American Financial Benefits Center on the Intersection of Dating and Debt

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It may appear at first glance that debt and dating share only a first letter. But the topic of debt is important to everyone, and it certainly affects some dating practices. While personal connection may be first and foremost in any relationship, finances become important when the couple cohabitates, and debt certainly plays a role then. When student loan debt makes up such a big share of household debt, it gets a lot of attention. American Financial Benefits Center (AFBC), a document preparation company that helps borrowers apply for and stay enrolled in federal repayment plans, helped its clients enroll in IDRs and form a plan for student loan repayment.

"Money may not be on everyone's minds when on a first date, but it's an important factor in a potential partner," said Sara Molina, Manager at AFBC. "Especially when things get serious and you start thinking about living together, how each person handles his or her money is important to figuring out financial compatibility."

The way debt is handled can be a major indicator of how future financial matters, both personal and joint, will be handled. Therefore, individuals who have high debt may be met with hesitation. However, while other debt, like credit card debt or payday loans, can show financial irresponsibility — an undesirable trait in today's financially aware world — student loans don't always convey the same message to potential partners.

Because student loans are so easy to take out and many do so without fully understanding the consequences, individuals may be more understanding about potential partners having student debt. That debt was taken out in the pursuit of education and a better future, after all. Therefore, it's more important how borrowers are dealing with it. Ignorance about balance, interest rate, or payoff projections looks bad. Conversely, being informed and having a plan shows responsibility.

Common advice for student loan borrowers who are trying to make it in the dating world is to focus on a plan when that topic comes up in conversation. That advice applies to other debts, as well. Whether it involves paying off student loans as quickly as possible or making minimum payments while paying down another form of debt, the plan should include concrete steps.

"AFBC clients in the dating world should be able to confidently talk about their own student loan plan," said Molina. "Through AFBC's help, they enrolled in an IDR intended to help them take control of their loans and may have even set them on the path to forgiveness. We hope that any of our clients who may find themselves having a conversation with a potential life partner can communicate their plan effectively and convince the other party that they are more than their debt."

About American Financial Benefits Center

American Financial Benefits Center is a document preparation company that helps clients apply for federal student loan repayment plans that fit their personal financial and student loan situation. Through its strict customer service guidelines, the company strives for the highest levels of honesty and integrity.

AFBC is a member of the Association for Student Loan Relief (AFSLR), and each representative on the phone has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Contact

To learn more about American Financial Benefits Center, please contact:

American Financial Benefits Center

1900 Powell Street #600

Emeryville, CA 94608

1-800-488-1490

[email protected]

Related Links

AFBC home page

SOURCE American Financial Benefits Center