If you’ve got federal student loans, you’ve probably heard that repayment is about to change — again. Starting July 1, 2026, the SAVE plan officially ends, two brand-new repayment plans launch, and millions of borrowers will be reshuffled into new monthly payment amounts. That reshuffle doesn’t just affect your loan servicer statement. It flows directly into how a mortgage lender calculates your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) — which affects how much home you qualify for. [Read more…]
Refinance to Pay Off Student Loans Without Cash-Out Pricing
June 26, 2026 by 1 Comment
Are You a Co-Signer on a Student Loan?
June 26, 2023 by Leave a Comment
When Congress resolved the latest debt ceiling with the passing of The Financial Responsibility Act of 2023, both parties agreed to stop the forbearance on student loans payments. Federally backed student loan payments have been paused for the past three years due to the pandemic. Payments on student loans are set to resume following this September and many are not going to be prepared for this. [Read more…]
Student Loans and Qualifying for a Mortgage in Washington State (2026 Guide)
July 31, 2015 by 5 Comments
Student loan debt is one of the most common obstacles home buyers face when trying to qualify for a mortgage — but it doesn’t have to prevent you from buying (or refinancing) a home. Understanding how lenders calculate student loan payments, and how the rules differ by loan program, can help you plan strategically and avoid surprises during the approval process.
This guide covers current guidelines for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, along with practical strategies for borrowers with student loan debt. [Read more…]
Happy Birthday, Son!
September 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today is my son’s birthday. Although to me, it seems like just yesterday he was toddling around in his Barney slippers, he is now entering his third year of college. I simply could not be more proud of him.
The one piece of advice that I would offer anyone with children is to start saving for your child’s education NOW if having your son or daughter attend college is important to you. I’m thankful that I’m able to help my son out with his tuition. He does have student loans…however I’m at least able to help contribute. I set up an auto-payment into a 529 account years ago and before that, bought savings bonds. I didn’t miss what was taken from my checking account. Of course it did take a hit in recent years – but I’m still so glad I’ve been able to save some money for him.
Student Loans: Subprime Financing of the Future?
May 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment
My son is getting ready to start college this fall and although I’ve done my best to plan and save to help out for his education, I’m not able to foot the entire cost. Like many parents, the 529 I’ve been religiously plunking away at was butchered when our markets crashed… I’ve continued plunking every month to this account but it’s really a drop in the bucket. I’m very proud of him and he has earned a nice academic scholarship that will help go towards the expense. He’s going to have to take out some student loans and it’s something I’m not thrilled about. [Read more…]
