Student Loans 101: What Every Borrower Needs to Know with Elaine Rubin
- Author
- Barbara Provost & Maggie Nielsen
- Published
- Fri 18 Apr 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Ever wondered why student loans feel like a black hole of debt?
In this episode of 'Women and Money - The Shit We Don’t Talk About', we cover the often overwhelming topic of student loans with our guest, Elaine Rubin. Elaine is a bilingual student loan and financial aid expert with more than 15 years of experience in federal and private student aid.
Elaine shares her personal experiences with student loan debt, offering strategies for managing loans effectively. This episode covers the pitfalls of taking out too many loans, the importance of long-term planning and budgeting, and the various repayment options available. She also stresses the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of student loans to avoid long-term financial burdens. Many challenges faced by first-generation college students bring heavy impact on women's financial independence, especially when balancing career and family. The episode expands the need for smarter financial decisions and the importance of seeking expert advice to navigate the intricacies of student loans.
Listen to this episode to learn about effective strategies for loan repayment, the pros and cons of Parent PLUS loans, and practical advice for managing student loans without sacrificing your financial future.
00:00 Intro
05:57 Expert Insights on Student Loans
08:37 Elaine's Personal Journey
13:13 Common Mistakes and Strategies for Managing Student Loans
16:31 The Impact of Student Loans on Families and Future Planning
23:57 Strategizing Loan Repayment
25:04 Simplifying Financial Aid
26:14 Scholarship Strategies
29:06 Advice to My Younger Self
32:16 Understanding Loan Interest Rates
37:24 Balancing Debt and Life
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