Paying off a student loan? New federal program may help

People trying to pay off student loans might be able to save a little money, thanks to a new loan consolidation program sponsored by the federal government.

'Pay As You Earn': What students need to know

For families struggling to pay for college, 2012 won't be pretty. This year, interest rates on some federal loans will increase, tuition will go up, and it will become harder to qualify for a full Pell Grant. But there is also some good news.

What the new student loan plans mean for you

Unlike a mortgage, with student loans you don't have a tangible asset that you can sell to pay it off and unlike credit card debt, they're notoriously difficult to get rid of even through bankruptcy. Fortunately, two new programs are starting this year to help people tackle this debt.

How You Pay for College Almost as Important as What School You Choose

While many high school students are focused on getting into college, their decision on how they are going to pay for it can make a difference on how they start their financial life after graduation.

Debt crisis: as it happened, January 25, 2012

The US Federal Reserve has slashed its growth forecast for this year and next and held its key interest rate between 0pc and 0.25pc 'at least' until the end of 2014, as it warns of stubbornly high unemployment....