Do Student Loans Affect Buying a House?
Your student loan debt affects whether you can buy a house, in both direct and indirect ways. Here’s how: Student loan payments make saving for a down payment more difficult…
Brianna McGurran
Brianna is a former columnist and staff writer for NerdWallet who focused on student loans and money management for 20-somethings. Much of her work helping readers with budgeting and debt is featured in her personal finance advice column, "Ask Brianna," which was syndicated by The Associated Press.
Posts by Brianna McGurran:
A College Education Isn’t Priceless
College-bound high school seniors of America: You are about to embark on one of the most formative periods of your life, full of new friendships, personal growth and overcaffeinated conversations…
Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Buy a House?
You don’t have to choose whether to pay off student loans or buy a house. With the help of first-time home buyer programs, and if you’re able to build up…
Find Your Federal Student Loan Consolidation Interest Rate
Your federal student loan consolidation interest rate is the weighted average of your federal loans’ interest rates, rounded up to the next one-eighth of one percentage point. That means larger…
To Make College Cost Even More, Pay by Credit Card
Sure, your college may allow students to pay for tuition and fees with a credit card. But, like partying the night before a midterm, it’s probably not a good idea.…
How to Get More Financial Aid
If the financial aid award letter you received with your college acceptance doesn’t match your financial situation now, here’s what you can do to get more money. Look for mistakes and…
FAFSA Renewal: 3 Steps to a Pain-Free Application
Applying for financial aid isn’t just for incoming college freshmen. Each year you plan to be in college you need to submit a renewal FAFSA— the infamously lengthy Free Application…
How Much Financial Aid Can I Get?
You can estimate how much financial aid you might get so you’re prepared when your financial aid award letter arrives. There are two main tools that can help you gauge…
How to Build Credit at 18
Your credit score tells lenders how trustworthy you are based on your financial history. Build credit at 18 so you can qualify for a low-interest auto loan, an apartment or…
Government Student Loans: What Are the Benefits?
After grants and scholarships, government student loans, more commonly known as federal student loans, should be your next choice to pay for college. They’re generally less expensive and more generous than…
