Message: Hi Heather,
The reason that I’m writing (no doubt) is that my student loan experience is, to say the least, a very tangled mess. Most of this is my doing and I want to take responsibility for my debts. Currently, I am a Special Education teacher in a 100% Title 1 school. My wages are garnished, and I get regular phone calls and mailings from the loan administrator? (AES) and I just don’t know where to turn. I borrowed 40K, have been garnished to the amount of 6K per year for the last 3.5 years, and OWE over 50K. I know that I’m being charged at least 19% to “administer” these default payments. As a former payroll & benefits coordinator, My firm charged 2-3% for such administrations. Nevertheless, I want to get out from under this crushing debt, I cannot buy a car, I cannot save even the slightest amounts to help my own children for higher education. I am a pariah in the eyes of (AES)—they are inflexible and not open to any discussions that would be mutually beneficial.I am suffering in the sense
that I have a crushing debt, my family is suffering and I just don’t know where to turn. Would you consider speaking to me or offering guidance in some way? I found this website and I plan to make use of the tools that I see here. I know that It is not going to be easy but I am really over a barrel and see no way out. I am 53 years old and had to change careers rather late in life (mid 40’s) I fear that this will follow me to my grave
Thank you for your time
Joe Slavik

Well, Joe, you are not alone.  Let me ask you this, have you consolidated before as a way to get out of default?  Are you in IBR?