Dee-1 on paying off student loans
We chatted with Dee to find out why he’s so passionate about helping students make smart financial decisions.
Q: Why do you feel so strongly about helping people repay their student loans?
A: I’m a college graduate, and I’ve experienced what it's like to pay back your student loans, so I consider myself an expert on this subject. I want people to know the quickest route and the best practices. I believe that paying off your loans is a lifestyle decision that you make.
Q: How can people overcome any fear they might have?
A: A lot of times you just see this big number, this lump sum that you owe, and you say, ‘How in the world am I going to fit that into my monthly expenses and work that number down to zero?’ Just like with anything in life, if you strategize you can defeat whatever obstacle is in front of you. Paying back your loans isn't something that should intimidate you so much.
Q: How can people find the money to pay off their loans?
A: You may have to alter your lifestyle a bit. That doesn't mean you only get to eat once a day to pay your loans back. But there are definitely things that each of us can do to say, ‘Whoa, I can recalibrate how I spend my money and what I choose to prioritize with my income that can allow me to get out of debt.’
Q: What would you say to people who are in the thick of making their student loan payments?
A: Keep going! The joy that comes from paying off all your student loans—it’s the highest high out there.