$82K in student loans and $80K in savings...now what?

Advice

Like everyone else, I'm torn with what to do with upcoming changes (disposal of) the SAVE plan. I have $82K with NELNET and 5.5% interest. Luckily, I'm pretty financially comfortable and have some pretty decent savings: $82K in savings account, much more in 401K, $30K in stocks, $20K in other non-liquid savings. I make about $150K a year.

I've given up any hope that loans will be forgiven, so now what? Do I chip away? Do I pay the minimum and repay after 30 years? Do I try and refinance? Do I try to just pay a huge chunk off and say goodbye to my savings? It's pretty deflating to think about any option, but maybe there's a route I'm missing?

Posted Aug 12, 2025, 5:42 PM UTC

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