How to Pay Student Loans During the Next Recession

How to Pay Student Loans During the Next Recession

From Student Loan Planner by Travis Hornsby

April 7, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 421

About this episode

This episode discusses strategies for managing student loans in anticipation of the next recession.

The next recession isn't a question of "if," it's a question of "when." Whether you're holding federal loans, private refinanced debt, or a mix of both, your strategy needs to account for what happens when the economy turns. We break down how credit markets actually affect your ability to refinance, why your required payment matters more than your interest rate, and the moves you can make right now to protect yourself before it's too late. Key moments: (01:40) Why slowing down payments in a recession can be a smart move (03:27) The problem with private student loans when the economy turns (05:36) How borrowing conditions in the broader economy set your refinancing rates (08:15) What happened to the refinancing market during COVID and 2008 (11:14) Restructuring your loans now to prepare for a downturn Resources mentioned: Studentaid.gov/idr for recalculating income-driven repayment One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes to federal student aid programs Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Join SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member…

Topics covered

  • student loans
  • recession
  • refinancing
  • credit markets
  • income-driven repayment

Keywords

  • federal loans
  • private loans
  • economic downturn
  • refinancing rates
  • loan restructuring

Mentioned in this episode

Products: income-driven repayment, One Big Beautiful Bill Act

More episodes of Student Loan Planner

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Student Loan Planner podcast page.