Congratulations, you have graduated! Now it is time to get off on the right financial foot. After your Federal Stafford loan 6-month grace period has ended, you will need to begin making payments on your student loan(s). Regardless of where you originally got your loan, you may be able to save by consolidating your loans with a fixed-rate Consolidation Loan at DEXSTA Federal Credit Union.

A Consolidation Loan could benefit you in three important ways:

1. Lock into a Fixed Rate - Most student loans have a variable interest rate that changes with the 91 day T-Bill rate every July 1. By consolidating your student loans, you can lock into a low fixed rate for the life of the loan. This means that even when interest rates go up, you pay the same low rate that you lock into today. And if you consolidate your loans while in your grace period, you can save 0.6% in interest.

2. Reduce your Monthly Payments - If you have more than one student loan, you can reduce your monthly payments by consolidating your loans. Use the Federal Loan Consolidation Calculator to estimate your loan payments. To use the calculator you will need to know the amount and interest rate of your current loans. If your loans are with DEXSTA Federal Credit Union, you can find that information at MyGreatLakes.com. If your loans are with another lender, contact them for that information or use LoanLocator.org.

3. Choose from Three Flexible Repayment Plans:

   • Level Payment Plan – This option provides equal monthly payments over the maximum repayment period allowed.

   • Graduated Income Sensitive Payment Plan B – This option allows for interest-only payments for the first one-third of the repayment period. The remaining two-thirds of the repayment period, you pay level monthly payments.

   • Graduated Income Sensitive Payment Plan C – This option allows for interest-only payments for the first quarter of the repayment period. The second quarter, you pay level monthly payments on the balance, which are calculated using the original maximum repayment period allowed. For the last half of the repayment period, you pay level monthly payments, which are recalculated using the remainder of the original maximum repayment period allowed.

Want More Information?
A variety of tools for calculating the cost of your loan and examining the potential benefits of loan consolidation are available on MyGreatLakes.com. It’s your resource to deferment, forbearance, forms, and a glossary of financial aid terms, contact information, and lots of other resources to help you manage your loans. You'll also find help if you ever have trouble making payments - though we hope you'll never need it.

The Frequently Asked Consolidation Questions can also provide more details to help you determine if a Consolidation Loan is right for you. Or call Dee Chimenti, Lending Manager at 302-571-0522.

Apply for a Consolidation Loan Today
Log on to MyGreatLakes.com, go to Borrowers and click “Consolidate My Loans” to access the Consolidation Loan Assistant. The Consolidation Loan Assistant will guide you through the Federal Consolidation Loan Application and Promissory Note and provide you with the opportunity to sign and submit your application electronically.

Or…

Complete and print the Consolidation Loan Application and Promissory Note and Addendum to Consolidation Application. Return the Consolidation Application with your signature to the following address:

Great Lakes Higher Education Loan Services, Inc.
PO Box 8956
Madison, WI 53708-8956

Make Payments Conveniently Online
You can log on to MyGreatLakes.com to view your account information and make payments on demand from your bank account at any time. After you log in, choose My Loans, then Internet Borrower Inquiry Service to get started.

DEXSTA Federal Credit Union and Great Lakes are committed to helping you avoid the consequences of delinquency and default. Check out the regularly updated Personal Financial Management Resources for information on staying in control of your finances.

If you need any assistance in the consolidation process, see a loan officer at DEXSTA.
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