Posted by Andrea Heilbronner on Wed, Jul 01, 2009
I was happy to come across an article in the New York Times yesterday about new loan programs pushed through by the Obama administration. (read the NYT article here)
Starting today, the federal government begins offering a loan repayment plan that lets graduates reduce their loan payments based on their income.
Additionally, the interest rate on new Stafford Loans will drop from 6% to 5.6% and will continue to fall to 3.4% in 2012 based on a schedule created by Congress.
While the interest rate cuts only apply to those taking out new loans, the repayment plan might apply to anyone with Federal higher-education loans.
Those whose income is low enough will have the balance of their loans forgiven after 25 years. Anyone who works in public service (and the definition of public service is broad and includes the government, nonprofits, education, public health, etc) can have their loans forgiven after 10 years.
As someone contemplating more school (graduate degree? MBA? a certificate program?) and working at a non-profit, I'm thrilled at the prospect of cheaper loans. Hopefully this will help some of the FWL women out there who are joining our MBA mentorship program or are paying off college loans.
For more information on the new income-based repayment, check out the Dept of Educations new website here.
Posted by Megan Bergtholdt on Tue, Jan 06, 2009
1/14 - Finance Bootcamp 2009: Taking Control of Your 
Finances
Do you need to start off the new year with a Finance Bootcamp? A smart financial plan is your road map to preparing for life's most important events. Whether you are starting to assemble an investment portfolio, looking to purchase a new home, or saving for retirement, you may need more information to help you develop a personal financial plan.
The workshop will focus on:
• The key components of a financial plan
• Creating an action plan for developing your financial plan
• The importance of starting early for financial planning
• Overview of Women & Co. Division
• Understanding the role of a financial advisor as a partner
Speaker: Kelly Gushue, Financial Advisor
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Place: Citigroup Center, 28th Floor, 1 Sansome Street
1/20 - Finance Bootcamp for Couples
As women's financial success continues to grow, so do their financial responsibilities, including educating their children, building wealth for retirement and managing investment portfolios. That's why we have assembled a workshop to address these financial needs for women and their spouses. Spouses are welcome!
The workshop will focus on:
• How to merge your assets
• What qualifies as yours and his
• Joint accounts vs. independent accounts
• Insurance Basics
• 529 Plans for education planning
Speaker: Kelly Gushue, Financial Advisor
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Place: Citigroup Center, 28th Floor, 1 Sansome Street
Note: These seminars are free, but seating is limited. To reserve your place, call Kelly Gushue at 415-984-6746 or e-mail kelly.gushue@smithbarney.com. Colleagues and friends are welcome as well.