Mid-Year Checkpoint: Is Your Student Loan Strategy on Track?
- Melissa Maguire
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 18
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 loan journey. Throughout the year, SDS has shared important updates, strategies, and resources to help borrowers like you take control of your repayment options. This June, we’re looking back on what we’ve learned—and more importantly, helping you decide what to do next.
What We Have Covered So Far This Year:
January: Return to Repayment and Delinquency
We kicked off the year by helping borrowers understand what it meant to re-enter repayment after the multi-year pause. This included key dates, steps to take before your first payment, and how SDS tools could help reduce the risk of confusion, missed payments, or automatic forbearance.
February: Exploring Forgiveness – Beyond Public Service
This issue focused on student loan forgiveness programs, including lesser-known options like Borrower Defense to Repayment, Total and Permanent Disability Discharge, Closed School Discharge, and IDR Forgiveness. We helped borrowers assess whether they qualified and how SDS could guide them through documentation.
March: The SAVE Plan – What’s Changing and What It Means for You
We began preparing readers for the legal challenges the SAVE plan faced, emphasizing the importance of understanding alternative IDR options in case the plan was paused.
April: Navigating Default
We highlighted how borrowers in default could get a second chance to bring their loans current and regain access to affordable repayment. SDS features like default tracking, recovery steps, and expert assistance were emphasized to help borrowers act before the cutoff.
May: Student Loan Delinquency – The Impact to Your Financial Wellbeing
We zeroed in on the growing delinquency crisis as borrowers missed payments due to confusion, unaffordable bills, or processing delays. The article walked through how delinquency affects credit, future borrowing, and access to programs like PSLF or IDR forgiveness—and how SDS helps users avoid or correct it.
Your Mid-Year Move: 5 Smart Steps for Student Loan Success
Review Your Repayment Plan
If your payment feels too high or if you’ve been switched into a plan you didn’t choose (common during servicing transitions), it’s time to log in, recalculate, and reselect your plan. SDS tools can help you compare repayment options side by side.
Check for Delinquency or Default
Even if you're not receiving calls or emails, it’s crucial to log into your loan servicer account and confirm your payment status.
Reassess Your Goals
Has your income changed? Are you planning to buy a home? Are you working in public service? These factors should guide your strategy. Your SDS report can help you see the bigger picture—not just your monthly payment, but the total cost and potential forgiveness timeline.
Follow Up on Pending Applications
Many borrowers are still waiting on repayment recalculations, PSLF employment certifications, or discharge decisions. Don’t let your application stall—take proactive steps to monitor the status of your applications.
Use Expert Help if You're Stuck
If your plan is unclear or your situation complex, SDS offers expert reviews and one-on-one guidance. Whether you’re dealing with multiple loan types, servicer errors, or forgiveness eligibility, don’t wait—get help now.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second half of the year, new Department of Education rules on discharge and repayment could be finalized. SDS will continue tracking these changes and making sure you know what they mean for you.
Stay tuned for future updates—and in the meantime, make sure your student loan strategy is aligned with your life goals. You don’t need to wait for a new policy to start making progress — SDS is here to help, log into your account and explore your options today.
