The Current State of American Consumer Debt
Use these resources to view a copy of your credit report and/or...
Manage Your Debt - Let's Explore Your Options
GET STARTED NOWUse these resources to view a copy of your credit report and/or request your credit score. You should review your credit report annually to check for any errors that could impact your credit. You can also use these resources to identify your private student loan information.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The CFPB is responsible for monitoring consumer financial products and services, including credit cards, mortgages, and student loans. Read reports about relevant issues, participate by sharing your own experiences, or even submit a complaint if you need the CFPB’s help to resolve a dispute.
Defaulted Student Loans
Review your options for managing your defaulted student loans, including information about consolidation, rehabilitation, and how to stop tax refund offsets or wage garnishment. This is a website of the U.S. Department of Education.
Direct Consolidation Loans Application and Calculator
This U.S. Department of Education web site provides loan consolidation information to borrowers. Borrowers can use this site to calculate their payments and repayment options when consolidating student loans. Note: this is not where you apply to consolidate a loan.
The official site to apply for a student loan consolidation. This applies to the following loans:
FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online to check your eligibility for federal financial aid.
Federal Ombudsman – www.studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/disputes/prepare
If you have tried unsuccessfully to resolve a dispute concerning your student loans and are not satisfied with the resolution, turn to the Federal Ombudsman Group to help.
FSA ID
All past and present student loan borrowers need to establish an FSA ID to access their account information on federal student aid websites. To create an FSA ID, visit Studentaid.gov. You can also retrieve your FSA ID and reset your password via this link.
National Consumer Law Center Student Loan Borrower Project
Find answers to your student loan questions as well as helpful legal resources at this website run by the National Consumer Law Center. The website is Student Loan Borrower Assistance.
Repayment Estimator
The Federal Repayment Estimator can help you calculate monthly payments on various repayment plans to help you find a manageable repayment option. Top site
Total & Permanent Disability Discharge
If you can’t repay your student loan debt due to a disability, this section of the U.S. Department of Education website tells you if you could qualify for loan discharge. You’ll also find answers to frequently asked questions, and be able start the application process.
Top site - these sites contain information that is critical to managing your student loans.
Browse our recent blog articles and you will see and learn about the various ways AFS can help you, as well as educate yourself.
Use these resources to view a copy of your credit report and/or...
Examiners found servicers engaging in unfair practices in trying to collect on private student loans discharged in bankruptcy
For many people, the announcement last year that the three major credit reporting agencies would remove paid medical debts from credit reports was a welcome relief. Medical bills and the confusion those bills and insurance cause, has led to many people owing debts they never planned for. Here is an update on the changes to credit reports, credit scores, and how to manage medical bills.
Budgeting can be challenging, but more digital tools are available to help you boost savings, lower debt, and experience greater peace of mind about finances. Discover some of the best money management apps to help you achieve more financial stability in 2023.
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and your counselor will review your credit report, analyze your financial situation and help you find the option that's best for you.