Elyssa Kirkham

Elyssa Kirkham is a personal finance writer who specializes in using data journalism to provide unique insights into the world of money. Her work has been featured in TIME, CBS News, MSN Money, Business Insider, Daily Finance and more.

Articles by Elyssa Kirkham

10 Key Questions to Ask Before Refinancing Your Student Loans

Refinancing your student loans can be a smart strategy. You may be able to secure a lower student loan rate, reduce your monthly payments or... read more

Beware Interest Costs When You’re on an Income-Driven Repayment Plan

Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans cap your monthly loan payments at a small percentage of your income, but they also can increase the total amount of... read more

Parent PLUS Loan vs. Private Loans: Which Option Offers Better Rates?

If you’re helping your child pay for college, you have two main options for loans: Parent PLUS loans and private student loans. Parent PLUS loans... read more

Your Guide to Federal Financial Aid, the FAFSA and More

For many students, federal financial aid is the lifeline that funds their college degree. In fiscal year 2018, about 12.7 million students received federal student... read more

How Are My Student Loan Interest Rates Determined?

Anyone who borrows money to pay for college will have to pay interest on their debt. For recent graduates breaking into the job market, these... read more

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