Lately, I’ve heard from several readers stressed out over phone calls they received about student loan consolidation. The questions are usually the same: Are the calls about consolidation legitimate? Is it a good idea for me to consolidate my loans? How do I know if it is a scam? The …
Help! I Fell for a Student Loan Scam! How Do I Fix Things?
It is a terrible sensation—that sinking feeling in your stomach. I think I just got scammed. You tried to fix your student loan issues, and now you fear you have become one of the many borrowers to fall victim to a scammer. If there is good news in this situation, …
Scam or Legit: Student Loan Forgiveness, Consolidation and Special Programs
Identifying and avoiding student loan scams is challenging. I routinely see advertisements for student loan forgiveness, consolidation, and other special programs. As a lawyer who has advocated for borrowers for nearly a decade, I sometimes struggle to determine what services are legitimate and what is a scam. It is easy …
The Federal Government Extends the Interest Rate Freeze (Updated)
As part of the financial relief during the Coronavirus epidemic, interest rates on most federal student loans have been temporarily lowered to 0%. This interest rate freeze has been extended several times already and is now set to expire on September 30th, 2021. The most recent extension comes via an …
What the Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act Means for Borrowers
The federal government has taken a major step towards protecting borrowers with the Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act. For years, scammers have preyed upon borrowers overwhelmed by student loans. They often use real federal programs like student loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment to deceive. In recent years, the government …
Was Biden’s Decision Not to Forgive Student Loans Good for Borrowers?
I hated hearing Joe Biden say that it was unlikely he would forgive student loans via an executive order. I’m trying to convince myself that this decision was for the best. Staying positive about this decision is a struggle. Biden is Providing Consistent Predictable Leadership While I was disappointed to …
What Democratic Wins in Georgia Senate Mean for Student Loans
With victories in Georgia, Democrats will have the majority in the Senate. What do these wins mean for student loan borrowers? What impact will Democratic control of the House, Senate, and White House have on student debt in the US? Life for student loan borrowers could get a little easier …
Student Loan Sherpa 2020 Accountability Report
When I write about student loans, I prefer to stick to analysis and advice based on the current rules. Occasionally, student loans are a subject of the news, and potential changes get discussed. When this happens, readers want to what is likely to happen and how it will impact them. …
Student Loan Relief Ignored in New Stimulus Bill: Don’t Panic Yet
Today Congress will be passing a new Covid-19 related stimulus bill. Unfortunately, the relief doesn’t include an extension of the 0% interest and payment freeze on federal student loans. Earlier versions of the bi-partisan legislation included an extension on the federal student loan payment and interest suspension currently set to …
Student Loan Forgiveness: Policy Concerns & Unintended Consequences
Student loan forgiveness programs like Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness are very popular with borrowers. These programs provide an excellent lifeline to borrowers in need. However, the unintended consequences of student loan forgiveness present major concerns from a policy standpoint. This article will focus on the concerns of …