The Student Loan Sherpa Guide to Repayment

The Tools to Eliminate Student Debt

There is a long list of resources to knock out federal and private student loans. For many borrowers, the ideal approach will be a combination of some of the programs below.

If you are brand new to student loan repayment, this guide is a helpful starting point.

Student Loan Forgiveness

Not all student loans will qualify for loan forgiveness, but there are many different ways to get student debt forgiven.
The most generous loan forgiveness program is Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Program eligibility is complicated, so qualifying is hard, but not impossible.
Parent PLUS loans are not eligible for forgiveness, but they can be consolidated to gain eligibility.

Repayment Plans

After many years of federal government tweaks, there is now a long list of federal repayment plans.
Borrowers struggling with their federal loans often find relief on an Income-Driven Repayment Plan.
If you are unemployed or struggling to get by, many federal borrowers qualify for monthly payments of $0 per month.

Cosigner Tools

Cosigning for student loans is often a risky decision.
When a borrower doesn't make payments, cosigners have few options.
Lenders don't like to release cosigners from loans, but there are many different ways to remove a cosigner.

Sherpa Tips and Strategy

Each month, I prepare a list of tips for borrowers based upon the latest news and market conditions.
If your lender is unfair or misleads you, filing the right complaint can make a big difference.
If you are confused or can't find the information you are looking for, feel free to send me an email.

Consolidation

Federal student loan consolidation does not lower interest rates. Instead, consolidation, helps borrowers gain eligibility for some repayment plans and forgiveness programs.
The Guide to Federal Consolidation explains how the process works and the risks.
Borrowers looking for lower interest rates need to refinance their loans.

Lower Payments

Getting lower payments is a great way to free up cash to attack high-interest debt.
Many of the options to get lower interest rates also result in lower payments.
Borrowers on income-driven repayment plans can often shelter income to qualify for lower monthly payments.

taking a close look at new lawsuits impact on student loan borrowers

Lawsuit Filed to End SAVE Repayment Plan/One-Time IDR Account Adjustment

A new lawsuit has student loan borrowers nervous. Should there be concern over the future of SAVE and the one-time IDR account adjustment?

student loan borrower selects option for automatic income certification

Automatic Income Certification for IDR Plans Like SAVE

Automated yearly income certification will save IDR borrowers money and prevent mistakes with deadlines and timing issues.

documents moving from one folder to another represent student loans moving from parent to student

How to Transfer Parent PLUS Loans to Your Child

Transferring Parent PLUS debt from a parent to child can be an easy move, but it comes with some big risks for the child.

Some borrowers may need to chart a new path for student loan repayment

Important Student Loan Rule Changes to Understand

Sticking to old assumuptions and strategies could mean that borrowers miss out on new opportunities to save money on federal student debt.

student loan borrower looks at tax rules for IDR forgiveness plans like SAVE

The 2026 Student Loan Tax Bomb: How to Prepare for IDR Forgiveness (2026–2030 and Beyond)

Borrowers with 20–25 year IDR forgiveness timelines could face the 2026 student loan tax bomb. Learn how to plan ahead, estimate potential tax bills, and protect your finances with smart savings and professional guidance.