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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Ocon on May 03, 2018, 10:23:34 AM

Title: SOFI Refinance
Post by: Ocon on May 03, 2018, 10:23:34 AM
Hi Guys,

I have two student loans right now that I'm debating refinancing but I really know nothing about this.

As it stands I have:
$6474.56 at 6.55%

$19673.88 at 5.96%

I was looking into SOFI but the interest rates there seem to be the same exact as these. Let me know what you guys think.

Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: therethere on May 03, 2018, 10:32:59 AM
From my experience, SOFI gives better rates for higher salaries and Earnest gives better rates for higher net worth/savings/retirement accounts. Get rates from both first. Also, check Credible.com to do rate checks on other vendors. Keep in mind you can continue to refinance again and again as your salary and savings increase (netting you better rates). It's not a one and done. I recently refinanced my Earnest loan with Earnest a year later to lock in a lower rate.
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: NoStacheOhio on May 03, 2018, 10:35:10 AM
Are your current rates fixed or variable?
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: Ocon on May 03, 2018, 10:45:55 AM
I have no idea if they are fixed or variable but I’m willing to bet fixed. Nelnet doesn’t make it obvious.
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: NoStacheOhio on May 03, 2018, 10:47:53 AM
I have no idea if they are fixed or variable but I’m willing to bet fixed. Nelnet doesn’t make it obvious.

You need to find out before you do anything. The loan servicer has to make that info available, legally. It's usually under something like "more info" or "loan details."
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: Ocon on May 03, 2018, 10:55:05 AM
I really don't think it says it, I'm looking everywhere. These were the same rates last August, however.

Direct loans..
Unsubsidized..
Direct UNSUB
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: Ocon on May 03, 2018, 11:05:56 AM
According to google they are fixed.
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: NoStacheOhio on May 03, 2018, 11:22:43 AM
I really don't think it says it, I'm looking everywhere. These were the same rates last August, however.

Direct loans..
Unsubsidized..
Direct UNSUB

Be careful refinancing federal loans to private. Read all the terms on the new loan, and explore all of your options for repayment or forgiveness on the existing loan before you commit to anything.
Title: Re: SOFI Refinance
Post by: Lady SA on May 03, 2018, 11:28:03 AM
Check a few places in addition to Sofi. Earnest (already mentioned) is one, my DH and I refinanced with them and are really happy with them. However, one downside is they recently did some security changes and no longer sync with Mint, if you use that... so its like they block Mint and they have no plans to change that. So keep that in mind, because the loan will not update in mint as you pay it down. But if they end up giving you the best rate, you should take it, because that is optimal. I also have a referral if you are interested.

Also, if you anticipate needing or using the perks that go along with federal loans (income based repayment, deferment, etc), I would hesitate to refinance at all. DH and I refinanced $150k in loans, but that was because we have stable, high paying jobs and didn't need to defer or use IBR. Losing those perks when you need them can very quickly overwhelm you financially.

I've also heard good things about Lendkey and Credible. Aim to check out 3-4 refinance places and then pick the one with the best rate/terms. Shop around. Some will offer lower rates for higher monthly payments. Up to you if you want/can swing higher payments. Also, you don't have to consolidate both, you can refinance only one of your loans if you want. One way may yield better results (ie just refinancing the lower amount loan may offer better rates than asking for both combined).

What is your payoff timeline on these? Refinancing may only save you a month or so of payments if its a short timeline (under 2-3 years, give or take?) Especially on that $6k loan, that is relatively small plus your highest interest. I'd throw as much extra at that loan as possible and just pay it off... saving 1% on it may save you $100 or something total. I'm totally spitballing here, but you should carefully measure how much interest you currently pay and how much you would pay if you refinanced.