Topic: SLM Corporation

401(k): Are you saving enough? Run the numbers.

401(k) math is easy with a retirement calculator. Question on 401(k) is No. 7 in the reader mailbag.

Financial aid: One of six tools to graduate debt-free

Financial aid dwindling. Rising tuition. College debt over $20,000. Financing a college education can be as hard as paying off a McMansion on an adjustable-rate mortgage. Here are six ways you can trim or eliminate college debt.

College financial aid: More grant money available – and easier to find

College financial aid is easier to find through the government this year. Grants and loans are consolidated in one place, streamlining families' search for college financial aid.

Student loans offer a rare break this fall: lower interest rates

Student loans: Critics warned a government 'takeover' this spring would snarl up the federal student loan program. Instead, student loans are streamlined and interest rates have dropped.

The federal debt enabler

Nine percent of consumer credit has been brought about by Washington.

US grads' job expectations on hold

The class of 2009 makes adjustments in the face of a dearth of jobs and increasing interest rates on student loans and credit cards.

Credit-card bill could hit students hardest

Young consumers are easy prey for predatory credit-card issuers. They are relying on their plastic more than ever.

Steps to get your first credit card

Personal finance Q&A with Steve Dinnen

Student debt and defaults surge

Federal student debt now tops $500 billion, leading some students to ask for debt forgiveness as a form of stimulus. Washington is wary.

Need a college loan? Ask your friends online.

Websites are cropping up for peer lending, and at other sites, students can raise donations for college.

McCain appears on Letterman show (for real)

College students: Don't limit dreams with debt

Huge school loans can hinder future growth. Think about potential income before signing the dotted line.

In college trophy hunt, weigh the costs first

Seven steps to help you win the college finance game.