American Financial Benefits Center Encourages Borrowers to Talk About Their Debt When It Matters Most

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Jan. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- While there has recently been a proliferation of articles about personal student loan journeys, YouTube debt confessions and now even novels about student loan borrowers, talking about student loans can be hard for many borrowers. Despite the fact that tens of millions of Americans carry student debt, borrowers hesitate to speak about their loans. American Financial Benefits Center (AFBC), a document preparation company that assists borrowers with navigating federal repayment plans, encourages borrowers to not be afraid to talk about student debt when it matters.

"Student debt can be a very touchy subject because it's a financial matter and it's a personal matter," said Sara Molina, manager at AFBC. "But we encourage people not to be afraid to discuss student loans. You never know when you might stumble across good advice or just someone who knows what you're going through. Take it from AFBC clients: they talked to us about their debt and we were able to help them get into a better situation."

Why are people so reluctant to talk about their debt? One reason may be because our culture seems to value success over everything, which can push those who feel unsuccessful into silence. Those who have talked publicly about their student debt weren't always willing to do so. Some borrowers recount how they were regretful of perceived bad money decisions, embarrassment about their naiveté about loans or ashamed that they weren't as successful as they hoped to be. However, AFBC's position is that pursuit of an education is nothing to be ashamed of, and student loans are evidence of that desire to get an education.

Talking about student loans is also key to a healthy financial life. Sharing the fact of student loans with a partner, parents, siblings, children or other people who might be involved in financial decision-making is crucial. Talking about student debt with professionals who may be able to assist with managing that debt is also a good reason to start. AFBC assists federal student loan borrowers in applying for and staying enrolled in repayment plans. These repayment plans are meant to ease financial strain and give the borrower a manageable loan payment, so that the borrower may remain in good standing with his or her loan.

To be sure, talking about debt is at the discretion of the borrower. The decision whether to speak about debt is a highly personal one, and no one should be forced into doing so. However, AFBC encourages discussing debt when not doing so would have a negative impact on the borrower's life.

"The worst thing you can do with your student loans is keep them in the dark when they need attention," said Molina. "And sometimes that means talking about them — either with family or friends or with people whose job it is to help you keep your debt manageable. And helping borrowers manage their federal student loan debt is what we do at AFBC."

About American Financial Benefits Center

American Financial Benefits Center is a document preparation company that helps clients apply for federal student loan repayment plans that fit their personal financial and student loan situation. They adhere to strict customer service guidelines and strive for the highest levels of honesty and integrity.

AFBC is a member of the Association for Student Loan Relief (AFSLR), and each representative on the phone has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Contact

To learn more about American Financial Benefits Center, please contact:

American Financial Benefits Center
1900 Powell Street #600
Emeryville, CA 94608
1-800-488-1490

Related Links

AFBC home page

SOURCE American Financial Benefits Center