Saving with 6abc: Tackling student loan debt

Americans owe more than one trillion dollars to their educational institutions.

That's why Alexa von Tobel, the author of "Financially Fearless," offered these tips to beat down your debt.

First, borrow as much as you can from Uncle Sam because federal loans tend to have the lowest interest rates, and those rates are fixed.

Second, if you can, pay more. The more you pay, the shorter the length of the loan, and the less it will cost you to borrow in the long run

Third, see if your employer can help. If you have worked at a government agency or a nonprofit for 10 years, they may be able to erase some or all of your federal loans.

Fourth, make sure you deduct your student loan interest when you file your taxes. This move could save you thousands of dollars.

Finally, shop down your debt! Sign up for Sallie Mae's SmarterBucks program. It syncs your loans to your credit cards so that you can earn cash rewards that you can apply to your student loan.

Stores on board include Target, J.Crew and iTunes.