re: I worked 2-3 jobs at a time to pay off my student loans

I have over $40k in loans from my Masters. I’m on an income based repayment plan. I haven’t consolidated my loans because my loans are forgiven after 25 years of payments on this plan if I have to pay that long. And they’ll work with me if I lose my job. I have not deferred my loans at any time. I’m hoping I don’t have to.

Still, my minimum payment is $320/month. That’s not unrealistic or unaffordable. When I made less, my monthly payment was like $160/mo. I’ve paid off one of the six loans I took out already. I made damn well sure I did not take out a private loan.

It’s ridiculous some of the decisions people are making regarding these loans. Fed Loans will work with you provided you update your Income Based Repayment Plan annually.