The Omaha World-Herald

LINCOLN — The offers clogged Keith Hester's mailbox, promises of the cheapest way to consolidate his student loans mixed in with the usual magazine subscriptions and electric bills.Hester looked at many of them, searching for the best company with which to pay off the $42,000 he borrowed before graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006.He came to an unexpected conclusion: It didn't really matter which lender he chose."None really beat the federal government,"… more

The Democratic takeover of Congress could hinder Lincoln student lender Nelnet in its bid to avoid losing more than $1 billion in tax subsidies on federal student loans.

Consider what the incoming chairman of the House committee with oversight of student loans had to say about a recent audit alleging that Nelnet was billing federal taxpayers for $1.2 billion in excessive subsidies.

"The depth and breadth of Nelnet's failure to comply with the law is breathtaking," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif...

The new… more

Nov. 28--Information abounds on how best to spend and save money, helping people pay for college, plan for their retirement and live without mounting credit-card bills...

Yet people in the United States have been spending more money than they earn. The personal saving rate last year in the United States sank to less than zero, down from an average saving rate of 9 percent in the 1980s, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

Personal bankruptcy rates have risen… more

Lincoln-based student loan provider Nelnet Inc. has emerged as a major financial player as Republicans battle to keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Nelnet's political action committee, company officers and employees have contributed at least $153,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee, the political arm of the House GOP leadership that is working to keep the party in the majority.

No company has given more to the GOP committee during this election cycle, according to the figures, which were compiled… more