How to get help with student loan debt

Dealing with student debt can be daunting but it’s important not to hide from the problem. Regaining financial control is easier than you think with the right support.

Talk about it – Talking about debt is the first and often biggest hurdle for many people. The most important thing to remember is that you are not the only one struggling with student debt and there is help available. Start by opening up about your situation to a close friend or family member then begin to search for professional advice.

Speak to the loan provider – If you find yourself unable to pay what you owe to your student loan every month you should speak with the provider. No matter whether you have federal student loans or private student loans, they may be able to work with you and negotiate a better payment plan for you.

Get help – If you’re worried about student loan debt as well as other debt you should speak to a debt specialist. Our experts offer professional and confidential advice and can talk through all the debt relief options available to you. From consumer proposals to debt management plans, they’ll tailor advice to suit your circumstances.

How student loan debt can affect your life

Falling into financial difficulty can be difficult at any point in life but it can be especially stressful when you’re trying to balance your college education and pay your debt.

But student debt can have an impact on more than just your bank balance.

Personal finances

The government may have suspended the accumulation of interest on student loans until 2023, it’s important not to lose sight of how this could impact you in the future.

Interest rates for student loans can be as high as 8.95%, meaning that you will repay a much higher amount than you originally borrowed.

According to the National Student Loan Centre, it takes an average of nine years for Canadian students to clear their student debt. Managing student loan debt, as well as the cost of day-to-day life, isn’t always easy and can lead to many student loan borrowers turning to other debt just to get by.

Given that most graduates won’t immediately get jobs in their chosen field, and many are forced to take on lower-paid roles when they leave higher education, it’s important to make sure you have a stringent budget in place to make sure you always make your student loan payments.

If you’re unable to repay what you owe and miss a monthly payment, it can impact your credit score. Details of any missed payments are sent to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for collection. The CRA can then seize the money from your Goods and Services Tax (GST), your tax refunds and even garnish it from your wages.

Mental health

The link between debt and mental health is undeniable but throw in the pressure to graduate college and get a good job and the pressure is greater than ever.

Industry figures show 44% of Canadians believe their financial situation impacts their mental health while 75% of first-time mental health diagnoses occur between the ages of 16 and 25, according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

If you’re concerned that student loan debt, or any other debt, is affecting your mental health it’s important to seek professional support.

Relationships

It is well documented that financial strain is a major cause of divorce, according to an article published by CNBC 1 in 8 divorces are actually caused by student loans. This is mostly because the burden of the debt can often impact new couples’ ability to buy their first home, getting married or having children. If you are reported to a credit bureau for defaulting on the loans your credit rating will be affected, this could then have an effect on your professional life as it can prevent you from getting a job, which ultimately can impact your career.

Student debt warning signs

If you’re feeling the strain of student debt, the following signs will likely be familiar to you:

• Defaulting on priority bills such as utilities
• Taking out further types of debt such as credit cards or loans
• Feeling stressed or anxious about paying the loan back
• Leaving yourself without enough money for necessities
• Avoiding the topic with others

Many people will hide their debts from others, but if you think someone you know might be in trouble with their student debt, you might notice the below signs:

• They become secluded, spending less time with friends or family
• Having several lines of credit
• A clear change in a relationship (if you are a couple)
• Showing signs of irritation or stress when the topic is brought up

It isn’t always easy to know where to turn when you are struggling, it is always suggested to contact your loan provider or the government to find out if you can apply for repayment assistance.