Data only tells part of any story. The reality that accompanies that fact, that 70% of last year’s college graduates were walked across the stage into a sea of student loan debt, isn’t just big numbers, it’s personal.
It becomes crystal clear when you talk to those who’ve been able to break free from, or at least tame, their life-altering student loan debt.
Here are three stories from real working professionals we’ve been able to help, who are a major part of why we are tackling student loan debt.
WE MET ASHLEY AND THE $800 MONKEY ON HER BACK
After finishing her Master’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin, Ashley got the email everyone with student loans dreads. She would have to start paying off her debt in 2 months.
“I just really had no idea what to expect,” said Ashley. “I had no idea how to go about any of it.”
Stunned by the sum of debt from her degrees, Ashley was searching for any form of relief. She found Student Loan Genius in 2014 and was able to lower her initial $800 monthly payment by hundreds of dollars.
“Since I found Student Loan Genius, it’s been such a weight off of me,” said Ashley.
“For anyone that’s curious about their student loans, there’s no reason not to come check out Student Loan Genius.”
WE MET CAROLINE, FROM DEVASTATION TO INSPIRATION
Often undergraduates sign up for loans through financial aid without fully understanding the implications.
“I graduated with $40,000 in federal loans, and I didn’t really understand the repayment plans,” said Caroline.
Without much knowledge of the process, she decided to consolidate her loans, which extended her pay period out to about 20 years. Then she heard about Student Loan Genius and realized that there were other options.
“Student Loan Genius helped me figure out that I could refinance my loans, which made it so that I now only have about 5 years left to pay. It was incredible.”
Along with the general advice she got from Student Loan Genius, she was also struck by the matching program.
“When I heard about the employer match on student loans I was really jealous. It’s such a good perk.”
Soon enough, Caroline was able to turn her debt problem around. She was so inspired by the mission of Student Loan Genius, that she applied to join the company, and today works to help others like her who were burdened by student loans.
WE MET TRAVIS, THE MASTER OF DENIAL
Travis pretended like his student loan debt didn’t exist and deferred the payments. But before long, it was time to pay up and Travis was lost.
“The debt has always been a burden on my conscience. I can’t escape it.”
Then, one day, he heard about the Student Loan Genius benefit. “It helped me understand my options, and the staff went out of their way to understand me on a personal level.” After an hour-long meeting, Travis was on the path to success including a new repayment plan with a monthly payment he could actually make.
“To anyone with student loan debt, these people are the professionals. This is their area of expertise,” said Travis.
LET US HELP YOU #CRUSHSTUDENTLOANS
We can help bring student loan benefits to your employer. Contact us and we will reach out to help bring Student Loan Genius to your company and help you crush student loans.
by First name Last name | Mar 28, 2016
by First name Last name | Mar 28, 2016
by First name Last name | Mar 28, 2016