, it may be more advantageous to save it for when you really need it, and deal with your debts in more conventional methods. If you find yourself constantly running up debts, you wish to consider financial counseling instead. One of the important things for you to decide is - What is the most effective strategy for your debt problems?  <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Sometimes you need to just go for debt consolidation as quickly as possible. While, in some situations you might need to consider the other viable options that can help you steer clear of your debt hassles. Don’t feel that you need to try the newest methods all the time, but do keep them in mind. You can never tell when your back is against the wall and you need to try something different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/12/using-mortgage-consolidation-to-get-off-the-wall/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Mortgage Consolidation and Stress Relief</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/12/mortgage-consolidation-and-stress-relief/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/12/mortgage-consolidation-and-stress-relief/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:18:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[16]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[27]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[9]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=12</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Debt is a reality of life. It’s an unfortunate reality that allows us to get ahead in life, but it can drag us down if left alone. Fortunately, the perspective that something to be avoided has changed, but it’s still important to manage your debt responsibly, and to find ways to make it easier to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span lang="EN-GB">Debt is a reality of life. It’s an unfortunate reality that allows us to get ahead in life, but it can drag us down if left alone. Fortunately, the perspective that something to be avoided has changed, but it’s still important to manage your debt responsibly, and to find ways to make it easier to deal with. Mortgage consolidation is on of those ways that you can manage debt responsibly and easily. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">It’s extremely easy in this day and age to get behind on bills. The economy isn’t as set in stone as some would like. Thus, anyone can be affected by an economic downturn, in the form of being laid off or an extended sickness that wipes out your savings. Fraud and identity theft are running rampant, creating even more problems. Worse, life itself requires more debts than before, as school tuitions and car prices go up. In short, life is more expensive and, until you win a lottery, loans are the only way to cover the increased expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">There surely is a way to cope with this extra debt. Your house is probably the best asset you have. Besides providing a home to those under its roof, it offers another form of security - debt security. Every house is worth a certain amount of equity. By drawing on the equity of your home, you can create a line of credit that can help you pay off your debts, and consolidate a number of your other loans. In short, by trading off one loan for a number of small loans, you can solve a number of problems, and possibly get ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">By taking out a second mortgage, you create a line of credit that allows you some leeway in how you pay off your loans and bills. Better yet, you can replace all of your payments to sundry loans that use up most of your paycheck by one smaller payment. And it helps your credit rating, as consolidating your loans pays them off and replaces them with one loan; so, any potential creditors will see that you paid off the loans. There are a number of advantages to consolidating your loans and paying off your bills through a second mortgage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">At the same time, mortgage consolidation is not something that you should enter into without considering all other options. Mortgage consolidation carries with it all of the usual risks associated with mortgages. I you default, you lose the house just like you would with any primary mortgage. Thus, if you have another financial upset, you may not have the same resources at hand that you used to get out of your prior problem. You may be able to re-consolidate, but that is not something you can count on unless you have paid most of the mortgage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"><span lang="EN-GB">Mortgage consolidation gives you some release, as you get a chance to take a step back and look at your situation a little more objectively. And that objectivity allows you to re-arrange your priorities, and relax a little. Surely, that breathing space can be a major stress relief, especially when you have had your back to the wall for a long time. And anything that gets your back away from that wall can be a great thing!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/12/mortgage-consolidation-and-stress-relief/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>5 Things to consider before going for student loan consolidation</title>
		<link>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/06/5-things-to-consider-before-going-for-student-loan-consolidation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/06/5-things-to-consider-before-going-for-student-loan-consolidation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:42:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Student]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[10]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[16]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[6]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.moneychump.org/?p=11</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[College education is quite an engrossing task that calls for proper funding as well. Student loans can prove to be a good, viable option to cater for your education requirements. However, when it’s time to pay the money back to the lender, students get a bit of a shock. Some get entangled in a long [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span lang="EN-GB">College education is quite an engrossing task that calls for proper funding as well. Student loans can prove to be a good, viable option to cater for your education requirements. However, when it’s time to pay the money back to the lender, students get a bit of a shock. Some get entangled in a long dreary debt clearing process. But, you can avoid such situations by opting for student loan consolidation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Loan consolidation enables you to roll your different loans into one. This helps you easily manage your loans, and you pay low, affordable monthly payments. However, there are a few important things that need careful consideration before you zero in on a student loan consolidation agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Here are the five most important points that should consider before getting a student loan consolidation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">1. Deciding Right</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Don’t rush into getting a student loan consolidation. There is no point taking a wrong decision in a hurry. First of all, you should think whether or not you actually need a student loan consolidation. Will you be able to keep paying the monthly installments for a longer duration of time? Just ponder over these questions before saying “yes” to a student loan consolidation scheme. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">2. How much the consolidated loan costs you?</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">It’ really imperative for you to calculate the amount of money you will be paying back for your student loan consolidation. Many loan companies will have you pay lower monthly repayments, by spreading the loan agreement over a much longer length of time. This means that you will be paying a lot more than what you actually borrowed. So, unless you are really struggling with the repayments, student loan consolidation may not be the best option for you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">3. Rate of interest</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">You should keep close tabs on the rate of interest that your lender is charging. Different student loans may have a different rate of interest. But, usually student loan consolidation comes with a rather low rate of interest. However, don’t get misled by the low monthly payments. A low monthly payment does not necessarily mean that the rate of interest will also be low. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Furthermore, you should consider having your current rate of interest locked. If the finance companies that hold your student loans are willing to do this, loan consolidation may not be the right option for you. If the rate is frozen, you will be protected against interest rate hikes in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">4. Go for Grace period</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Try getting your student loan consolidation during the grace period. Many student loans offer this facility wherein you don’t start paying the money back until 5-6 months after you graduate. Securing your loan during the so-called grace period may give you a lower rate of interest. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB">5. Check the Terms &amp; Conditions</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Don’t make a mistake of going by what you have been told. Get everything documented. There should be written agreements, and no verbal ones. You must ensure that all the terms and conditions as well as the warranties promised to you are clearly stated in the written deal. You must carefully read all the points. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">And keep an eye on the hidden costs as well. Many student loan consolidations will have a hidden arrangement fee. This will likely be factored into the cost of your loan, which makes you pay more money in the long run.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.moneychump.org/2007/08/06/5-things-to-consider-before-going-for-student-loan-consolidation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
