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The End of SAVE: The Next 90-Days are Critical for Borrowers
On April 1st, the U.S. Department of Education issued a major update to borrowers currently enrolled in the SAVE repayment plan. The message was direct: “The SAVE Plan is ending. Borrowers must take action.” While the announcement may seem straightforward, the details behind this transition are critical. Here’s what borrowers need to understand and how to respond. The 90-Day Window: What It Is and How It Works One of the most important parts of the Department’s announc
Apr 15


A Closing Window: What SAVE and Parent PLUS Borrowers Must Do Now
Not all borrowers are impacted by today’s student loan changes in the same way, but for two groups, the timeline ahead is especially critical. If you are: Transitioning out of the SAVE repayment plan, or Managing Parent PLUS loans and exploring income-driven repayment options The coming months represent a limited window to take action, and the decisions made during this time could significantly impact your long-term repayment strategy. Group 1: SAVE Borrowers - Underst
Apr 14


What Happens Next? Navigating the SAVE Transition and Critical Deadlines
Q: What happens if I don’t change my repayment plan within the 90-day window? A: If you do not select a new repayment plan within your 90-day window, the Department of Education will step in and automatically place you into a repayment plan. While this ensures you remain in repayment status, it’s important to understand that this placement is administrative, not strategic. The assigned plan will be based on your loan type and general eligibility, but it may not reflect y
Apr 13


Why NOW Is the Right Time to Reevaluate Your Student Loan Repayment Plan
For many borrowers, choosing a student loan repayment plan was something they did once—and then rarely revisited. But with the federal student loan system evolving over the past several years, a “set it and forget it” approach may no longer work. One of the clearest examples is the current situation surrounding the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan, which has been at the center of ongoing legal challenges. The uncertainty around the viability of SAVE repaym
Mar 18


SAVE Borrowers: Don't Wait
Log into Student Debt Solutions to review your loan status, model repayment options, and see recommended next steps.
Mar 13


What’s Really Changing with Student Loans in 2026 (And Why You Can’t Ignore This)
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
Jan 21


Your 30-Day Student Loan Game Plan for 2026
What to Do in the Next 30 Days Borrowers are entering 2026 facing three major pressures at the same time: Uncertainty around SAVE and forced repayment plan changes The return of collections enforcement for borrowers in default Tax season consequences for anyone in default or nearing default Together, these shifts mark a clear move away from temporary relief and toward active enforcement and system restructuring. In this environment, waiting for clarity can be costly. Below is
Jan 21


Major IBR Changes Arrive as Millions Prepare to Exit SAVE
As we approach the end of December, major student-loan policy changes are coming into focus and one of the most significant involves Income-Based Repayment (IBR) . At the same time, the Department of Education has formally announced the end of the SAVE repayment plan, as part of a settlement being pursued with the State of Missouri. As a result, millions of borrowers who relied on SAVE will now be required to transition into a new repayment plan. Against that backdrop, the
Dec 17, 2025


As SAVE Winds Down, Borrowers Face a Tipping Point
As 2025 comes to a close, the federal student loan landscape is entering one of its most consequential transitions since repayment resumed. The formal wind-down of the SAVE repayment plan, combined with rising delinquency and a major expansion of Income-Based Repayment (IBR), has put millions of borrowers at a crossroads. This moment isn’t just about policy changes, it’s about whether borrowers can adapt in time to avoid unnecessary financial harm. Millions Will Need a New
Dec 17, 2025


Common Student Loan Misconceptions in 2025
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
Dec 17, 2025


New: PAYE and ICR Forgiveness Resumes
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
Nov 17, 2025


Navigating Student Loans During the Holiday Season
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
Nov 17, 2025


Forbearance by the Millions
As of July, reports show that more than 13 million borrowers are in forbearance or deferment. This follows a troubling trend we...
Sep 17, 2025


What if the Plan You’re in is Quietly Costing You Thousands?
At SDS, we regularly analyze user data to improve our tools, better understand borrower needs, and help future users know what to expect....
Jun 16, 2025


You Are Not Alone, But You Are Unique
Over 40 million Americans are carrying student loan debt, and it’s easy to feel like you're facing this challenge alone. Yet, countless...
Apr 15, 2025


I'm pursuing PSLF and on the SAVE plan — with recent legal changes, should I switch?
For most borrowers pursuing PSLF, yes — you should strongly consider switching out of SAVE. Here’s why: What’s Changed with SAVE and...
Apr 14, 2025


Keeping Calm Through Change: Student Loan Updates You Can Rely On
As student loan borrowers continue navigating the complexities of repayment, we know the uncertainty surrounding Income-Driven Repayment...
Mar 19, 2025


Student Loans & Taxes: Key Strategies to Keep More Money in Your Pocket
As tax season approaches, many student loan borrowers may not realize how their tax filing choices can impact their repayment options....
Mar 19, 2025


Important: IDR Processing Paused – What Borrowers Need to Know
March 5, 2025 – We want to keep you informed about critical changes affecting income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and loan consolidation...
Mar 5, 2025


Important: SAVE Plan Injunction & Impact on Loan Forgiveness
February 26, 2025 – We want to provide you with critical updates regarding recent developments affecting federal student loan repayment...
Feb 26, 2025
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