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Raise your hand if you have or had student loan debt? 😉 HOLLA. Right here, been there, done that. There were a lot of things I wish I had known about student loans though, that well, I didn’t because young and yeah…young. But now that Marcus is in grad school and we are doing the whole school thing again, it only felt right to discuss this now with College Ave Student Loans. Because you guys, just from this collaboration and talking with them, I’ve learned sooo much and I figured I know there are other people out there with student loans or doing the student loan thing so let’s share what I learned.

First a little on Marcus’ schooling and what he’s doing. He’s currently a little over half way done with a Master’s in School Administration (counting down the days, y’all). He chose this because well, he loves the school setting, but wants to be able to be in more of a leadership role and help even more students than he already gets to as a teacher. When we first decided this was happenin’ and started looking into schools, etc. – first, we wanted to make sure it was doable while working and also an accredited school. So he chose to attend BSU for it and it’s worked out nicely. He’s gone a lot between teaching, coaching and going to school, but it’s gonna’ be worth it, y’all. 😉 MKAY. When he first got accepted and things starting sinking in, we had the dreaded “how we payin’ for this?” conversation. We knew we wanted to do things smarter, which meant if we were going to take out a portion in loans, we were going to be smarter about it, and do more research, but also be smart financially and not take out loans just to take out loans. Instead, we only wanted to take out loans if it was needed.

So anyway, let’s talk College Ave Student Loans now because you guys – SUCH A GOOD SOURCE to have in your back pocket if you’re in school or going back for grad school. They literally take the stress out of the decision making by helping you figure out how to cover the cost of school. Going to graduate school is something that requires a lot of commitment and also requires a big investment from the entire family, but ultimately, for us, was one that would help his career, so it was the smart decision. It means sacrifices, less spending, etc., so that all our costs are covered across the board. Not everyone does, but more than likely you’ll have to borrow a portion of money for grad school (in fact, MBA programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. And, the average medical school degree costs more than $180,000. – crazy right?) Anyway – you may as well do it right, and private graduate student loans are one option to consider. College Ave has great flexible repayment options too. And another great rule of thumb to remember – don’t borrow more than you expect to make in your first year’s salary if possible.

My biggest advice for graduate student loans + school and all of that – is to do your research, make smart, educated decisions for you and your family, and just to be aware. Graduate student loans can be beneficial for your future, you just have to make sure you’re doing things responsibly (read more on College Ave too and research there). Good luck!!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of College Ave Student Loans. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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