Paying off Loans with Lump Sum Forum
- kiwi4president
- Posts: 118
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:09 pm
Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
So I will be graduating next May and I'm trying to figure out how to pay off my loans properly. I will be graduating with ~$75,000 in debt. However, I have a recently deceased rich uncle who has given me $60,000 in trust for the day that I graduate. Obviously I would have rather financed law school with this money rather than taking out loans, but alas, that wasn't an option.
My question is how should I go about paying the loans? I have 4 different loans each with different interest rates. I was planning on using ~$50,000 in paying off the highest interest loans immediately after graduation and maybe saving ~$10,000 for myself for living expenses etc. Does this plan sound reasonable?
Also, should I prioritize the interest already accrued or just pay off the loans altogether? Finally, when does the interest already accrued merge into the principal, this may be important in deciding how to pay the loans?
I'm really bad with personal finance and I would really appreciate the wisdom of TLS on this one.
My question is how should I go about paying the loans? I have 4 different loans each with different interest rates. I was planning on using ~$50,000 in paying off the highest interest loans immediately after graduation and maybe saving ~$10,000 for myself for living expenses etc. Does this plan sound reasonable?
Also, should I prioritize the interest already accrued or just pay off the loans altogether? Finally, when does the interest already accrued merge into the principal, this may be important in deciding how to pay the loans?
I'm really bad with personal finance and I would really appreciate the wisdom of TLS on this one.
- DELG
- Posts: 3021
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 7:15 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Do you have a job lined up?
- kiwi4president
- Posts: 118
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:09 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Nothing is in writing but I'll likely have a job at the firm i'm with currently making anywhere from $50,000-80,000. They tend to hire out of their law clerk pool. COL in my area is very low.
- DELG
- Posts: 3021
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 7:15 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Assuming you get a job offer (wait until you pass the bar and for sure have it in the bag to do ANYTHING), are you sure you'd rather pay off all your loans rather than buy a house?
- kiwi4president
- Posts: 118
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:09 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
I'd love to buy a house, I'm just not sure I want to be saddled with $75,000 of debt knowing that I could have dramatically reduced the future interest price by paying off a majority of the loans early on. Maybe there is some sort of balance to be made between using all of the money to pay off loans vs using say 30% of it.
Either way I'm glad I asked the question. I've been planning since I started school that I would use all of it immediately to pay off the loans. Maybe that isn't the right choice.
Either way I'm glad I asked the question. I've been planning since I started school that I would use all of it immediately to pay off the loans. Maybe that isn't the right choice.
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 830
- Joined: Wed Apr 16, 2014 2:33 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Go on IBR/PAYE and save the money. I wouldn't waste my only emergency cushion on repaying school loans.
-
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:57 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
- DELG
- Posts: 3021
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 7:15 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
-
- Posts: 288
- Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:57 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
They're a great start for someone who doesn't know much about personal finance. Besides, they pretty much advocate living below your means and paying down debt aggressively. What's so wrong with that?DELG wrote:I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
- bombaysippin
- Posts: 1977
- Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:11 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Do you have anyone better to recommend? Interested in this.DELG wrote:I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
- Kronk
- Posts: 32987
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 9:18 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
It'd be pretty stupid financially to pay it off lump-sum, but I wouldn't fault you for it for a second. It's stressful having debt. If I was given enough to pay off my loans, I would probably do it. Peace of mind w/r/t something you can't discharge in bankruptcy? = priceless.
- guano
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:49 am
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
I don't know who Dave Ramsey is, but Suze Orman has gotten in a lot of hot water for conflict of interest shit.kenwash wrote:They're a great start for someone who doesn't know much about personal finance. Besides, they pretty much advocate living below your means and paying down debt aggressively. What's so wrong with that?DELG wrote:I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
There's pros and cons to spending most of it on school loans. Yes, student loan interst is much higher than, say, a mortgage, but the PMI on a mortgage if you have less than 20% down can be brutal as well. Without discussing long-term goals, and knowing specifics, we shouldn't give hard answers
- Mick Haller
- Posts: 1257
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:24 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
I would be concerned that an immediate pay down might raise red flags at your law school financial aid office. I'm sure you received some kind of financial aid package, which requires you to disclose all assets and family contributions. Even if your inheritance vested the day of graduation, I'd still be cautious.
That said, I'd pay the loans off one at a time every 6 months or so.
That said, I'd pay the loans off one at a time every 6 months or so.
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- guano
- Posts: 2264
- Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:49 am
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
that's making some odd assumptions.Mick Haller wrote:I would be concerned that an immediate pay down might raise red flags at your law school financial aid office. I'm sure you received some kind of financial aid package, which requires you to disclose all assets and family contributions. Even if your inheritance vested the day of graduation, I'd still be cautious.
That said, I'd pay the loans off one at a time every 6 months or so.
- Mick Haller
- Posts: 1257
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:24 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Have no idea whether Sallie Mae and school's finaid offices communicate on such matters. But depending on how much need based aid OP received, the school would likely want to claim a share of that inheritance if it can.
- Mick Haller
- Posts: 1257
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:24 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
I borrowed 62k from Sallie Mae and had about 9k in capitalized interest that was tacked on the day I started repayment. So OP is probably looking at about 85-90k balance on day 1.
I'd pay off any private/higher interest loans first. Second I'd pay off the direct federal loans which are not eligible for extended (30 year) repayment. Pay off Staffords last as they can be extended to 30 years if an emergency arises.
I'd pay off any private/higher interest loans first. Second I'd pay off the direct federal loans which are not eligible for extended (30 year) repayment. Pay off Staffords last as they can be extended to 30 years if an emergency arises.
-
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:33 am
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
LolMick Haller wrote:Have no idea whether Sallie Mae and school's finaid offices communicate on such matters. But depending on how much need based aid OP received, the school would likely want to claim a share of that inheritance if it can.
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
- jdx2014
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Thu May 22, 2014 1:20 am
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Depends on your income. You may need that money for food and stuff if you qualify for IBR.
-
- Posts: 18203
- Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:47 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Yea lol. The school doesn't know you paid your loans. Second, nobody gets financial aid anyway.guano wrote:that's making some odd assumptions.Mick Haller wrote:I would be concerned that an immediate pay down might raise red flags at your law school financial aid office. I'm sure you received some kind of financial aid package, which requires you to disclose all assets and family contributions. Even if your inheritance vested the day of graduation, I'd still be cautious.
That said, I'd pay the loans off one at a time every 6 months or so.
- dowu
- Posts: 8298
- Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:47 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
Pay that shit off asap. Grab an interest calculator and do some math. You'll quickly see that holding on to those loans will fuck you in the end.
Last edited by dowu on Mon Jun 09, 2014 10:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
- foundingfather
- Posts: 1033
- Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:31 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
+1Bajam wrote:Do you have anyone better to recommend? Interested in this.DELG wrote:I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- Pokemon
- Posts: 3528
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2012 11:58 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
First of all, I am assuming that you get the job. You cannot make a decision until you resolve that question.kenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
Second, I think this is terrible advice. First, there is value to having money in your pocket because you never know what opportunity or issue might.
Assume for example that you make a lump sum payment and then you get fired 3 months into your job. I bet you wish you would want to have some of that 60k.
Also, OP does not have to deal with loans for 15-30. He can very comfortable pay them in 4-5 years. And students loans are not some of the worse loans because you cannot discharge them on bk. While that is negative, the positive side of student loans is that if you lose income, you can IBR it and pay $0. In home loans or credit card loans, you do not get that benefit.
In your position OP, I would set a comfortable goal of yearly/monthly payments... let's say 25k a year. This will also depend on how much exactly you will make. Then continue from that point.
- DELG
- Posts: 3021
- Joined: Thu May 15, 2014 7:15 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
No pop financial advisor is going to be a good source of advice for people attending top law schools. Not to inflate anyone's ego, but you're mostly the exception rather than the rule. Call/write one of these people and see what they think of taking out $100k in debt to attend University of Chicago.foundingfather wrote:+1Bajam wrote:Do you have anyone better to recommend? Interested in this.DELG wrote:I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
-
- Posts: 307
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 11:10 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
I'd pay that shit down asap. That's my personal take on it, but I'm very debt-phobic and would want as clean a slate as I could get coming out of school to get a move one with the rest of my life. Some on here will tell you otherwise and that's fine. However, even the folks I know who have something crazy like 2% interest on their school loans from way back when still bitch about not paying down their stuff faster before they bought a house and had kids. Ya, it's less than inflation and yada yada but it's annoying as hell to have a good chunk of your check each week going to school debt when you finished the degree however many years ago. Just my two cents.
-
- Posts: 21482
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2013 1:36 pm
Re: Paying off Loans with Lump Sum
He's a debt-is-immoral and Jesus-will-teach-you-good-financing type very popular among fundamentalist Christians. I have never listened to him for more than a few seconds on the radio so can't comment on his advice but have not been impressed with results for those I know who worship his program.guano wrote:I don't know who Dave Ramsey is, but Suze Orman has gotten in a lot of hot water for conflict of interest shit.kenwash wrote:They're a great start for someone who doesn't know much about personal finance. Besides, they pretty much advocate living below your means and paying down debt aggressively. What's so wrong with that?DELG wrote:I dare you to recommend worse people to listen tokenwash wrote:Put aside at least 3 months worth of an emergency fund, then use the rest to pay off your loans from the highest interest rates on down. Student loan debt is often considered the worst type of debt to have because it isn't dischargeable in bankruptcy (in most cases). Plus, I wouldn't want to deal with a student loan payment for the next 15-30 years if I knew I once had the option to pay the loans off. Save the money you would have used to pay down the debt each month for extra savings/home down payment/accelerating your remaining debt repayment. If you're interested in getting better with personal finance, listen to people like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login