raingirl
Jan 3 2009, 04:16 PM
I can't say I've had any success with SM on reporting but over the last three years since finding CB and listening to the advice given, I've been able to rehab and successful reenter school with SL's.
One of the things showing on my credit is three SM collection accounts, a year ago there were six.
I'm not sure why they fell off and (fingers crossed) they don't show up again.
While it is bad to have them on there, having just those since I have three years of good SL history now seems to not be making much of a difference and I have no problem explaining the lessons I've learned to creditors.
As for consolidating, I went with an organization here locally.
One of the things I learned is like everything else, sometimes having a personal relationship with a local organization is worth it's weight in gold when something happens. Like when a payment went through accidentally two days early and put my bank account into negative shock! I went physically to the building and they were able to get it fixed that day, working with my bank. That kind of service I like to pay for and know in larger companies I may get a better (lower) fixed rate but are they going to help me or let me call them 7 times and be shuffled around? (Just my 2 cents worth).
Good luck and if you get them off, let us know.
DragonFlyer
Jan 3 2009, 05:03 PM
DH consolidated his SM loans with Direct Loan Servicing (William D. Ford program). Once they were pulled out of default with the DLS consolidation, they reported as CLEAN and no lates on SM! YMMV.
I recommend going to: www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov and see about getting them consolidated. Once they are pulled into consolidation, contact the lender that did the consolidation (ie William D. Ford or whatever program picks you up) and ask about any deferments or programs they have to help with the repayment.
I hope that helps...