Quick Answer: Student loan settlement depends on loan type – federal loans rarely offer reductions, but private student loans can potentially settle for around 40% of the balance ($36,000 on remaining $87,000). Professional guidance is recommended since settlement requires specific timing and negotiation expertise.
Question:
Dear Steve,
I took out a loan for college for $110,000 between 2006 and 2010. I have paid 30,000 to the principal and 40,000 to interest so far, which is sickening. My husband is in a situation where he can pay the remaining 87,000. I have never missed a payment. We tried to request a payoff settlement, but they said they don’t offer that.
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Is there anything else we can do to get the payoff amount lower if we pay in full?
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Tracy
Answer:
Dear Tracy,
The answer depends on what type of student loan you have.
If this is a federal student loan then you should read this. Technically a minimal reduction in federal student loan debt might be possible, but practically, don’t count on it.
If this is private student loan debt, then currently, you should be able to settle the remaining balance for around $36,000 with payments over a few years. A lump-sum payment is best. However, you will need to get the account in the right department and seasoned for settlement or the answer might be it’s not possible.
But before you do that, I would strongly suggest you get some specific advice about the private student loan debt you have from my friend Damon Day. A call with Damon will go a very long way to avoid making mistakes and get you in a good position to go for a great settlement offer. He knows which hammer to use and where to hit to help people get exceptional settlement offers. It’s more of an art than a science.
I completely understand the irritation with the amount of interest you’ve paid, but this is all just math. Because the minimum payment is set just high enough to cover the interest plus a little each month, you wind up paying mostly interest and less towards the balance.
Trying to get people to double their student loan payments to avoid the massive interest is a strategy most can’t do. For example, with federal student loans, people pay the least amount of interest by repaying using the ten-year standard plan. Opting for a lower payment plan is not always the best way to avoid interest and pay it off. That is a lesson learned too late.
Again, if this is a private student loan debt, another reason to consider settling the debt would be to preserve as much of the money you have available to instead direct towards retirement savings. People have a terrible deficit of retirement savings, and it will be a crisis when you can least afford it.
I absolutely think you should make the settlement decision based on math, your situation, future retirement goals, and the facts. Damon can help with all of that. Only then can you make a smart and informed decision.
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Asked question on settling student loan debt.
Tracy, If you have an update or more information to share, post it here in the comments.