CESI Seeks to Help with Student Debt Crisis
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) April 24, 2014 -- As the price of obtaining a college degree increases, so does the number of students going into debt to get an education. More than 37 million people currently have outstanding student loan balances, with the average borrower owing more than $24,000. And more and more of these borrowers are struggling to repay their loans; in fact, two out of five borrowers will become delinquent at some point within the first five years after entering repayment. Most borrowers know that there are many different repayment options available to them but don’t know where to start navigating their options.
To combat this mounting student loan crisis, Consumer Education Services, Inc. has launched CESI Student Loan Solutions, a nonprofit counseling program aimed at helping borrowers tackle their Federal and Private Student Loan debt. Unlike many for-profit organizations, CESI does much more than just fill out the forms for borrowers; Student Loan Solutions provides borrowers with the knowledge and tools they need to be able to pay off their student loans faster and work toward a brighter financial future.
“As a nonprofit organization, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the client’s situation to determine the best solution specific to their financial needs,” said Amanda Smith, Student Loan Manager at CESI. “We explore all available repayment options and let clients know about other special programs the Department of Education offers, putting the client into a better financial position.”
When borrowers call for a no-obligation consultation, a CESI financial counselor will analyze the borrower’s entire financial situation and create a customized action plan specifically for him or her. When appropriate, counselors will teach borrowers the skills needed to negotiate with lenders for reduced payments, lower interest rates, and better repayment terms. The counselor will present to the borrower several possible repayment options as well as the pros and cons of each option. Potential benefits to borrowers participating in the Student Loan Solutions program include lower monthly payments, deferment programs, loan forgiveness programs, income based repayment plans, and reduced interest rates.
“I was very pleased with the assistance I received in regards to my student loan,” said Maria M., a CESI Student Loan Solutions client. “My counselor provided me with excellent feedback and was able to show me information I was not familiar with on my student loan account. She also reminded me to claim my student loan interest paid, which I had forgotten about. She provided excellent service and I felt comfortable knowing my information was confidential.”
Since its inception in 1998, CESI has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide improve their money management skills and experience debt-free living. In addition to nonprofit student loan counseling, CESI offers nonprofit credit counseling, debt management, and programs that provide money management tools and financial education services to older adults, caregivers, persons with disabilities, employers and employees, families, and others looking to improve their financial situation.
Tracy East, Consumer Education Services, http://cesisolutions.org, +1 919-861-5327, [email protected]
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