Pros and cons of private student loans: 5 factors to consider
Federal student loans are usually best, but you may still need private loans.
4 min read
Jun 17, 2021
Ben Luthi is a freelance writer who specializes in all things personal finance and travel. Ben enjoys helping people learn about important and complex topics, so they can personalize them and might the right decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
In addition to writing for Bankrate, Ben's work is also featured in U.S. News & World Report, the New York Times, Marketwatch, Today and others. He has a business management degree with an emphasis in finance from Brigham Young University and has worked in various aspects of financial services, including financial planning, life insurance, banking and auto finance.
Ben worked as a staff writer for NerdWallet and Student Loan Hero before becoming a full-time freelancer. He loves researching and taking trips around the globe, hiking and discovering new restaurants in his hometown Salt Lake City.
Ben's Latest Articles
-
-
Can I avoid the 529 plan withdrawal penalty?
Be careful how you use your 529 plan if you want to avoid paying.
3 min read Jun 10, 2021
-
Upgrade Personal Loans: 2021 Review
Upgrade offers fixed-rate personal loans of up to $50,000 to borrowers with fair credit or better.
3 min read Jan 22, 2020
-
Is law school worth it?
With no job guarantees and staggering debt, prospective attorneys are taking a risk.
6 min read Jun 09, 2021
-
Income-driven repayment: Is it worth it?
Income-driven repayment is best for low-income borrowers who are early in repayment.
4 min read Jun 04, 2021
-
Do student loans affect your credit score?
As with other debts, student loans can have both good and bad credit impacts.
4 min read May 25, 2021
-
Right of rescission: Canceling a HELOC, home equity loan or refinance
If you’re second-guessing your refi or home equity loan, you could have a way out.
2 min read May 25, 2021
-
How to get in-state college tuition
You could see major savings if you’re planning on moving away for college.
4 min read May 20, 2021
-
Lower: 2021 Home Equity Review
Lower offers home equity loans and HELOCs with competitive APRs.
4 min read May 17, 2021
-
Fourth stimulus check update: Latest White House comments, California governor’s proposal
Millions of Americans support another round of relief payments.
4 min read May 16, 2021