I just want to send you good thoughts. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you everyone for the hugs. I will gladly accept them.
Unfortunately, HImom, the loan forgiveness is only for the federal loans, not private. It seems really ironic that the government is more compassionate than a regular company. I was looking into change.org and may begin there. I have already posted a review on SoFi’s website, Better Business Bureau, and shared my experience on a consumer advocacy website. Also contacted a lawyer for a free consult. I was busy yesterday! Thank you everyone for your thoughts.
I would get in touch with a consumer advocate. It is true that many media outlets and newspapers might be able to direct you to one. I hope the free consult with the lawyer is helpful, and one paid situation might as well.
I appreciate your advocacy and understand that having a cause like this might feel like memorializing your son. Feeling that energy might mean you are coming out of the worst parts of paralyzing grief, but please take care!
One of my best friends lost a son to suicide yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss. My father died that way and I know how complicated it can be.
I am so very sad and sorry for your loss.
No advice, but I am so very sorry for your loss.
So tragic. Our hearts are with you.
I don’t think media attention is what you need. Those wheels turn slowly and unevenly. You do need an attorney well-versed in loans/college related loans and private consolidations. And whether there are any loopholes to exploit. And to lean on, not to try to handle all yourself.
Yes, these are in your name. With other forgiveness of what was in his name, you’ll owe taxes (I believe it’s unearned income.) Taxes are a priority, but he likely has no- or next to no- estate, right? The right attorney (or CPA) can advise on this, as well. Don’t be afraid to vet a few. The idea is that the right experts can tie various points together for you.
(There are attorneys who are both JD and CPA.)
Best to you. Adding hugs. xx
I am very sorry for your loss. Perhaps try talking with your congress representatives to see of they would negotiate with the company on your behalf?
So very sorry for your loss. I have read about this issue before and sounds like some have been successful getting partial or full relief.
Hello everyone,
Wanted to give everyone an update. Yes, it was worth pursuing! I blitzed out many reviews over the course of several weeks to every consumer group I could think of. I even went on social media to tell my story. They finally responded to the site that has “three identical letters, the second in the alphabet”. My loan will be discharged this month. I am thinking about my next moves to advocate for others in this same position. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to keep pursuing this, and thank you for all the kindness.
Good for you! That’s a small comfort, I’m sure. I too am very sorry for your loss. I hope this year brings you happiness in some way.
Oh, wow, thanks so much for updating us!
I encourage you to advocate for others. That’s what I’ve started doing after having to help my son navigate the system, and it has helped MY mental state greatly.
Thank you everyone for the hugs. I will gladly accept them.
Unfortunately, HImom, the loan forgiveness is only for the federal loans, not private. It seems really ironic that the government is more compassionate than a regular company. I was looking into change.org and may begin there. I have already posted a review on SoFi’s website, Better Business Bureau, and shared my experience on a consumer advocacy website. Also contacted a lawyer for a free consult. I was busy yesterday!
Have you considered going up the chain from the customer service representatives that answer the phones? Sometimes you can get better results from the higher ups who are not excited about public exposure. Might not work but if you don’t try the answer is always “NO”.
I’m so sorry for your loss, and so glad to hear you got recourse.
Advocating for others in the same position, and for others to be spared ever getting into this position by requiring appropriate protections to be built into these private loans, would be a wonderful way to honor your son. Please keep us posted, as I’m sure many of us would want to support your efforts in any way we can.
Yay—thanks so much for letting us know that the debt will be discharged. Please do double check with your tax advisor about whether there will be any tax consequences.
Again, so sorry for your loss and all you had to do to get to this point.
A ray of sunshine in an otherwise gray story. @gabbymom good news for sure.
Way to be persistent @gabbymom - so happy for this desirable outcome.
@Sarrip please read the OPs responses today. Thank goodness her issue was resolved.
I think advocating and helping others is a great way to pay it forward.
So glad this worked out.
@thumper1 Thanks for tagging me because I wasn’t subscribed to the thread. Our posts are not far apart in time. I have a bad habit of multitasking so chances are that was on the page posting and doing other things at the time she posted and then I posted, not refreshing the page. I’m so happy for OP.
@gabbymom, I’m so happy your advocacy brought good results, and perhaps the public efforts you made will help someone else down the road.
May the memories of your son be a comfort and a blessing for you and your family.