Absolutely. My credit score dropped about 60 points to around the 620s, but I've gotten it back up to just under 700. I do own a home with my wife, but we bought it years prior and actually have it paid off already (smaller amount, it was a foreclosure). To add, all of the vehicles we've ever driven have been a little older and paid for with cash. Aside from opening one credit card, I haven't used my cresit score for anything.

Now, it seems like I should be able to afford those loans, correct? Well, Navient doesn't care about family size or income changes. They're private loans, so they don't have to help out at all. They basically told me so when I needed help. When I started all of this, I made maybe $16/hour, with my wife making less, and having a child. It's only been this past year and a half that I started making good money, but with the cost of living continuing to climb, it's not much easier than before.

My experience was essentially quitting cold turkey. I didn't contact them, only answered phone numbers I recognized, and for the most part, I just kept to myself. I didn't send any letters requesting debt verification, nor did I send any cease and desist letters like I've seen others say they've done.