“For many Grinnellians, managing student loans after graduation can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to get rid of debt as soon as possible, since interest charges add up quickly. At the same time, investing early can set you up for long-term wealth, thanks to compounding returns. While most graduates end up doing a bit of both, the balance between paying loans and investing often comes down to interest rates, risk tolerance and financial goals.”
Enjoy this article by Peyton Williams ’27, published October 6, 2025, in the Grinnell College student newspaper The Scarlet & Black.
Peyton Williams, a junior studying economics and religious studies, writes on financial markets and personal wealth strategies. He holds the SIE and Series 66 licenses through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist professional designation through the College for Financial Planning, a Kaplan-Company.
