How to consolidate student loans & why you might want to
Unlike refinancing, consolidation won’t make your loans cheaper.
Michelle Lambright Black is a credit expert with over 19 years of experience, a freelance writer and a certified credit expert witness. In addition to writing for Bankrate, Michelle's work is featured with numerous publications including FICO, Experian, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and Reader’s Digest, among others. She specializes in credit reporting, credit scoring, the intersection of credit and financing (business, mortgages, credit cards, loans), budgeting and identity theft.
Michelle is also the founder of CreditWriter.com—a blog that aims to help people take charge of their credit and finances so they can lead happier, less stressful lives. She’s a firm believer that everyone deserves a second chance (or a 20th chance) when it comes to money management, and that any credit situation can be improved with the right plan and hard work.
When she isn’t writing or speaking about credit and money, Michelle loves to travel with her family. She also enjoys taking Tae Kwon Do classes with her children. Michelle, her son, and her daughter all hold first-degree black belts.
Unlike refinancing, consolidation won’t make your loans cheaper.
When used properly, debt consolidation can improve finances and credit.
Length of credit history is a minor credit score factor, but still packs a punch.
It’s doable, but your lender may put you through some extra hoops. Here’s what’s allowed.
Sallie Mae has a long history, but currently it offers only private loans.
Joint applications on personal loans may not always be the best idea. Here’s why.
The tax break is designed to help eligible taxpayers boost their retirement savings.
Capital on Tap Business card offers many benefits, but not all businesses are eligible