Student Loan: Small repayments can reduce interest burden

Student loans have many benefits to achieve your educational goals and get into reputed institutions without worrying about funds. However, many students often hesitate to take an education loan owing to longer financial liabilities. An education loan can be a significant financial burden, but with the right strategies and commitment, you can pay it off faster.

Here are some strategies to help you pay off your student loans quickly:

Prepare a Repayment Plan

Start by understanding the terms and conditions. Develop a repayment plan that outlines your goals, monthly payment amounts, and target payoff dates. Consider using online tools or loan calculators to estimate your repayment timeline based on different payment scenarios.

Make Extra Payments

Allocate additional funds each month towards your student loan payments. Even small additional payments can make a significant impact over time by reducing the principal amount and lowering the total interest paid. Paying more than the minimum required amount accelerates the repayment process and helps you become debt-free sooner.

Adhil Shetty, CEO, Bankbazaar.com, says, “An EMI factors both interest and principal payments. But a pre-payment is counted only against the principal. You can devise a pre-payment plan for yourself to pay off your loan quicker. You can pre-pay as much as you want, subject to the lender’s conditions on the minimum pre-payment amount. The key is to find a sweet spot between getting out of debt and balancing your savings and investment needs.”

Also Read: How to manage your finances & avoid falling into a debt trap

Prioritise High-Interest Loans

If you have multiple student loans, prioritize paying off the loans with the highest interest rates first. By focusing on these loans, you reduce the amount of interest that accumulates over time, saving you money in the long run. Make minimum payments on all loans and allocate extra funds towards the loan with the highest interest rate.

Increase Your Income

Seek ways to increase your income to allocate more funds towards your student loan payments. Consider taking up a part-time job, freelancing, or exploring opportunities for additional income streams. Direct the extra earnings towards paying off your loans, accelerating the repayment process.

Refinance Your Loans

If you have private student loans, refinancing may be an option to lower your interest rates and potentially save money. Research different lenders and compare their terms and rates to find the best refinancing option for your situation. Refinancing can help you pay off your loans more efficiently by reducing interest costs.

Practice Frugality

Evaluate your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back to free up more money for student loan payments. Consider reducing discretionary spending, dining out less frequently, and finding cost-effective alternatives for entertainment. Redirect the savings towards your loan payments to accelerate your progress.

Keep Tracking Repayment Progress

Paying off student loans requires discipline and perseverance. Stay motivated by tracking your progress, celebrating milestones, and visualising your debt-free future. It will also help you understand what you have achieved and what is still left to be accomplished.

Remember, every extra rupee you put towards your student loans brings you closer to financial freedom. By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your repayment plan, you can pay off your student loans quickly and move towards a more secure financial future.