Navigating Student Loan Challenges

Brittany, a Tufts University graduate, shares her struggles with $118,000 in student loans. She discusses the challenges of repaying loans, where most payments go towards interest rather than reducing the principal. Brittany describes her financial coping strategies, including selling clothes and working multiple jobs. She highlights the emotional and financial toll of student debt and her advocacy efforts for student loan reform, emphasizing the impact of potential tax changes on her financial situation.

Where did Brittany go to university?

• Harvard University

• Tufts University

• University of California

• Stanford University

What did Brittany study in college?

• Economics

• Computer Science

• Drama and Communications

• Biology

What year did Brittany graduate from college?

• 2005

• 2007

• 2011

• 2009

How much is Brittany's monthly minimum loan payment?

• $800.00

• $707.74

• $500.00

• $350.00

What percentage of Brittany's monthly payment goes towards the loan principal?

• About 25%

• Exactly 45%

• More than 50%

• Less than 10%

What types of jobs does Brittany work to manage her financial situation?

• Accountant and salesperson

• Software developer and teacher

• Freelance production assistant and dance studio receptionist

• Nurse and freelance writer

How did Brittany use the money from her car accident settlement?

• She went on a vacation

• She saved it for future use

• She paid her student loans

• She repaired her car

What legislative action does Brittany regularly call about?

• Tax increases

• Environmental protection

• Student loan reform

• Healthcare reform

What is Brittany's main concern with the new tax bill regarding student loans?

• Decrease in repayment time

• Loss of interest deductibility

• Increase in interest rates

• Higher principal amounts

What analogy does Brittany use to highlight the ease of acquiring student loans?

• Buying a house at 18

• Taking a hundred thousand dollars of debt at 18

• Traveling the world at 18

• Starting a business at 18