The Looming Financial Pressure of Restarting Student Loan Payments and How to Navigate It

Student Loan Payments – The Impending Storm

The pause on federal student loan payments, a lifeline enacted through the CARES Act in March 2020, is coming to an end. After multiple extensions, the final curtain drops on August 29, 2023. Interest on these loans will begin to accrue again on September 1, 2023, and payments are set to resume in October 2023. This may place unexpected pressure on many households as they are faced with the daunting task of juggling increased monthly expenses.

The Implication for Homeowners

As a homeowner, this change may squeeze your budget. Mortgage payments, upkeep costs, and other obligations can quickly pile up. If you’re in default on your student loans, you could face wage garnishment and tax refund offsets. Sounds stressful, right? But hold on, there’s a silver lining.

The SAVE Plan – Income Based Payments

Despite the impending storm, there’s hope on the horizon. We can help you significantly reduce your student loan payments. How? By adjusting your monthly payment to fit your current financial situation better. This is achieved through income-driven repayment plans, particularly the new SAVE Plan, introduced to help more borrowers.

Benefits of the SAVE Plan include:

• Decreased payment required on income-driven payment plans.
• Increased income cap, allowing more borrowers to qualify.
• A “grace period” to prevent the reporting of delinquencies to credit bureaus.

And there’s more good news! You may be eligible for a student loan forgiveness program you weren’t even aware of.

Private Student Loan Consolidation Warning

Beware, though, not everyone out there has your best interest at heart. Some companies will try to push you into consolidating your federal student loan debt into a private loan. But beware! This could rob you of the protections and benefits of federal programs designed to help reduce or even forgive your loan payments.

When you consolidate into a private student loan, you are no longer eligible for income-based payments or Federal forgiveness programs.  These private student loan companies are benefiting from the loan and have no interest in your financial well-being.

Your Financial Health and Well-being

This financial change can feel overwhelming for homeowners already juggling credit card debt, adjustable-rate lines of credit, and low mortgage rates. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why it’s crucial to reach out and have a conversation about your unique circumstances. Together, we can review the numbers, do the math, and outline all the options available to you.

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Our goal is to empower you to:

• Understand your financial situation better.
• Learn about the various options available to you.
• Make informed decisions about your family’s financial health and well-being.

Remember, you might not be able to control the sudden increase in monthly expenses, but we can offer peace of mind. By knowing all your options and planning ahead, you can avoid financial surprises in the future.

Income-Based Payment – Take the First Step

The reality may seem concerning, but the future is full of hope. We can avoid a financial emergency together by taking the right steps now. Reach out to us today, and let’s navigate this financial journey together.

You’re not alone – let’s find your path through this storm.