Loans
7 Nonprofit Student Loan Counseling Options for Managing Debt
At Student Loan Planner, we’re committed to helping student loan borrowers find the right path toward repayment. We know that each borrower has a unique situation and we need to look…
Loans
How to Apply for RAP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lender and Bonus disclosure SoFi®: Fixed rates range from 3.99% APR to 10.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount and 0.125% SoFi Plus discount. Variable rates range from 5.74% APR…
Loans
Bill Would Block Social Security Garnishment for Student Loan Borrowers
A new bill spearheaded by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) would permanently stop the federal government from garnishing borrowers’ Social Security checks to satisfy defaulted student loans. “As a result of…
Loans
Going Back to School After July 1, 2026? One New Loan Could Move All Your Debt to RAP
Taking out a new loan after July 2026 is now quite dangerous if you have loans from before July 2026. Why? If you take out a new student loan after…
Loans
Student Loan Defaults Surge – What Borrowers Should Know
Federal student loan default rates are skyrocketing, according to recent reports. And the consequences could be dire for borrowers. Approximately 9.5 million Americans (the equivalent of 1 in every 5…
Loans
Historic $23 Billion Student Loan Settlement Upheld After Court Challenge
Student loan borrowers celebrated a historic milestone in July 2026 after a federal appeals court rejected the Education Department’s latest efforts to delay settlement relief under the Sweet v. McMahon…
Aug 7, 2026
Are 20-Year Student Loans Forgiven?
Federal student loan borrowers have a silver lining amidst the burden of their debt: student loan forgiveness. You might wonder, “Are student loans forgiven after 20 years?” The answer? It…
Parent PLUS Loan Deferment: What It Is and How to Pause Payments
Parent PLUS Loans are education loans that help you pay for your child’s school costs. When you get a Parent PLUS Loan, you’re assigned a loan servicer and must start…
Aug 6, 2026
Aug 5, 2026
Guide to Parent PLUS Loan Consolidation
You helped your child pay for their college education by taking out Parent PLUS Loans with the U.S. Department of Education. As a Parent PLUS borrower, these student loans are…
Dos and Don’ts of Using Alternative Documentation for IDR Recertification
If you're on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan for your student loans, you might benefit from using alternative documentation of your income when it’s time to recertify. IDR plans require…
Aug 4, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
Which Is Better for Six-Figure Student Debt?
Lender and Bonus disclosure SoFi®: Fixed rates range from 3.99% APR to 9.99% APR with 0.25% autopay discount and 0.125% SoFi Plus discount. Variable rates range from 5.74% APR…
What’s Going on with Your Student Loan Repayment?
Federal student loan servicers sometimes place borrowers into administrative forbearance when they need additional time to process paperwork, correct account errors or implement changes to repayment plans. For example, during…
Aug 2, 2026
