One difference between Law School Loans and other lenders is that you do not become just a social security number in some gigantic database. Since you deal with only one loan specialist, our representatives will usually recognize you by name and remember your specific situation. We personalize our service and pride ourselves in ensuring your experience with our company is a pleasant one.
Record Keeping: How being organized Financial disorganization can hurt you, especially if you forget what you owe, to whom you owe it, and when it is due. If you are not diligent when paying your federal student loans, it will hurt your credit rating, which may impede your chances of reaching financial freedom. To protect your financial freedom, read on to learn how to better manage your finances.
Record Keeping: How being organized can help achieve your goals
If someone were to ask you to pull out your most recent student loan statement, would you walk over to your desk drawer and pull out your “Student Loans” file, or would you rummage through boxes and drawers? If the latter is a perfect description of you, then you need help. Disorganized paperwork is not the best way to manage your finances. In fact, it can hurt you. Losing track of what you owe, whom you owe, and when it is due can have serious consequences. Although federal student loans do not require a credit check, they are reported to credit bureaus. As you are aware, poor credit reports can affect you for years and hamper your efforts to achieve financial freedom. So if you do not want your student loans negatively affecting your credit, read on to get some tips on managing your finances.
There are two things to keep in mind when implementing a financial-organization project at home. First, you should know what documents you should keep. Second, you need to work out a filing system. Below you will find helpful guidelines to keep track of before you start.
Next, you need to determine what organization system works best for you. For all the paperwork, you can use file folders, three-ring binders, portfolios, or anything else you feel comfortable with. Note: A disheveled stack of paper on your dining room table is not acceptable. Keep your system simple. Make sure it is something you can easily use and will continue to use. If you like to jot everything down on paper, keep a legal pad listing the dates payments are due, dates checks were sent, etc. If you are comfortable with computers, there are many software programs that help the average layperson set up a record-keeping system.
One thing many people might overlook is telephone or email communication with lenders or servicers. However, this is crucial information to keep track of, particularly when there are discrepancies between your records and the lender’s or servicer’s records. Or you might be waiting for a loan to fund. It is important to note what a representative explained to you just in case that was never fulfilled. Here is a list of what to write down each time you contact your lender or servicer:
-The date and time of the call/message
-The reason for the call/email
-A copy of the email (if applicable)
-The expected follow-up
-The full name of the person with whom you spoke or the email address of the respondent
Maintaining a record of communications with lenders or servicers will help you get the service you deserve.
Another important point someone might not consider is security. If you do have all your paperwork and documents organized and in one location, it is quite possible to lose everything in the event of a fire or theft. This may seem like extraordinary circumstances, but it can happen. And retrieving all your paperwork from scratch may prove difficult, if not impossible. Invest in a fire-proof safe. You can also keep other important documents in the safe, such as Social Security cards, birth certificates, a marriage license, passports, mortgage agreements, or anything else that needs to be protected. And here’s something else to think about: Do you simply throw away credit card or bank statements? Anything with your personal information should be shredded to protect against identity theft. So while you’re out shopping for a safe, pick up a shredder. This extra precaution might seem extreme, but protecting yourself is your safest bet.
Something else you might wonder about is how long to keep financial records. Bills such as cell phone bills, utilities, or credit card statements should be kept for a minimum of three months. However, if you have the space, then one year is the recommended length of time. Bank statements, cashed checks, income documents (such as pay stubs), and anything having to do with taxes should be kept for seven years. The reason: three simple letters—IRS. The IRS can investigate an individual’s returns going back as far as seven years. Keep everything stored in a safe place just in case.
You’ll find that once you have a handle on all your paperwork, you’ll have a clearer sense of what your financial reality is. You can then begin to plan your financial goals and take steps to achieve them. After all, you don’t want a student loan taken out 20 years ago to ruin your dream of retiring in Bora Bora.
Article Title : Record Keeping: How being organized
Comment not found for this article.
+ Consolidate Your Private or Federal Student Loans Now! (Save Thousands!!)
Up-to-date information is outdated information.
Get it up-to-the-minute from Law School Loans.
At Law School Loans, America's top law school lender, we employ some of the best financial advisers and finance journalists in the student lending industry. Be sure you're getting the most accurate data from the most trusted source, and stay up-to-the-minute on your own student loans!
Just use the RSS feed below and add this to any of the channels you use to receive blogs, podcasts, and other syndicated material.
Click here to sign up for our weekly Newswire now!
Free Ebook With All Registrations
Consolidating my loans with Law School Loans was one of the best things that I have ever done. I lowered my interest rate right of the bat and also lowered my monthly payments by over $150.00 a month. That is not the best part about it though. I also save more than $50,000 over the entire life of the loan. All I can say is, Thanks Law School Loans. - Brandon B. Los Angeles, CA
Your Federal Benefits
If you are still in-school, you may reserve your consolidation for graduation with Law School Loans. By signing and returning your application now, you will be guaranteed the current low rates on your consolidation, and you will not have to think about your consolidation again until you enter repayment.
Spending just a few minutes now to complete your federal loan consolidation application can save you money for years to come.
A few minutes on the phone or online could save you $600 a month or more on your student loan payments.
or Call (800) 659-8344
-CLICK HERE-to request an appointment with one of our expert loan counselors.
Free Ebook With All Registrations
