The Mission

God is good, all the time! Hello, my name is Matt H. I am reaching out to the public for HELP with paying back my college loans. Going straight to the point, I have flooded myself with college loan debt that I cannot manage and have been paying for over 15 years now with little progress. Here you will find my brief story and facts with data on my student loan payback efforts.

My Story

As a boy, I was raised by a single father who didn't talk about college or adult finance. My father raised me preaching to grow to not be like him and I could play pro football if I worked hard at it. He was a blue-collar, alcoholic, NASCAR-loving dad who kept me fed and clothed and encouraged mischief because "that's what boys do." I attended high school from 1999 through 2002. Here is where the college pressure started. I was constantly being told by teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators that I must go to college to be successful. They would present data on income ranges with and without college degrees. They pulled me into private meetings with the guidance counselor every year and pressured me about deciding then what I wanted to be as an adult and that to accomplish anything, college was the route to go. On multiple occasions, we also found ourselves on high school field trips touring local colleges. My senior year, I was called into the guidance counselor's office, and they pressured and assisted me with a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and college applications. So there I was, off and running. I started college in Fall 2002 with a plan to start taking my core classes, still not knowing what I wanted to become.

Career and Family Life

Over an 8-year period of college courses on and off, switching majors and shifting focuses multiple times, and finally settling for a major I was never sure about, in 2010 I was able to earn a bachelor's degree majoring in Human Resources Management and what today has become nearly $85,000 in loan debt. After college, it took me a couple of years to land a job in Human Resources. I started recruiting in 2012 and have had multiple jobs in the HR field since. Most positions I have been in start around $40-$50k per year in which I was able to get some increases in my salaries by being a hard-working, dedicated employee. On average, my salary since starting to work in Human Resources has been between $40k - $60k per year.

After earning my bachelor's degree, I also started to build my family. Today, I have a handsome, intelligent son and 3 amazing, talented, beautiful daughters. My oldest daughter was born with a rare genetic disorder called CHARGE syndrome, which has caused her to be disabled with blindness and deafness. Raising a child with a disability has had its difficulties, and I have made huge sacrifices with my career, my home, and my finances.

I have not lived a perfect life or always made the best decisions; however, I have always given my full efforts in life and never given up. I regret my mistakes and have made tremendous efforts to be a good American, a good friend, and a family member. I put my focus on God and family and do whatever it takes to survive, raise my kids right, and pay off my debts.

Thank You

I could tell my story in greater detail and go on about challenges I have had, but in preparing this, I thought about the reader. I don't want to waste anyone's time or have them read my novel. Just asking for a little help from a lot of people. I love my country and believe together we can accomplish anything. Any help I receive here or anywhere in life, I pay forward.

My Loan Info

Loan Provider 1:

Original loan amount after graduation - $19,807.09

Principal and interest paid since graduation - $38,650.89

Current principal balance owed - $13,185.99

Loan Provider 2:

Original loan amount after graduation - $49,878.49

Principal and interest paid since graduation - $8,679.48

Current principal balance owed - $69,191.20

Final Thoughts

I welcome any questions, comments, or advice anyone may be willing to offer. If you are interested in learning more about me and my financial student loan crisis please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you so much and God bless.