As student loan payments restart after a three-and-a-half-year break, borrowers are facing challenges. Most of the traps revolve around applying for SAVE, linking your IRS data to the Department of Education, and reaching out to your student loan servicer. When navigating these pitfalls, it’s crucial to consider your unique situation instead of blindly following the Department of Education's one-size-fits-all solution. Listen in to learn common mistakes to avoid and what to do when your servicer messes up. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How to avoid payment traps and servicer mistakes as payments start When to set up autopay, and when to turn it off What to consider before applying for the SAVE plan Why you shouldn’t link your IRS data with the Department of Ed Problems with income recertification  When alternative documentation for income is best for borrowers Downsides of calling your servicer with student loan questions How to be strategic to find solutions for servicer issues What to do when your servicer messes up Actions to take to resolve servicer mistakes How to get support to navigate servicer issues Links mentioned:  StudentAid.gov SAVE Repayment Plan Student loan servicers   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter   Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!