Read the Fine Print

Just as it's wise to read prospectuses before investing, be sure to read loan contracts in detail before you transfer, because some firms structure transition loan contracts so that instead of being paid off incrementally, the amount owed is stacked at the end of the contract period. As a result, instead of the loan being forgiven at a rate of 1/5 per year for five years, you can end up leaving the firm during the fourth year still owing 80% of the original loan amount. Yes, those loan contracts can be fascinating reading!