student loan interest rates

[-$86,895] A Huge Debt, a Small Pay Raise, and a New Spending Plan for 2017

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

money-1974707_640

I finally, FINALLY, found out my new compensation numbers today, after my promotion a couple of months ago. First, a bonus.

Year End Bonus: ~$4,300

I got a 2016 annual bonus! When it hits my account in a couple of weeks, this is where it will go:

Emergency Fund: $1000

Health Maintenance: $1750

  • I expect doctor visits, diagnostic tests and treatments this year relating to some chronic health issues. I’ll be paying out of pocket (HDHP). I may also need some dental work this year. Hopefully this will be enough.

Opportunity Fund: $1250

  •  Most of this will be saved for gifts and travel to see relatives during the 2017 holidays. I didn’t get to see them during the holidays last year.

Checking Account: ~$300

  • I’m not entirely decided about what I will do with any money that remains. I’ll likely keep it in my checking account to cover unexpected or annual charges.

saving-while-in-debt

2017 Salary Increase

Guys… (Sigh)…  I tried. Read More

[-$110,643.22] Why I Refinanced My Student Loans

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

woman balloon why i refinanced final

Yes, I decided to refinance my student loans.  Wait! Put down your pitchforks and hear me out!

  • Have I lost my mind?   Maybe…
  • What was I thinking?!   Well…  It seemed like a good idea at the time…

A Second Look at Student Loan Refinancing

You guys are great!  I appreciate your supportive comments and suggestions. Thanks to blonderbetterfasterstronger and reader Angie, for reminding me that refinancing may be an option for me after all. I’d read a number of complaints and stories online about applicants getting rejected left and right by these newer loan start-ups. I assumed that because of my high debt to income ratio, I would be unlikely to get the opportunity to refinance my student loan debt any time soon.

I decided to take a second look around to see if I qualified for anything. I requested rates from a few lenders that appear to have the best reputations in the marketplace for student loan refinancing. I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn’t outright rejected by any of them. I took a look at what they had to offer and decided to accept one.

That long list of loans that we’ve all come to know and hate since my last post will be going away soon. Read More