##  [# Swedroe: How To Manage Student Debt 101](/sections/index-investor-corner/swedroe-how-manage-student-debt-101) 

 

# Swedroe: How To Manage Student Debt 101

 

 

Here’s a book to help parents and students navigate college financing.



 

 

 

 

 [![LarrySwedroe_200x200.png](/sites/default/files/styles/author_image_icon/public/2023-02/LarrySwedroe_200x200.png?itok=Jefy3U_I "LarrySwedroe_200x200.png")](/contributors/larry-swedroe) 

[By Larry Swedroe](/contributors/larry-swedroe)

 Oct 27, 2017

 Edited by: Larry Swedroe

 

 

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While I consider many financial reporters investment pornographers, John Wasik is one of the good guys. In addition to his columns, Wasik has written 17 books.

His recent e-book, “[The Debt-Free Degree: How to Eliminate College Debt at Every Step](https://www.amazon.com/Debt-Free-Degree-Eliminate-College-Every-ebook/dp/B015NLA8BQ),” is a must-read if you have kids who will attend college (they may even be filling out applications now), have kids in college or have student debt.

Wasik’s book can serve as a great introduction in that it covers a lot of bases for borrowers who aren’t familiar with their student loan options, as well as all the financial issues related to choosing a college.

It tells readers how to best manage student loans, as well as what pitfalls to avoid. It’s a handy, easy-to-understand and comprehensive resource.

This would make a great book for parents to share with their high school and college-age children so that they have the necessary information to make smart financial decisions regarding higher education.

**Laundry List Of Advice**

- The book offers advice regarding, and covers in detail, such topics as:
- Best savings vehicles to use
- Picking the right college to avoid debt
- Getting the best return on your college “investment”
- How to avoid problems with for-profit colleges
- Filling out the FAFSA form
- Getting the best deal from public and private colleges
- In-state versus out-of-state school
- Planning for aid and the questions to ask
- Choosing the best loan programs
- The dos and don’ts of managing loans
- How to deal with loan servicers
- Qualifying for forgiveness
- Available tax breaks
- Private loans
- Bankruptcy option
- Avoiding debt-relief swindles

In addition, Wasik provides some helpful case studies based on his own personal experiences. Finally, he compiles a list of other resources—books and websites—that can also be beneficial. It’s hard to imagine a better investment than the less than $4 you would spend for this e-book.

*Larry Swedroe is the director of research for* [*The BAM Alliance*](https://thebamalliance.com/)*, a community of more than 140 independent registered investment advisors throughout the country.*



 

 

 [ Larry Swedroe ](/contributors/larry-swedroe) 

 

 

  Larry Swedroe is a principal and the director of research for Buckingham Strategic Wealth, an independent member of the BAM Alliance. Previously, he…   [View Bio](/contributors/larry-swedroe)

 



 

 


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