Alternative Student Loans

Wonga slammed over student loans

Wonga, the short-term money lender, has come under fire for suggesting that its high-interest loans to students are a viable alternative to official Government-backed student loans.

'Loan shark' firm targets students: 4,000% interest offered as alternative to student loans

Wonga.com is marketing its exorbitant scheme as an alternative to Government-backed student loans – which attract interest rates of just 1.5 per cent.

Pressure mounts on government to introduce 'student loans' for entrepreneurs

Sir Richard Branson has stepped up his call for the government to introduce a new funding scheme for young entrepreneurs based on the student loan system.

Will President Obama's Blueprint Cut College Costs?

Mark Kantrowitz, the founder of finaid.org and an expert in college finances, analyzes President Obama's plans to improve financial aid.

The Choice Blog: Will President Obama's Blueprint Cut College Costs?

Mark Kantrowitz, the founder of finaid.org and an expert in college finances, analyzes President Obama's plans to improve financial aid.

A Start-Up Rewards Savers, Not Spenders

SaveUp, a new start-up, joins other Web companies that aim to help people manage and learn about their finances. It takes a different approach, its founders say, by turning saving and paying off debt into a game with prizes-- like a $2 million jackpot. Any time users save $1 or pay off $1 in debt, they earn a credit.

Alternative parties

In late December, Green Party (GP) Media Coordinator Scott McLarty said he hadn't heard from declared candidate Kent Mesplay in several weeks. Two months earlier, the Boston Globe quoted fellow GP candidate Jill Stein saying his campaign was "not particularly active."