What Sallie Mae Just Told the SEC About a ‘Refinance’ That Is Actually a Default Trap
Sallie Mae told the SEC that some ‘refinance’ pitches are really pushing able-to-pay borrowers into default. Here’s the filing and what to do instead.
Private Student Loans
What SoFi Just Told the SEC About Discharging Private Student Loans
You’ve been told private student loans can’t be discharged in bankruptcy. SoFi’s own SEC filing says some can — here’s how to find out if yours qualifies.
Sweet v. McMahon Borrower Defense: The April 15 Deadline That Could Erase Your Student Loans
Sweet v. McMahon borrower defense deadline is April 15, 2026. Here’s who qualifies for automatic student loan discharge and exactly what to do now.
Navient Will Settle Your Private Student Loan for Less Than You Owe — Here’s How It Works
Navient will settle private student loans for 30–60 cents on the dollar after default and charge-off. Here’s how the process works, who qualifies, and the 2026 tax wrinkle nobody’s talking about.
170,000 Student Loan Borrowers Were Promised Relief. The Government Missed Its Own Deadline.
Quick Answer: Under the Sweet v. McMahon settlement, the Education Department missed its January 28, 2026 deadline to review 170,000+ Borrower Defense applications. These borrowers are now legally entitled to automatic discharge, refunds of prior payments, and credit correction—but the Department is fighting for an 18-month delay.Update (July 2026): This case has moved a long …
Private Student Loan Consolidation: What to Do
Quick Answer: When consolidating private student loans totaling $40,000 with rates from 7.25% to 9.625%, borrowers should focus on securing a fixed interest rate lower than their current weighted average and avoid extending loan terms just to reduce monthly payments. Companies like Navient, Splash Financial, Laurel Road, Citizens, and Earnest offer consolidation, but the actual …
Navient Private Student Loan Forgiveness: Is It Real?
Quick Answer: Yes, Navient private student loan forgiveness is real for eligible borrowers affected by the Navient/Sallie Mae lawsuit settlement. One borrower had their largest loan forgiven from over $200,000 in total debt, with Navient confirming the forgiveness is not taxable income.Question:Dear Steve,I have eight private student loans past the statute of limitations, which fell …
Private Student Loan Statute of Limitations: Am I Safe?
Quick Answer: The statute of limitations on private student loans does not provide safety if payments continue, as it only begins from the last default date. For this 2003 loan that grew from $85,000 to $120,000, ongoing payments reset the timeline, and defaulting strategically requires legal consultation and preparation for collections, credit damage, and potential …
Parent Paid Student Loans: Myth vs Reality
Quick Answer: Co-signers on student loans remain fully responsible for payment even when the primary borrower defaults and fails to notify them. Moving without updating contact information with the lender provides no legal leverage, and collection agencies can pursue wage garnishment regardless of notification issues.Question:Dear Steve,My father took out student loans for me, and I …
Wells Fargo Student Loan Default: What to Do
Quick Answer: To get a Wells Fargo student loan out of default, borrowers must pay the past due amount and resume regular payments, as private lenders typically don’t offer federal-style rehabilitation programs. Unlike federal loans, private student loan defaults require full catch-up payments to restore good standing.Question:Dear Steve,I took out 2 private loans and multiple …
