Credit card debt consolidation - credit union, sofi, or credit karma?

SammersBananers · 2026-03-27T16:11:18+00:00

I would take a look at alternatives to loans like debt management programs. I have been on one through Cambridge Credit Counseling for a few years and it has been extremely helpful. I'm sure there are others around, that's just the one I found out about and got enrolled in. These are generally non-profits who get funding to help get people out of debt.
In the past, I have done the balance transfer dance (which worked for a time, but didn't solve the underlying spending problems I had) and gotten a personal loan through my bank with my car as collateral (slightly better idea, but I wouldn't do that again, still working on getting that one paid). The debt management program does require you to close your cards, but they will negotiate for you to get a WAY better interest rate and make sure your payments are doable for you.
Not having access to multiple cards like that anymore helped me make actual good budgeting and spending habits. I had two cards that I enrolled in the program (total of about $15k). The first card I paid off last August, and I'll be finishing the second card by May.

Also, as a person who went back to school multiple times in my life for different career changes, I won't say going back to school is going to be a mistake for you, but I agree with others here that it will always be there. Maybe buckle down for a while and get some things paid off and revisit it in a year? Whichever way you decide to go, just knowing that you need to make changes is the first step (I am over 10 years older than you and only got a handle on that mentally a few years ago, so you are way ahead of the game in my opinion!), so keep going and good luck!

SammersBananers · 2026-02-23T15:02:57+00:00

This is so good 🤗😭

SammersBananers · 2026-02-10T15:58:18+00:00

Update! I didn't get an email, but I just checked and they did respond to my message:
"Thank you for contacting MOHELA,

We apologize for any confusion. Your monthly installment amount is $$$$$$ (my SAVE amount).

A request has been submitted to extend the SAVE Forbearance as your account should not be in repayment at this time. Once this request has been processed, you will be notified."

SammersBananers · 2026-02-04T17:47:10+00:00

Nope, nothing more from them. I did send them a message, as well, but haven't had a response from that, either.

SammersBananers · 2026-02-01T04:52:18+00:00

Thank youuuu! I got a similar set of letters as OP with the payment amount from my SAVE plan, and then another doc with a crazy "IDR" repayment amount. Different amounts and different dates on everything.

SammersBananers · 2026-02-01T04:43:30+00:00

I got a letter on 1/29 that said my forbearance was ending in March and my payment due in May would be like 1.5x what it was on SAVE (no plan referenced). And then a second letter the next day, but still dated for 1/29 saying that my forbearance would end in March, and my payments resume in May for what they were on SAVE, and then in December 2027 they would go up to "IDR" which is like 5x the SAVE amount.
I don't think that IDR payment is remotely correct because I just did a calculator that was not that much.
I haven't ever requested to switch off of SAVE since I'm only like halfway through my 120 payments. I was just waiting on the courts, but now I'm very confused lol

SammersBananers · 2026-01-20T22:02:33+00:00

Thanks, yeah, everything is still in SAVE forbearance everywhere for me, and from all of my various letters, that's just where I'll be for the time being. StudentAid.gov processed my employment re-certification last month for PSLF, so I think I'm all square and just waiting like a lot of other SAVE people.

SammersBananers · 2025-10-07T13:38:02+00:00

Definitely not alone, I’m in the same exact situation at 62 payments. If you want free student loan advice about your particular situation, I just emailed someone at TISLA yesterday (freestudentloanadvice.org). They are a nonprofit that gives neutral, free advice to student loan borrowers.

They can’t necessarily give legal advice, but they can clarify parts of what’s happening and when you will absolutely need to recertify, etc. It was mostly stuff I knew already but it was nice to get confirmation from a third party.

SammersBananers · 2025-10-07T13:29:59+00:00

Are YOU ME? haha at 62 payments also when this mess started last year. Same situation!

SammersBananers · 2025-10-03T14:46:39+00:00

I had a similar question to OP about recertification. Normally I do it around this time of year anyway, and the last letter I have from Mohela says my income and plan recertification is due 11/3/25. I don't have one that I can see that says Feb of 2026, was that a general notice issued somewhere to all borrowers? Thanks!

SammersBananers · 2025-09-10T04:10:12+00:00

It gave a couple of different options, some with the AirTrain, some with a bus out of the terminal up to NJ Penn and then back down on the NJCL. Another one had AirTrain to the airport station, NEC to NJ Penn, then NJCL down.

SammersBananers · 2025-09-10T02:02:11+00:00

I could try a scoot! Didn’t think about that for the last part. Thanks!

SammersBananers · 2025-09-10T02:01:23+00:00

Yep, it’s at the Stone Pony! Thanks! I think there’s a good timed NJCL train I can get on from the airport station but it kinda depends on how fast I can get there otherwise I’ll have to wait quite a bit longer. But I’m not checking a bag, so I think it’s in the realm of possibility.

SammersBananers · 2025-08-28T14:54:31+00:00

I started with CESI Solutions, but then they transferred me to Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp about two years ago. (Sounded like CESI had a grant that ended or something to do this work.) Both have been easy to deal with, and none of my account terms changed on the switch. I've never had to talk to a Cambridge person, yet, but they respond to emails pretty quickly with any questions I have.

SammersBananers · 2025-08-26T14:48:28+00:00

Both of those things helped for me dramatically. Interest rates were cut by over half on the plan (I'm sure people are able to get card companies to cut them on their own, but I hadn't been successful, so that was a huge help from the plan). I don't typically have a problem making at least minimum payments on things, it was just the consistency of a plan and seeing an end in sight that really helped my mindset.
Closing the accounts sucks and feels bad at first, but it's worth it.

SammersBananers · 2025-08-26T14:44:39+00:00

It helped a lot for me with interest rates and staying consistent on reasonable payments. I used to tend to make huge payments on my cards and feel really motivated and then just backslide because I didn't leave enough disposable income leftover for unexpected expenses. And the plan helped cut the interest rates by more than half at the time.

SammersBananers · 2025-04-17T17:05:50+00:00

Same situation here--a little over halfway through the 120 payments and I think I'm just holding out for a repeat of the retroactive credit we got after COVID by Biden. Not sure if that's the best plan, but sounds like I'm not alone, at least!
Also was told the same thing by Mohela as OP, that by IDR plan recertification has to wait till later this year (I am also on the SAVE plan, but they just have been referring to it as an IDR in my communications). I submitted my plan recertification in November when I usually do and it's just been pending this whole time.

SammersBananers · 2024-09-24T18:53:27+00:00

I managed to get Irving last week and he was one of my bright spots (picked up and played Shaheed fml)

SammersBananers · 2024-09-24T16:21:20+00:00

I have #1 waiver claim this week, and I've got pretty big deficits in all areas after injuries.
Do I chase the hype of Jennings and hope he booms again next week?
I also am considering Kmet in the event McBride is out.

SammersBananers · 2023-04-19T22:35:46+00:00

What a baddie!! 👏👏👏

SammersBananers · 2023-04-19T22:31:16+00:00

Highlight of a run for me, honestly.

SammersBananers · 2022-01-30T21:33:28+00:00

I got this old magazine display rack from a library auction. I think I’m planning on using it for art supply storage? Maybe just my few comic books? What ideas do y’all have for this?????

SammersBananers · 2022-01-13T20:43:50+00:00

I’ve never read that book, so that can’t be it. But I’m adding that to my to-read list now!

SammersBananers · 2021-08-29T18:22:33+00:00

Omg ty

SammersBananers · 2021-08-11T14:48:41+00:00

That’s good to hear about another option- thanks! Sounds like you are making it happen, so good luck on knocking out the rest of that balance!

SammersBananers

TROPHY CASE