Student loans can be a tremendous burden on any student. Forbes reports that the average undergraduate student loan debt has risen to over $30,000 in some states. Trying to repay these debts and still make a living can be quite challenging. However, if you are dealing with this all on your own, there are some things you can do to make it easier.

START EXPLORING STUDENT LOAN DEBT OPTIONS IMMEDIATELY

Getting approved for a different student loan repayment option can take time. Plans such as the income based repayment plan look at your income status as well as your tax returns to determine an amount you can afford. They cannot be more than 15%, and in some cases, they may soon be unable to take more than 10%. Once you graduate, you should look at what your expected repayment plan will be and then determine whether you can actually make that. Do not count on a dream job if you don’t actually have it. The Council of Graduate Students reports that students should be realistic and even undercut themselves on what they think they will be making when looking at repayment plans to apply for. If you need help, you should consider

Set Up a System for Handling Paperwork and Notifications

You will get a great deal of paperwork for your student loans. If you go for paperless, as they will generally encourage you to do, then you need to have a system in place for finding and reading all your notifications. Read everything that comes in to make sure you aren’t missing anything.

You should also set up a folder, either virtual or physical, to store these files. Whenever you receive a due date or a notice, put it into your own calendar if you don’t handle it right away. Many students don’t miss payments because they don’t want to make them. They just don’t remember. Many services will offer automatic withdrawals, but only accept this offer if you know you will have the money in your account.

Additional dates you should add in include your resubmission dates. For programs like the income based repayment plan, you have to file annual tax returns to demonstrate your actual repayment abilities. If you miss this, you may be kicked into the standard repayment plan and could even lose additional options.

Claim the Interest Paid

When you’re filing for your own taxes, remember that you can deduct the interest you paid on your student loans. Your student loan providers will send you notices that provide the exact amount. Don’t forget to make this claim on your taxes as it’s easy money that will make your repayment or refund easier.

Handling student loan repayment is something you can do on your own, but you have to be proactive. Start exploring the various repayment options immediately. Sooner is far better than later in this case. Also make sure you have a system set up to handle paperwork and avoid falling behind on updates and payments. When it comes time to pay your taxes, don’t forget to claim the interest you paid on your accounts. In some cases, handling your student loans may be too difficult.

If you’re having problems, don’t muddle through on your own and don’t let your student loan debt impact your future. Instead, get professional help. Consider contacting an attorney in the Van Horn Law Group for assistance in getting out of this mess.