Not_I_said_she

People flip out on me more times than not! The craziest was an international student (Haitian) that had given me permission to speak to his father. He indicated that his father was going to help him get the bill cleared so he could return to school....so I called dad. Dad was absolutely freaking out yelling about all the "dead people on the ground." He was hysterical about his family and the people on the ground in Haiti. I googled it and saw that I just happened to contact him minutes after the horrible earthquake in Haiti. He was hysterical because his wife had just told him.....not one of the days I felt good about my job!

don't blame you there....only advise then is don't marry the guy....then it would be your problem, in most states anyway.

• item 1 For the most part, I do feel good about it. Now and then it makes me feel like an ass, but for the most part people are grateful for the help.
  
• item 2 I hear all kinds of "bs" I had a woman who neglected her student loans for 15 or more years. I felt bad when she told me she was so disabled she had difficulty getting to the phone, but when I later found out she was a yoga instructor and personal trainer....yea not so bad...that's our tax dollars she squandered.
• item 3 I had a woman tell me she was dying and couldn't pay....after all the "bs" I didn't believe her and pushed for payments anyway. I felt like a complete ass when her death certificate was received in the mail a few months later....

They overlooked one out of 6 loans and need more financial aid? I can help them consolidate through a lender that will accept a defaulted loan. Then they are in good standing and can get back into school again. Not to mention the hold on financial aid is lifted.

They are applying for a job that requires a credit check? I can try to settle the account and advise them on what steps to take to repair their credit....same applies if they need a loan to buy a house, car, etc.

They know they owe some money, but are afraid to talk to me or deal with it because they don't have the balance in full? I discuss and evaluate their situation and try for a payment plan that satisfies the school and doesn't break the students back....keep in mind most of my borrowers are under 25. They have no experience dealing with default.

In most cases, a little guidance is appreciated.

It's definitely still out there. No statute of limitations at all. In theory, your social security can be garnished. The biggest concern is the cost of default, which continues to accrue. If you have not been contacted, I'd be willing to bet family members have been. If you are really concerned you can track them and "fix" them. Often, the repayment options are income contingent and affordable, but it's up to you.