Getting into college and becoming independent is all so very exciting! However, many students tend to overlook the financial implications of student loans, at least for the time being. Defaulted student loans are a major financial issue in adulthood that can have an impact on credit scores. Therefore, it is important to understand how paying off student loans affects credit scores.
ACCC can help you create a strategy for student debt.
How Paying Off Student Loans Affects Credit Scores
Student loans start to impact your credit scores from the very moment you take them out. Let’s look at how paying off student loans and credit scores are connected.
The Beginning of Your Credit Journey
The minute you acquire a student loan, you will have a credit file open in your name. Therefore, you have to be cautious about managing debt and the impact it will have on your credit. Balancing debt and income, paying on-time and making regular payments will all be tracked on your credit report.
A Tool to Build Your Credit
Now that you have debt in your name, money management becomes really important. If you are responsibly managing your credit, student loans are actually a great tool to build your credit score. Paying off student loans and credit scores are a great relationship to build on your long-term financial strength. Make sure to have a repayment plan to avoid missing payments.
The Flip Side
As much as a loan can help you build your credit, missing payments can tank it! It is largely associated with your ability to pay off consumer debt on time and in full. Although there are grace periods when it comes to student loan debt, you should never take it for granted. Don’t hesitate to start repayment if you have the means. And, if you’re struggling to make student loan payments, contact your lenders to come up with a solution rather than avoiding the problem. Avoidance only makes the problem worse!
Understanding all aspects of student loans and its relationship to credit history is crucial when it comes to responsible financial management practices.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
