Star-crossed Debtors
After a three-year pause, student loan payments are once again in effect for millions of shell-shocked Americans. Interest is accruing, due dates are looming, and borrowers are scrambling. Adding insult to injury, the transition from forbearance to “F- you, pay me” has been anything but straightforward.
From what I’ve seen, both first-hand with my clients and in the papers, it’s nothing short of chaos. A corrupt government, incompetent administrators, opportunistic scammers, and woeful debtors. It’s downright Dickensian. Nay, it’s Shakespearean, worthy of immortalization by a master playwright.
As it happens, I’ve been reading a lot of poetry lately (not my usual cup of tea, but I’m enjoying it). And so, in honor of the Bard himself, what follows is a ham-handed attempt at iambic pentameter, in the style of a true CFP (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL POET™).
In lofty halls where wisdom's torch doth burn, And scholars strive their minds to earn, I borrowed gold to grasp a brighter fate, Yet now I bear this cruel weight. In yonder days, when hearts were free, Three years did pass, a break from usury, But now I stand, debts due once more, A burden relaid upon the shore. Through Biden's plan, forgiveness did aspire, But it failed to cancel loans entire, On to the courts, I voice my plea, Grant me grace from this relentless fee. Oh, cruel lenders, with your interest sown, You claim my future as your very own, With every stride, I earn my keep, But tuition bills still haunt my sleep. Let mercy reign, let my debts be eased, So I may find my accountant pleased, Though plans have faltered, hope still stays, That these cursed loans will fade away.
Devin Faddoul, CFP® is the founder of Adda Financial | Outsource your financial life. Focus on your real life.