Student Loans: What's Next After SAVE?

The SAVE plan, which was designed to ease the financial burden on millions of federal student loan borrowers, has been discontinued. This means that those who were benefiting from this income-driven repayment plan will soon face higher monthly payments. The pause on payments is expected to last until at least December of this year, but some experts predict it could extend until mid-2026. Regardless of the timeline, borrowers need to be ready for increased monthly expenses. The end of SAVE means borrowers will need to switch to a different repayment plan. There are three main income-driven repayment options available: Income-Based Repayment, Pay As You Earn, and Income-Contingent Repayment. Each of these plans has its own set of rules and repayment structures. Many borrowers might find that their monthly payments will be higher under these new plans compared to what they were paying under SAVE. For those who prefer not to tie their payments to their income, there are other options. The standard plan, graduated repayment, and extended repayment plans do not base payments on income. However, these plans might not be suitable for everyone, especially those who are working towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness, as they require an income-driven repayment plan. The amount of increase in monthly payments will vary based on several factors, including income, household size, and the amount of debt. For instance, a single filer earning $60, 000 a year with a $30, 000 student loan balance at a 6. 53% interest rate could see their payments rise from $70 to $370 per month, depending on the repayment plan they choose. Refinancing with a private lender might seem like a good idea for some, but it comes with significant risks. Borrowers who refinance give up their federal student loan benefits, including financial hardship assistance, payment pauses, and loan forgiveness options. This can be a problematic situation if financial difficulties arise in the future. Experts generally advise against refinancing for most borrowers who were enrolled in SAVE. To get ready for the increased payments, borrowers should start planning now. This might involve adjusting their budget to accommodate the higher expenses. It's also a good idea to explore all available repayment options and understand the implications of each. By being proactive, borrowers can better navigate the changes ahead and avoid financial stress.