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If you haven’t heard from your loan servicer lately, if your balance looks “normal”, if your payments feel manageable, it’s easy to assume your student loans are fine. But after working with thousands of borrowers, we see the same pattern over and over again. Many people who think they’re “in good shape” are actually one step away from missing forgiveness, overpaying, or staying stuck in a temporary solution that quietly creates long-term consequences. Here are 5 red flags we

We know, this is a lot. But this is also one of those “ slow down and read it ” moments. After years of pauses, extensions, and temporary relief, multiple student loan changes are hitting at once. What happens next could directly affect your paycheck, your tax refund, and your repayment strategy in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what matters most and why now is the time to pay attention. Wage Garnishment Is Returning for Borrowers in Default For the first time since before the pande

What’s the fastest way to stop wage garnishment? For federal loans, wage garnishment is tied to default status and can resume as collections restart in 2026. In general, borrowers stop (or avoid) garnishment by getting loans back into good standing. You have the right to appeal based on meeting eligible criteria, correcting the default through a formal path like Rehabilitation, or arranging a payment plan like an income driven plan or reasonable and affordable payments. Can

If you’ve ever tried to make sense of your federal student loans, you already know the hardest part is getting accurate, complete data in one place. That’s exactly what your NSLDS file provides—and why SDS uses it as the foundation for building your repayment and forgiveness options. What Is the NSLDS File? Your NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) file is the official record of: All your federal loans (past and present) Loan types, balances, interest rates. Service prov

In 2025, student loan borrowers faced constant policy changes, legal challenges, and conflicting headlines. While information was everywhere, clarity often wasn’t. As a result, many borrowers made decisions—or delayed them—based on misunderstandings that quietly affected their long-term outcomes. Below are some of the most common misconceptions our experts helped borrowers navigate throughout the year. If My Payment Is Low, I’m on the Right Plan A low monthly payment can feel

A major step toward long-awaited debt relief has arrived for borrowers in long-term income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. A recent agreement in the case of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) v. U.S. Department of Education marks a concrete move toward resuming loan forgiveness for borrowers enrolled in Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), and other qualifying IDR plans. The settlement also includes a key protection: borrowers who qualify for forgivenes

As the holidays approach, many borrowers are feeling the strain of balancing celebration with financial obligation. For millions, student loan payments are part of that burden, whether they’re delinquent, on the SAVE plan, or in default. The key takeaway this season? You’re not alone, and even small, informed steps now can make a big difference before the new year begins. For Borrowers Who Are Delinquent If you’ve missed a few payments and are feeling overwhelmed, the holiday

In today’s student loan landscape, the term “help” is being redefined. Tools that Studentaid.gov allow borrowers to see how Income Driven Repayment can reduce their monthly payments. But as counselors and advisors, we know visibility is not the same as understanding. Managing student loan payments goes beyond finding the lowest payment, it is not the full story, and it is not the full solution. At Student Debt Solutions (SDS), we go beyond “good enough.” Our platform was bu

When you hear the word forgiveness, it can sound like a magic button that wipes away your loans. Unfortunately, some companies prey on...

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is a comprehensive database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education containing...

As we hit the midpoint of 2025, several important developments are shaping the student loan landscape—and borrowers need to stay alert....

As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and take stock of where you stand in your student...

At SDS, we regularly analyze user data to improve our tools, better understand borrower needs, and help future users know what to expect....

This month’s question is one we hear all the time —and for good reason: What makes a borrower eligible for forgiveness? Do I qualify? The...

Graduation means more than just tossing a cap in the air—it’s the beginning of your repayment journey. And the key to navigating that...

As student loan borrowers continue navigating the complexities of repayment, we know the uncertainty surrounding Income-Driven Repayment...

As tax season approaches, many student loan borrowers may not realize how their tax filing choices can impact their repayment options....

For years, borrowers have enrolled in Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans with the promise of loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years. But...

Tax season can be a stressful time, especially for student loan borrowers looking to optimize their financial situation. While student...

March 5, 2025 – We want to keep you informed about critical changes affecting income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and loan consolidation...