Consolidation Loan Marketers

For us, going through the mail is like a dissapointing Christmas. Everyday, the mail has the possibility to bring us new and exciting presents. Except it's usually filled with junk mail instead. If you're a recent graduate, don't throw away solicitations touting various consolidation loan offers.

Yes, consolidation is a good thing -- see previous posts: alternative amortization plans, deferrment/forbearance, no prepayment, you have freed up cashflow, the end to world hunger, etc, etc. But how do you know you're getting a good deal? You don't unless you shop around for a little bit.

See, the student loan lenders are getting saavy, they know exactly who you are, how much you owe, what you ate for dinner last night. It's not really an invasion of privacy, as much as it is them being able to present the most appropriate offer to the most appropriate person. So, instead of throwing away the mass mailed offers, stack them up in the corner for a few weeks, then go through them during a commrecial break of "Grey's Anatomy". You'll quickly be able to discern the best 2 or 3 offers.

After you've done this, compare/contrast the multitude of phone calls you get on the subject as well. Then, confidently choose the best deal. You'll sleep better at night, you'll probably get a raise at work, and your clothes will fit better.

But be prepared this year -- we're hearing from our well placed sources that the marketing for consolidation loans will increase significantly this year. That means more mail, more phone calls, more TV ads, and more radio ads. But take all the advertising to task in order for you to make the best decision possible!