Millions of Americans face tougher times managing their bills as inflation bites. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 40% of consumers say it’s getting “somewhat” to “very difficult” to cover their monthly expenses.
This struggle is set to deepen with the return of student loan payments, which paused for years during the pandemic. Add to that the cost of summer child care and vacations and it's no wonder many are feeling the heat. But there's one payment you can't afford to put on the back burner: your student loans.
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Financial expert Suze Orman, host of the popular “Women & Money” podcast, warns that skipping student loan payments is not an option. "It should be a priority," she said.
Pushing student loans aside with everything else on your plate might be tempting, but ignoring them could land you in hot water. The restart of these payments in fall 2023 has forced many people to figure out how to squeeze them back into already-tight budgets. However, Orman stresses that this is one bill you can't sweep under the rug.
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Orman offers practical advice for those overwhelmed: “Make a plan or a budget that works so you can pay [your student loans] each month.” Her suggestion? Start by trimming the fat from your spending.
“Give up eating out or other unnecessary expenses so you can start making your payments,” she advises. Cutting back on indulgences can free up the cash needed to keep up with loan payments and it's a simple step toward regaining control over your finances.
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The silver lining is that the Biden administration has rolled out a new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan called the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This plan could offer significant relief to borrowers, especially those on the lower end of the income scale.
According to the Department of Education, single borrowers earning $32,800 or less and families of four earning $67,500 or less won't need to make any payments at all. Even those earning more will see some savings – at least $1,000 annually compared to older IDR plans.
"With the new guidelines, many people's payments will be cut in half," Orman explained. This makes it much more manageable to stay on top of those monthly payments, reducing the risk of falling behind. For borrowers feeling stretched thin, this adjustment might just be their lifeline.
There's no sugarcoating it – budgeting for loan payments can feel like a juggling act. But as Orman points out, it's a necessity. “People need to remember not to put off paying your student loans. It's not going away; it should be the first monthly bill you pay. You can't bankrupt your student loan.”
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