Rarely is there ever a case of private student loan forgiveness.
There is one single exception: While it sounds morbid, if you die or become permanently disabled, some private lenders will forgive your private student loan debt.
If you have federal student loans, these can be partially, and in some cases, fully forgiven with income-driven repayment plans and other loan forgiveness programs.
While loan forgiveness programs for private student loans don’t really exist, except for in extreme circumstances, there are things you can do to ease the financial burden of your student loans. Even though there aren’t formal private student loan forgiveness programs as for federal student loans. Keep reading for the best tips on how to pay off your private student loans.
1. Talk To Your Lender
Talking to your lender if you are having difficulty keeping up with your loan payments is one of the most important steps. Your lender can provide you with options for lowering the monthly amount owed. Lenders vary, and they have different programs for helping you manage your payments, so be sure to talk to your lender about their options. It is always worth it to ask.
If you are unsure of how to go about asking your lender about repayment options, take a look at this exampleletter. This Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wrote this to help borrowers like you ask their lenders for lower payments or for other options. Even though lenders aren’t required to honor this letter, it is worth asking and inquiring.
Lenders are often flexible and can help you create a solution that suits your needs financially. Be prepared to let your lender know why you are finding it hard to make payments, as they will want to know this. For example, you may have multiple kinds of debt, or might just be struggling to make ends meet.
2. Look Into Deferment Or Forbearance.
Deferment and forbearance are both options to postpone your monthly payments. Deferment occurs most often if you are going back to school for a graduate program, medical program, and more, or if you are entering the military. Most private lenders offer deferment.
Forbearance is different from deferment in that it is offered to those who are struggling to pay because of a job loss, illness, or other financial issue. Deferment is usually planned, while forbearance is most often used for unexpected circumstances.
Be aware that interest on your private loans will still accrue even if they are in deferment or forbearance. This is not the same as federal student loan deferment, in which interest does not accrue for borrowers. So although you won’t have to make payments for a while, the interest you owe will still increase. With that being said, deferment and forbearance should really only be used if it is completely necessary in your situation.
3. Refinance Your Loans To Get A Lower Interest Rate
When it comes to refinancing a private student loan, your goal is to get a lower interest rate. Refinancing and getting a lower interest rate is even more likely if you have good credit. If you decide to refinance, it’s important that you pick a new lender that is able to offer you a lower interest rate. That lender will then pay off your original lender.
In addition, most lenders will let you choose either a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate. A fixed interest rate remains the same throughout the entire life of your loan, while a variable interest rate changes in conjunction with changes in the economic market.
Paying off your student debt is possible
Although private student loan forgiveness in not currently an option, there are still a few alternative methods to help you be in control of your student debt. Talking to an expert may be your most effective option. They can speak to your lender directly and figure out a plan to make it easier for you to manage.
For information on how to handle private student loans, check out our friends at aleevly.com. Their experts can help get you in the right path.
