the alley Newspaper | News & Views of Phillips Since 1976

Should You Make Student Loan Payments During Forbearance?

Written by editor on 26 February 2021

By NADINE GALL
Lutheran Social Service MN

Great news for folks with federal student loans! The relief from loan payments due to the pandemic ”” also known as a forbearance ”” has been extended through September 30, 2021. This means that no payments will be due and no interest will accrue for federal loans during this time. For those who are unable to afford their payments, this is wonderful news. It”™s also great news for anyone still able to make student loan payments.

Why Make Student Loan Payments if No Payments Are Due?

To pay it off faster. Without interest accruing, 100% of your payment goes toward the principal loan balance, instead of part of it going toward interest. If you want to pay down your loan even faster, consider making slightly higher payments right now.

To bring your loans current. If your loans were past due before the forbearance period, they”™re still reporting past due. Bringing your loans current will help you improve your credit score. If you”™re unable to make ongoing payments, just paying the past due amount will help.

To rehabilitate defaulted loans. If you”™re in default, now is the perfect time to rehabilitate your loans. The payment and interest relief includes defaulted loans.… Read the rest “Should You Make Student Loan Payments During Forbearance?”

Let’s Get This Garden Started!

Written by editor on 26 February 2021

By MARY ELLEN KALUZA

March in Minnesota. The days are noticeably longer. We are longing to have dirt under our nails. But isn’t it too early? There’s still snow on the ground. It’s the perfect time to get the garden started.

First: Plan your garden

Know your space””how much sun do you get in the different areas? Put your parka on and go outside. Imagine the trees are fully leafed-out and the sun moving high across the sky. Most vegetables need a lot of sun. Leafy greens can do well in more shaded areas and may actually produce larger leaves valiantly trying to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Save the sunniest areas for tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting plants. Carrots and other root vegetables will tolerate some shade.

Make your wish list, then pare it down to fit your space. Map out your garden with sun and plant size in mind. Buy your seeds!