Mary Beth Eastman

Mary Beth is a freelance writer for Newsweek’s personal finance team. She specializes in explaining the ins and outs of mortgages and other loans, helping people to use debt wisely and build their credit. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary Beth is a…

Mary Beth is a freelance writer for Newsweek’s personal finance team. She specializes in explaining the ins and outs of mortgages and other loans, helping people to use debt wisely and build their credit. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary Beth is a…

Mary Beth is a freelance writer for Newsweek’s personal finance team. She specializes in explaining the ins and outs of mortgages and other loans, helping people to use debt wisely and build their credit. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary Beth is a…

Student loan interest rates increased last month, according to a U.S. News analysis of minimum and maximum APRs reported by private lenders. Student loan rates have trended higher during the past year, with variable rates climbing by a higher margin…

After a three-year pandemic pause, federal student loan payments resumed for more than 28 million borrowers in October 2023, derailing budgets and increasing monthly expenses for many. But there is a silver lining: the tax deduction. If you've paid…

These student loans without a co-signer won’t require you to apply with a friend or family member, though you could be subject to higher interest rates if your credit score is poor. Check out our top picks for the best student loans without a…

If you’re struggling with a change to your finances or income, a student loan deferment can give you a break — but it’s temporary. The maximum amount of time you can pause payments with a federal student loan deferment is three years. Forbearance is…

If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, you might wonder if you can get private student loan forgiveness to ease some of your trouble. It’s technically possible, but it’s rare. While there are definite paths to getting federal student loans…

Average student loan interest rates vary depending on the details of the loan you choose. Federal student loan interest rates are set by Congress every spring, but private student loan rates, on the other hand, depend on your financial situation,…

Student loans typically have a standard repayment term of 10 years. Although a 30-year student loan refinance would be one way to shrink your monthly payments and lower your interest rate, stretching out a loan over a long time is likely to increase…

In August 2022, President Joe Biden announced his plan to cancel up to $20,000 of federal student loan debt for borrowers making less than $125,000. But it’s crucial to note that this is not private student loan forgiveness — the cancellation applies…

Federal student loans only provide students with $5,500 to $12,500 toward a college education each year — a fraction of the cost of many universities. The best private student loans can help you further cover the expenses. Because these loans come…

You could save money on interest or lower your monthly payment by refinancing your parent PLUS loan. The best lenders to refinance parent PLUS loans offer competitive interest rates and a variety of loan terms, and some will also let you transfer the…

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