Okay, so here I am. It’s 2025, and I’m sitting on $30,600 in student loan debt that’s been in forbearance since the pandemic. Thanks to a recent ruling, my payments won’t be due until June 2026. No interest is building right now, which sounds like a dream… but it’s also created a mental tug-of-war.
I’ve been quietly watching the court rulings, the SAVE plan drama, and this unpredictable political climate, especially with talk about enforcement focusing on defaulted loans. I can’t help but wonder—should I just start paying now? Or am I missing a better strategy?
What the internet said—and what made me stop scrolling
So I asked for advice online. That’s where I came across a comment by a user named SumGreenD41, and it hit me like a brick. They wrote:
“There is no reason to make a payment at this time. In fact, it’s probably the worst decision you could make.”
At first, I was like, wait, what? But they laid it out so clearly. If I have 0% interest and no required payments, why would I give the government anything right now?
Instead, they suggested I throw my money in a high-yield savings account (HYSA). Park it there, let it grow interest, and when June 2026 rolls around—or if I miraculously save enough to wipe it all out—I could just make a lump-sum payment. The kicker? That interest I earn would go toward my loans, effectively making my money work for me instead of just sitting in limbo.
When math and emotions don’t agree
That advice makes financial sense. But here’s where things get messy: emotionally, I want to see the number go down. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching your debt shrink. During the pandemic, I considered tossing a little extra toward the principal—no interest, all progress. That felt good in theory.
Others agreed. One commenter said paying off their loan gave them peace of mind that no amount of savings account interest could match. I get that.
Read now: Goodbye to Student loan forgiveness tax relief – GOP looks to set date to cancel relief.
Where I stand now: Strategy vs. sanity
I’ve decided to split the difference. I’m going to keep saving in a HYSA. But I’m labeling that account “Student Loan Payoff.” That way, I’m not tempted to touch it for anything else—no vacations, no gadgets, no random splurges. When 2026 arrives, I’ll have options: either dump it all on the loan or pivot depending on the SAVE plan or political shifts.
I’m also staying informed about what type of forbearance I’m in (SAVE vs. admin vs. hardship). Right now, I’m at 0% because of SAVE. If that ever changes, my strategy might need a refresh.
Final thought: Be smart, but know yourself
Financially, not paying right now is the smartest move. But emotionally? That depends on who you are. I’m trying to be both smart with my money and kind to my brain. Whatever you do, just don’t ignore it—2026 will be here before you know it.
