Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here Forum
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Real talk- anyone know any banks/ credit unions that still have low interest rates. I’m trying to refinance but everything is 5%, even for 5 year terms. My credit score is over 800 so that’s not the issue. The only place I got even a half reasonable number is First National, but I don’t live in one of their markets (live in DC) so they wouldn’t help.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
I assume you've looked into Sofi, Laurel Road, Earnest, etc.?Anonymous User wrote:Real talk- anyone know any banks/ credit unions that still have low interest rates. I’m trying to refinance but everything is 5%, even for 5 year terms. My credit score is over 800 so that’s not the issue. The only place I got even a half reasonable number is First National, but I don’t live in one of their markets (live in DC) so they wouldn’t help.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
You need to pay off your credit card debt today with $5,000 from the emergency fund. Next, forget about your mortgage. That is the worst idea. You can't discharge student loan debt. You have almost $300,000 in student loan debt. You need to start paying that off. It will take you over 3 years at this point.Anonymous User wrote:Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
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- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
My credit card is at 0% interest for 15 more months.sparty99 wrote:You need to pay off your credit card debt today with $5,000 from the emergency fund. Next, forget about your mortgage. That is the worst idea. You can't discharge student loan debt. You have almost $300,000 in student loan debt. You need to start paying that off. It will take you over 3 years at this point.Anonymous User wrote:Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
I never said anything about discharging my student loan debt. I’m on PAYE and I’m never going to be at a salary where I will not get forgiveness. I don’t plan on being at a large firm forever. Also, I’ve calculated my estimated my forgiveness and whatever equity I have in my condo by the time it’s due should cover the taxes on it.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Sparty is a disciple of "all debt is EEEEEEEEEVIL." If you're interested in building up assets/liquidity at the same time you're handling your debt, you can ignore his advice.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
So you are trying to be in student loan debt for 25 years when you can simply pay it off in 3 years? Don't pay off your mortgage over your student loan debt. You can get rid of a mortgage in bankruptcy, but you can't with student loan debt. You can easily pay it off. And who cares if it is 0 percent interest? You have the money to pay it off. Just pay it off.Anonymous User wrote:My credit card is at 0% interest for 15 more months.sparty99 wrote:You need to pay off your credit card debt today with $5,000 from the emergency fund. Next, forget about your mortgage. That is the worst idea. You can't discharge student loan debt. You have almost $300,000 in student loan debt. You need to start paying that off. It will take you over 3 years at this point.Anonymous User wrote:Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
I never said anything about discharging my student loan debt. I’m on PAYE and I’m never going to be at a salary where I will not get forgiveness. I don’t plan on being at a large firm forever. Also, I’ve calculated my estimated my forgiveness and whatever equity I have in my condo by the time it’s due should cover the taxes on it.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
PAYE is 20 years, of which I have 18 remaining. I don’t live in some swanky condo, either. I’m almost done paying for my condo already.sparty99 wrote:So you are trying to be in student loan debt for 25 years when you can simply pay it off in 3 years? Don't pay off your mortgage over your student loan debt. You can get rid of a mortgage in bankruptcy, but you can't with student loan debt. You can easily pay it off. And who cares if it is 0 percent interest? You have the money to pay it off. Just pay it off.Anonymous User wrote:My credit card is at 0% interest for 15 more months.sparty99 wrote:You need to pay off your credit card debt today with $5,000 from the emergency fund. Next, forget about your mortgage. That is the worst idea. You can't discharge student loan debt. You have almost $300,000 in student loan debt. You need to start paying that off. It will take you over 3 years at this point.Anonymous User wrote:Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
I never said anything about discharging my student loan debt. I’m on PAYE and I’m never going to be at a salary where I will not get forgiveness. I don’t plan on being at a large firm forever. Also, I’ve calculated my estimated my forgiveness and whatever equity I have in my condo by the time it’s due should cover the taxes on it.
At this point in my life, I would rather invest my money than aggressively pay down my student loans.
As for my credit card, I’ll pay it off when it comes due. I’d rather put that money to work for 15 months.
You and I just have different philosophies when it comes to money/finances.
You are extremely risk averse whereas I’m clearly more liberal with my spending habits
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Anonymous User wrote:sparty99 wrote:So you are trying to be in student loan debt for 25 years when you can simply pay it off in 3 years? Don't pay off your mortgage over your student loan debt. You can get rid of a mortgage in bankruptcy, but you can't with student loan debt. You can easily pay it off. And who cares if it is 0 percent interest? You have the money to pay it off. Just pay it off.Anonymous User wrote:My credit card is at 0% interest for 15 more months.sparty99 wrote:You need to pay off your credit card debt today with $5,000 from the emergency fund. Next, forget about your mortgage. That is the worst idea. You can't discharge student loan debt. You have almost $300,000 in student loan debt. You need to start paying that off. It will take you over 3 years at this point.Anonymous User wrote:Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
I never said anything about discharging my student loan debt. I’m on PAYE and I’m never going to be at a salary where I will not get forgiveness. I don’t plan on being at a large firm forever. Also, I’ve calculated my estimated my forgiveness and whatever equity I have in my condo by the time it’s due should cover the taxes on it.
PAYE is 20 years, of which I have 18 remaining. I don’t live in some swanky condo, either. I’m almost done paying for my condo already.
At this point in my life, I would rather invest my money than aggressively pay down my student loans.
As for my credit card, I’ll pay it off when it comes due. I’d rather put that money to work for 15 months.
You and I just have different philosophies when it comes to money/finances.
You are extremely risk averse whereas I’m clearly more liberal with my spending habits
how much is paye? U wasting 300 a month for the next 18 years and paying a large tax bill?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
sparty99 wrote:Anonymous User wrote:sparty99 wrote:So you are trying to be in student loan debt for 25 years when you can simply pay it off in 3 years? Don't pay off your mortgage over your student loan debt. You can get rid of a mortgage in bankruptcy, but you can't with student loan debt. You can easily pay it off. And who cares if it is 0 percent interest? You have the money to pay it off. Just pay it off.Anonymous User wrote:My credit card is at 0% interest for 15 more months.sparty99 wrote:You need to pay off your credit card debt today with $5,000 from the emergency fund. Next, forget about your mortgage. That is the worst idea. You can't discharge student loan debt. You have almost $300,000 in student loan debt. You need to start paying that off. It will take you over 3 years at this point.Anonymous User wrote:Second/third year associate
Salary: $170k base (no state income tax)
Student loan debt: $290k
Other debt: $5k credit card debt/$150k mortgage
Savings: $20k in roth 401k, 25k In emergency fund
I spend most of my first year paying down my mortgage because I assume that, even with the tax bomb, paying 30% or whatever that number is will be less than the amount of my investments and earnings. Obviously a huge risk, but one I’m willing to take. Additionally, I want to pay off my mortgage first so that, worst case scenario, I can sell this POS place if I need to pay off that debt later on.
Since I don’t have state income tax, I’ve been doing Roth 401k.
Anyone have any suggestions for where/what else to invest in? Someone mentioned wealthfront. How is that?
I never said anything about discharging my student loan debt. I’m on PAYE and I’m never going to be at a salary where I will not get forgiveness. I don’t plan on being at a large firm forever. Also, I’ve calculated my estimated my forgiveness and whatever equity I have in my condo by the time it’s due should cover the taxes on it.
PAYE is 20 years, of which I have 18 remaining. I don’t live in some swanky condo, either. I’m almost done paying for my condo already.
At this point in my life, I would rather invest my money than aggressively pay down my student loans.
As for my credit card, I’ll pay it off when it comes due. I’d rather put that money to work for 15 months.
You and I just have different philosophies when it comes to money/finances.
You are extremely risk averse whereas I’m clearly more liberal with my spending habits
how much is paye? U wasting 300 a month for the next 18 years and paying a large tax bill?
Well, the important thing is the big picture rather than characterizing its as "wasting." It's quite feasible OP could beat student loan interest rates by investing and pulling out at the right time down the road, notwithstanding any "tax bomb". It's a big IF that comes down to managing the money properly and not just overspending.
Perhaps other things someone in this situation might consider is whether some degree of reformed student loan forgiveness might pass via legislation in the interim, or perhaps some change in policy addressing said tax bomb. Even bigger "ifs", that are basically a gamble.
Lastly, there's the question of quality of life. Maybe OP is okay with paying a premium on having small loan payments over a long period of time, during which OP can enjoy the money while they're younger.
Maybe it's terrible financial decisions. Maybe it's differences in risk tolerance. Maybe it's different priorities in life.
I really couldn't say.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Bid the companies against themselves (I did this and it got my interest rate from 4.9 to 4.1)Anonymous User wrote:Real talk- anyone know any banks/ credit unions that still have low interest rates. I’m trying to refinance but everything is 5%, even for 5 year terms. My credit score is over 800 so that’s not the issue. The only place I got even a half reasonable number is First National, but I don’t live in one of their markets (live in DC) so they wouldn’t help.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
I feel dumb asking this, but I just graduated and got a notification that my loans are going out of deferment, please start paying them or apply for anther arrangement.
I called MOHELA and the rep could not have been less helpful. Basically had no idea what was going on with any of my 8 loans and seemed just generally confused and disoriented.
My question is just: each of my loans are subject to the 6-month post-graduation grace period, correct? So they're out of deferment since I graduated but I don't have to begin repayment until November?
All of the loans are either Direct Student Plus, or Direct Unsubsidized Stafford.
I called MOHELA and the rep could not have been less helpful. Basically had no idea what was going on with any of my 8 loans and seemed just generally confused and disoriented.
My question is just: each of my loans are subject to the 6-month post-graduation grace period, correct? So they're out of deferment since I graduated but I don't have to begin repayment until November?
All of the loans are either Direct Student Plus, or Direct Unsubsidized Stafford.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Graduation class: 2017
Salary: Cravath scale (so $200k right now)
Debt load at graduation: 180k
Debt load now: 100k (4-6%, refinanced 5 years term)
Savings and Investments: 30k (10k in investment and 20k in term deposit; the latter of which is savings I had even before law school)
I'm paying off pretty aggressively (5-6k/month) and I was able to make a big dent because I threw in all of my clerkship bonus at my loans when I first started off at my firm. During clerkship, I had deferred a large portion of my loans, which were then just accumulating massive interest... a painful memory.
I'm wondering come bonus time, if I should throw it at the loans, or if I should try to be better about my savings and investments. I feel like 30k is kind of very sad, and I'd really like to beef it up; I ate up quite a bit of it during law school and clerkship. I'd definitely like to buy an apartment, instead of wasting money on rent (in NYC), but that goal seems so far away given where I stand and my rate of saving. I'm second year now, and I feel like my time at the firm is limited (maybe give it 2 more years?). I'd really like to be in a good financial footing before the inevitable burn out or kick to the curb comes. FWIW, I'm living with roommates in a very cheap area that requires roughly 30 minutes commute from my firm -- this is why I was able to be so aggressive with my loans.
Salary: Cravath scale (so $200k right now)
Debt load at graduation: 180k
Debt load now: 100k (4-6%, refinanced 5 years term)
Savings and Investments: 30k (10k in investment and 20k in term deposit; the latter of which is savings I had even before law school)
I'm paying off pretty aggressively (5-6k/month) and I was able to make a big dent because I threw in all of my clerkship bonus at my loans when I first started off at my firm. During clerkship, I had deferred a large portion of my loans, which were then just accumulating massive interest... a painful memory.
I'm wondering come bonus time, if I should throw it at the loans, or if I should try to be better about my savings and investments. I feel like 30k is kind of very sad, and I'd really like to beef it up; I ate up quite a bit of it during law school and clerkship. I'd definitely like to buy an apartment, instead of wasting money on rent (in NYC), but that goal seems so far away given where I stand and my rate of saving. I'm second year now, and I feel like my time at the firm is limited (maybe give it 2 more years?). I'd really like to be in a good financial footing before the inevitable burn out or kick to the curb comes. FWIW, I'm living with roommates in a very cheap area that requires roughly 30 minutes commute from my firm -- this is why I was able to be so aggressive with my loans.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Made this post in August and am now about to leave the firm in a month or so. Loan debt is down to 4k, and my next payment should erase it. Probably was unwise to throw the bulk of my income at loans, but I despised being in debt and thankfully had a safety net in terms of both relative job security and a partner. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the thread and shared info.Anonymous User wrote:2016 Grad - finished two years of clerking, starting at firm this fall
Current Debt: 114k (most at 5-5.6%, 20k at 5.9%)
Income: Market firm. Starting as a second-year but will bump up in January to third-year. Will receive 70k clerkship bonus after starting. Leaving after 9 months for a year and will take a massive pay cut to about 90k. I plan on returning to the firm after the year is up. (No bonus afterwards.)
Rent: 1800 plus utilities
I managed to pay two smaller loans with the highest interest off while clerking but am now trying to decide how aggressively to pay the rest versus saving for retirement. With the yearlong pay cut in my future, I'm leery about refinancing. Should I max out my 401k (no matching) and IRA (converted to a Roth)? Or focus on aggressively paying off my debt instead?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Very weird, specific question here (anon so I don't out myself).
I got a full tuition scholarship to law school, but took out about 70k of federal loans at 7%. Also took out 30k between 10-12% for bar and car. So, total of 100,000 with interest between 7 and 12%.
I will be clerking for the next two years, making between 65k and 75k. After clerking, I'll start as a 2nd year at my firm (market) with a 70k bonus, and I plan to stay for at least three years.
HERE IS MY QUESTION: Do/can I refinance? If so, do I do it while clerking or wait until biglaw?
I got a full tuition scholarship to law school, but took out about 70k of federal loans at 7%. Also took out 30k between 10-12% for bar and car. So, total of 100,000 with interest between 7 and 12%.
I will be clerking for the next two years, making between 65k and 75k. After clerking, I'll start as a 2nd year at my firm (market) with a 70k bonus, and I plan to stay for at least three years.
HERE IS MY QUESTION: Do/can I refinance? If so, do I do it while clerking or wait until biglaw?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Go to SoFi and refinance ASAP. You can get a sub 4% rate. Each day you wait you are burning money in interest. PM me and if you use my link we both can save money. SoFi typically has the best rates (from what I've seen). After your salary goes up when you're at your firm, refinance again with SoFi and get the rate down even more. It's simple, easy, and no fees with SoFi.Anonymous User wrote:Very weird, specific question here (anon so I don't out myself).
I got a full tuition scholarship to law school, but took out about 70k of federal loans at 7%. Also took out 30k between 10-12% for bar and car. So, total of 100,000 with interest between 7 and 12%.
I will be clerking for the next two years, making between 65k and 75k. After clerking, I'll start as a 2nd year at my firm (market) with a 70k bonus, and I plan to stay for at least three years.
HERE IS MY QUESTION: Do/can I refinance? If so, do I do it while clerking or wait until biglaw?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
First Republic Bank has much better rates than SoFi. Rates are as low as 1.95% for a 5-year plan. You have to live or work in one of their target locations, however. Luckily this includes a lot of the major metro areas (NYC, LA, SF, Boston, San Diego, South Florida, etc.). The whole refinance process is pretty easy and everyone who gets approved for the loan gets the same great rates (all lower than 3% last I checked). They're also pretty good to bank with in general.clshopeful wrote:Go to SoFi and refinance ASAP. You can get a sub 4% rate. Each day you wait you are burning money in interest. PM me and if you use my link we both can save money. SoFi typically has the best rates (from what I've seen). After your salary goes up when you're at your firm, refinance again with SoFi and get the rate down even more. It's simple, easy, and no fees with SoFi.Anonymous User wrote:Very weird, specific question here (anon so I don't out myself).
I got a full tuition scholarship to law school, but took out about 70k of federal loans at 7%. Also took out 30k between 10-12% for bar and car. So, total of 100,000 with interest between 7 and 12%.
I will be clerking for the next two years, making between 65k and 75k. After clerking, I'll start as a 2nd year at my firm (market) with a 70k bonus, and I plan to stay for at least three years.
HERE IS MY QUESTION: Do/can I refinance? If so, do I do it while clerking or wait until biglaw?
If you want a referral link that will give us both some extra cash ($300 I think), PM me. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have via PM.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Wow congratulations! Understanding that you've probably answered this question somewhere in the thread--and apologies for making you repeat--but how much was your contribution to the loans monthly and how much were you able to save in the last year or so?Anonymous User wrote:Made this post in August and am now about to leave the firm in a month or so. Loan debt is down to 4k, and my next payment should erase it. Probably was unwise to throw the bulk of my income at loans, but I despised being in debt and thankfully had a safety net in terms of both relative job security and a partner. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the thread and shared info.Anonymous User wrote:2016 Grad - finished two years of clerking, starting at firm this fall
Current Debt: 114k (most at 5-5.6%, 20k at 5.9%)
Income: Market firm. Starting as a second-year but will bump up in January to third-year. Will receive 70k clerkship bonus after starting. Leaving after 9 months for a year and will take a massive pay cut to about 90k. I plan on returning to the firm after the year is up. (No bonus afterwards.)
Rent: 1800 plus utilities
I managed to pay two smaller loans with the highest interest off while clerking but am now trying to decide how aggressively to pay the rest versus saving for retirement. With the yearlong pay cut in my future, I'm leery about refinancing. Should I max out my 401k (no matching) and IRA (converted to a Roth)? Or focus on aggressively paying off my debt instead?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
2017 Grad:
Started a two-year fed clerkship with 55k in loans in August 2017.
Now, at the end of my term, I only have about 12k left to pay, no other debt, and a $15,000 E-Fund.
I'm now going into a second, two-year clerkship. I expect to be able to save about $2,500-3,000 a month after expenses. Obviously I'll max a Roth IRA, but since I'm not able to participate in a 401k or the TSP, does anybody have advice on what to do with my money once I finish paying loans?
I was thinking about maxing my HSA? (I am a generally healthy person, so I don't love this idea, but I understand that sooner or later, I will have medical expenses that I'll need to pay for).
After that, I guess I would just be saving for a down payment many years into the future in a high-yield savings account?
Started a two-year fed clerkship with 55k in loans in August 2017.
Now, at the end of my term, I only have about 12k left to pay, no other debt, and a $15,000 E-Fund.
I'm now going into a second, two-year clerkship. I expect to be able to save about $2,500-3,000 a month after expenses. Obviously I'll max a Roth IRA, but since I'm not able to participate in a 401k or the TSP, does anybody have advice on what to do with my money once I finish paying loans?
I was thinking about maxing my HSA? (I am a generally healthy person, so I don't love this idea, but I understand that sooner or later, I will have medical expenses that I'll need to pay for).
After that, I guess I would just be saving for a down payment many years into the future in a high-yield savings account?
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Even if you don't use the HSA funds on a qualifying expense, you still get the up-front deduction, you just don't get the tax free withdrawal. Think of it as an even better version of a Trad IRA.Fireworks2016 wrote:2017 Grad:
Started a two-year fed clerkship with 55k in loans in August 2017.
Now, at the end of my term, I only have about 12k left to pay, no other debt, and a $15,000 E-Fund.
I'm now going into a second, two-year clerkship. I expect to be able to save about $2,500-3,000 a month after expenses. Obviously I'll max a Roth IRA, but since I'm not able to participate in a 401k or the TSP, does anybody have advice on what to do with my money once I finish paying loans?
I was thinking about maxing my HSA? (I am a generally healthy person, so I don't love this idea, but I understand that sooner or later, I will have medical expenses that I'll need to pay for).
After that, I guess I would just be saving for a down payment many years into the future in a high-yield savings account?
- courtneylove
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
I just checked Credible after the interest rate drop and there are some really good refi rates available. College Ave is offering 3.5% for a 5-year fixed plan. I refi'd a couple of years ago down from fedloan rates to 4.7% with CB, but definitely doing another refi to grab one of these low rates. 3.5% is lower than my mortgage!
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
dabigchina wrote:Even if you don't use the HSA funds on a qualifying expense, you still get the up-front deduction, you just don't get the tax free withdrawal. Think of it as an even better version of a Trad IRA.Fireworks2016 wrote:2017 Grad:
Started a two-year fed clerkship with 55k in loans in August 2017.
Now, at the end of my term, I only have about 12k left to pay, no other debt, and a $15,000 E-Fund.
I'm now going into a second, two-year clerkship. I expect to be able to save about $2,500-3,000 a month after expenses. Obviously I'll max a Roth IRA, but since I'm not able to participate in a 401k or the TSP, does anybody have advice on what to do with my money once I finish paying loans?
I was thinking about maxing my HSA? (I am a generally healthy person, so I don't love this idea, but I understand that sooner or later, I will have medical expenses that I'll need to pay for).
After that, I guess I would just be saving for a down payment many years into the future in a high-yield savings account?
Totally agree with this. For some more info, Biglaw Investor had a great write-up on HSAs: https://www.biglawinvestor.com/stealth- ... count-hsa/
Personally, I've taken this advice and max out my HSA (somewhere around 3500/yr so not a heavy lift) after maxing 401k and Roth.
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Grad year: 2015
Salary: 140k plus bonus
Debt load at grad: ~100k (30k undergrad, 70k law school- this is just COL loans, got a full ride)
Current debt: 68k
Current payments: 1600/month plus most of bonus after tax
I’ve basically put both of my big raises since law school towards loans and moving into my own apartment. Let me tell you, living like I did at 25 is getting really old. I definitely go out to eat and have a nice place, but I don’t have any cushion at the end of the month. I don’t have money to buy new clothes or get anything for my apartment. Before putting bonus towards loans I built up an 18k emergency fund. I’m taking a new higher-paying job soon and I’m hoping to have the loans paid off in the next 12 months. Good luck out there people!!
Salary: 140k plus bonus
Debt load at grad: ~100k (30k undergrad, 70k law school- this is just COL loans, got a full ride)
Current debt: 68k
Current payments: 1600/month plus most of bonus after tax
I’ve basically put both of my big raises since law school towards loans and moving into my own apartment. Let me tell you, living like I did at 25 is getting really old. I definitely go out to eat and have a nice place, but I don’t have any cushion at the end of the month. I don’t have money to buy new clothes or get anything for my apartment. Before putting bonus towards loans I built up an 18k emergency fund. I’m taking a new higher-paying job soon and I’m hoping to have the loans paid off in the next 12 months. Good luck out there people!!
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- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am
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Re: Student loan payments: get advice and actual numbers here
Disregard what?Anonymous User wrote:Disregard
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
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