Americans are worried about paying back their student loans | FOX Business
In a recent report by MassMutual, it has been revealed that a growing number of Americans are expressing concern about the potential default on their student loan debt. The data, published three months after the federal student loan payment pause ended, indicates that about three in five individuals are worried they may have to file for bankruptcy to eliminate their debt. Additionally, one-third of respondents do not expect to fully pay off their loans before retirement. The average monthly bill for student loans ranges from $200 to $299 per person, with some borrowers facing even higher amounts. As payments resumed, borrowers collectively began repaying about $10 billion a month, according to JPMorgan’s analysis.
The impact of the resumption of payments is significant, with 76% of respondents reporting a negative effect on their day-to-day health. The Department of Justice notes an increase in bankruptcy filings related to student loans, signaling a concerning trend. This uptick follows a policy shift introduced by the Biden administration, making it easier for borrowers to discharge federal student loan debt in bankruptcy.
The government’s new guidelines require borrowers to prove three criteria for loan discharge: lack of the ability to repay the loan currently, inability to repay the loan in the future, and having made a good-faith effort to repay the loan. The Department of Justice claims that the data suggests the rule change has made it more accessible for eligible borrowers to achieve a bankruptcy discharge of their federal student loan debts. This policy shift is part of President Biden’s broader efforts to address the challenges associated with student loan debt in the country………[read more]
Rising Dough
Given the challenges many individuals face in repaying student loans and the recent policy changes, what proactive steps can students and young professionals take to manage their student debt effectively, ensuring financial stability and avoiding the potential need for bankruptcy in the future?
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