What's with the names of Sallie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac?

Search: sallie mae

Why: I just saw this headline: "Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac bailouts could hit $363 billion." Boohoo. It just so happens that I was worrying about Sallie Mae ruining my life this very morning.

Answer: I can't believe I didn't know this.

• Sallie Mae - Student Loan Marketing (SLM Corporation)
• Fannie Mae - Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
• Freddie Mac - Federal Loan Home Mortgage Corporation (FLHMC)

Well, that one doesn't really work. But there's also:

• Ginnie Mae - Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
  

Did everyone know this except me? I feel like a buffoon.

Source: Wikipedia

The More You Know: Sallie Mae did not manage to ruin my life, by the way - not anymore than my graduate degree has managed to make my life better - but have you checked your credit score lately? Maybe give it a once-over before you apply for a super awesome apartment.