Navigating the Financial Landscape: Understanding Student and Personal Loan Risks and Opportunities

Families should be aware of the risks associated with private student loans as college bills come due. It is recommended to exhaust federal student loan options first before considering private loans. Private loans should be approached with caution, as they may indicate overborrowing. Scrutinizing repayment terms and protections is crucial, as private lenders often lack the forgiveness programs and forbearances offered by federal loans. Interest rates on private loans can be high, with some reaching as high as 18%, compared to the current 5.5% interest rate on federal student loans for undergraduates.