Since federal student loan payments were paused in March 2020, many borrowers have had newfound financial flexibility. Millions of Americans paid other bills, saved for the future and lived, and spent, more freely than their debt would normally allow. For some, the pause simply meant they could afford necessities such as groceries. “With that extra $250, I was able to buy groceries and pay down other debt. … It was really nice to look at my bank account at the end of the month,” joked Misty Gardner-Hajek, 30, who had $26,000 in student loan debt at the beginning of the payment freeze. “I had $12.” 🔗: Click the link in our bio to learn more about how the payment freeze has impacted borrowers. #StudentLoans #StudentLoanForgiveness