Hello,

I just got my 'end of program' letter. Yay!

The letter says that AES/SunTrust has bought the loan. I got a call from SunTrust last week, which I thought was related to a new checking account I opened there, but now I figure must have been from their SL division. I'm playing phone tag with that caller, but I have some questions that I'm hoping someone here can answer.

Do I have to leave these loans with SunTrust or can I consolidate with a different lender?

If that's a possibility, then is there any reason I should do so? I have the idea in my head that I should consolidate with Direct Loans, but I don't know why I have that idea. Thoughts?

My SLs are so old that they do not show on my credit report. I'm nervous that once the new TL appears, my credit reports will show some information on my past history of non-payment. Should I be worried or not?

Thanks to everyone here, especially Lynn and Cynic, for answering my questions these past nine months. My student loan wake-up call (threat of garnishment) turned out to be a great thing for me. After 20+ years of avoiding my debt, I had no credit or credit file. In the past nine months, I've rehabbed this loan, bought a residence, got a few credit cards, renovated my kitchen using credit for some of it (and paid off that debt), made some investments, and now have a 'fair' credit score -- but it's moving up!

Congrats!!

Direct Loans has the most flexible repayment terms, especially if you experience financial difficulties down the line. I'd definitely look into consolidating with them.

As far as the new tradeline, it's just that - a new tradeline. None of the negative information from your previous loan will be reported in it.

Again, congrats and great work!

Great! Thanks for the info!