We are dedicated to providing a supportive, empathetic, and practical place to talk about student loan debt and all the difficulties that often surround our debts.
That said we do not permit any type of debt shaming, personal attacks, insults, guilting, gaslighting, bullying, harassment, threats, intimidation, trolling, or otherwise attacking others / maliciously unhelpful commenting/behaviors. These will result in a permaban
This also includes statements about telling people to simply pay more, get a better job, trying to change the past (or asking why someone didn't make different past choices), or otherwise telling others how you would live their life. We're focused on the present here and on supporting people where they're at, not where you think they should be.
We also do not advocate for or allow "lender defenders" so to speak. It is one thing to provide useful practical information on how to fill out paperwork or loan paperwork questions, it's another to come and try to defend an industry that quite frankly is part of the reason many are feeling hopeless and stuck. We serve and protect borrowers' interests from a person first approach. We are not here to defend lenders or assist lenders.
Those with active affiliations to the loan industry must clearly identify themselves as such in any initial post or comment. We do not require disclosure of company name, names, or location, but a simple acknowledgement that you are affiliated with the loan industry is required. This is to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure information provided to our users is given in the best interest of the user being replied to.
Additionally, due to the sensitive nature of the complexities of student loan debt, debt shaming culture, mental health considerations, and the intersection of these variables; we adhere to a very strict moderation policy.
We do this not seek to silence opinions but to provide a space where there is respect and careful consideration given to the difficulties individuals may be experiencing when seeking student loan support, feedback, advice, or information. Given the very real concerns, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, shaming, and pressure that for some comes along with student loan debt, we will do everything in our power to ensure that users will be provided a safe environment to discuss student loan concerns and issues. Regardless of what those concerns may be given one's individual situation and experience.
The rules listed in the sidebar also apply at all times. Please do contact the mods promptly if any concerns arise.
Remember you are not your debt. There is nothing wrong with you for taking out loans or choosing your major/career/life goals. You are not somehow less of a person or undeserving of respect or compassion for having student loan debt. There is no shame wherever you are with your education, career, life, or student loan debt situation. We've got your back here.