It’s that time of the month again: yep, the day when you grit your teeth and check your bank balance. Will there be enough left to make ends meet after you make your student loan payments? 

Whether you’re paying off private or federal loans, there are several options that could improve your financial outlook. In fact, you might be able to pay less on your student loans each month—and end up with more for things like groceries or a vacation. 

Struggling each month to afford a high student loan payment can be pretty demoralizing. Having to put off big financial steps like buying a home or having a child because you can’t find room in your budget ... well, that's even worse.

The halls are decked, the chestnuts are roasted, and the weather outside is frightful—though not quite as frightful as your student loan bill. 

Even if you’ve taken our advice and lowered your student loan payments, you still can’t throw your budget out the window for the month of December. 

You put a lot of energy into getting a solid education. And yes, you racked up significant student loan debt at the same time. Now you’re ready to take some big financial steps, and you’re wondering whether that debt load will be a barrier.

Your student loan debt is part of the total debt picture lenders will look at when they’re determining your creditworthiness—whether you’re applying for a credit card, a car, or a mortgage.

So how can student loans raise or lower your credit score? Let’s take a closer look.

When you’re drowning under the weight of high student loan payments, managing your budget can feel like a tightrope walk.

Consolidating your private student loans may be a smart way to get some relief from burdensome bills, but there are facts to consider before you take the plunge.