dino-deb

I have about $120,000 in student loan debt (1/5 is federal, the rest is private), and have been making my payments on time since they started in 2012 (which are now at $1,300/month). I have contacted 4 different companies about refinancing, and have been denied by all of them because I don't make enough in regards to what I owe. I have a full-time job (40K), and 3 part-time jobs (approx $500/mo). I have no other debt, but I'm at a loss as far as getting a handle on this. I'm paying the lowest amount possible, but still struggling. I'm living relatively comfortably, but I don't have a car, I live with a roommate, and most of my food comes from the free leftovers that I get from my catering job. I'm looking for a better paying full-time job, but my small college town is very limited. I have $113 in my savings account, and I just feel like I am going to be stuck until 2028 when my biggest loan is paid off. I know I'm not special and that there are people in much worst situations than me, but I still need help. Do you have any advice that you can give? Anything at all?

I went to Indiana University as an out-of-state student. At an average of 30K a year, that's $120,000. I got some minor scholarships and I always had a minimum of 2 jobs while I was a student. However, I was also involved and had an amazing college experience because of it. Even if I could change my past decisions, I wouldn't. Besides, regret is not a healthy thing to hold onto, which is why I am trying to move forward and figure out my future with the knowledge that I now have about debt.

None of it was for personal living expenses. I paid an average of 30K a year for 4 years for out-of-state tuition at a state school.

Thanks for the ideas, and the variations of these ideas. I'll definitely look into these methods to see if one will work for me!

(This is not on topic at all, but I appreciate your decision to say "his/her"...silly, I know, but with such a depressing conversation topic, it's the little things. haha)

And I do have a couple that are variable, but I think my highest interest rates are fixed...so...yay for my loan that has a 10.63% interest rate not increasing? :P