Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

The gap between perceived and actual student debt is potentially more troubling than the growing student debt load itself. Failing to understand the costs of college and how you’re paying for it sets students up for an unpleasant reality check and regret if they can’t afford the debt they incurred along their chosen career path. read more"

His business, at one point, was handling about half the bail bonds in Stanislaus County, worth an estimated $50 million in financial guarantees that clients would show up to court when ordered, according to Pontillo's attorney. The defendant said Wednesday the business no longer exists as it did because of the financial burden involved in defending himself in court. He said he now works as a secondhand bail bond dealer click here

Frank Carson, Pontillo's defense attorney, argued his client was acting within the law, offering clients behind on bail bond payments opportunities to pay what they owed and avoid returning to jail. He told the jury that the trial was the result of a vindictive prosecution by local law enforcement executives intent on ruining Pontillo. click here

Ideally, you’re well prepared to handle your student loans when you enter repayment, but if you think your loan payments will be unaffordable, you have a few options. If you have federal student loans, you may qualify for a variety of student loan repayment and forgiveness options. If you have private loans, you may be able to refinance. At the very least, you should reach out to your student loan servicer to see if there’s any way to avoid defaulting on your education debt. read more"