Education Loan Consolidation

I am currently with Sallie Mae and my payments are through the roof, any contribution is greatly appreciated.

Do serious research. Student loans are hurt people beyond belief. There are lots of free money, even a few years in the army is a better alternative. Here is an article from CNN / Money magazine:

Student loans - a life sentence
Forget marrying and buying a house. This generation is thinking about the next month payment.
By Christian zap, CNNMoney.com editor
May 1, 2006: 4:25 AM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Mayrose Wegmann, 25, allegedly had to start his dream career as a political consultant now. And the savings into his first house.
Instead, Wegmann, who earned a degree in political science and journalism from the University of Iowa in 2004 and moved to Washington, DC, works at a nonprofit because it pays far more than entry level labor policy. And she does not even consider buying a house for several years.
In fact, it will not count unless well how to satisfy the $ 300 a month she owes on her student loan balance of $ 34,000.
"The student debt makes you decide [about your career] based on the money factor. Not based on what you want to do, "said Wegmann.
The class of 2006 graduated this month, will soon be in the same boat.
About two-thirds of all students use loans to pay for their higher education, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The average debt of $ 15,500 for public schools and $ 24,600 for individuals - many students earn more on their credit cards.
Call it a reverse dowry: college debt diverts careers and delays or impedes graduates' plans to marry, buy a house or even starting a family. The effects can last for years.
A student of 22 years, graduating this year, which consolidates their $ 40,000 loan at 6.125 percent will pay $ 243 per month ... until they are 52. Right now, they paid $ 47,494 in interest alone.
A reverse dot
"My student debt is my biggest source of stress in my life for the moment," said Steve Desroches, a 2002 graduate of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. "I live check to paycheck."
The degree left Desroches, who works for a newspaper in Cape Cod, $ 50,000 of debt without savings. He is unable to buy a car or need to think about entering Massachusetts' out of control "of the property market.
Refunds were so financially restrictive he briefly considered declaring bankruptcy, until he learns he does not affect the student loan because they are federally guaranteed.
"My feelings about my degree now? My academic training has been [invaluable to my] career, but it was not worth $ 50,000, or more exactly, it is not worth the debt. My options are clearly limited. "
Christine Moellenberndt Sacramento, California, has renounced the idea of owning a home, at least anytime in the next 10-15 years. She graduated last June from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a degree in anthropology and has returned to her mother when she realized that not doing so would mean living paycheck to paycheck is not possible repayment of its debts.
"That I could spend $ 675 in rent could also be a good part of a payment by credit card or a payment for my huge student loans. I see this as a bit of a better investment than live on my and even struggling paycheck to paycheck. "
Moellenberndt says at least half of his monthly income working in a regulatory agency of the state will pay her $ 18k in federal student loans. And although the debt is large, its plans to become a call from a community college professor for a graduate degree ... Hiking in the futu debt.