Perspectives

Just because there are trained professionals dealing with the infrastructure, logistics and marketing of the Summer Olympics, it doesn’t let the rest of us off the hook.

Every day, every hour…those annoying bells. Bells ruled my life at home and in school.

Dear Heloise: In order to attend college, I had to take out loans. I graduated this year, and I’m currently about to start my master’s program. In my chosen field of work, my career will be very interesting and exciting, but it won’t make me rich. Since I have to repay my loans, I’m worried that I won’t ever get ahead in life while I’m strapped to a huge debt. Is there any kind of relief for student loan debt? Chad R., Berkley, California Chad, I recommend you go to StudentAid.gov and and see what can be done. You might be eligible for an income-driven repayment (IDR) loan, but check there first. Your monthly repayment might depend on your discretionary income. Not all loans can be switched to an IDR loan, but you won’t know until you investigate all the possibilities of debt assistance. -- Heloise