[Updated as of 9/27/18: Removed outdated savings calculation information.]
A recent SoFi member survey suggests that over a third of millennials have lost sleep over their student loan debt; 15% have sought care from mental health professionals because of student debt anxiety
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – November 7, 2017 – On the heels of the end of most new college graduates’ student loan repayment grace period, SoFi today announced its first-ever Refi and Relax campaign, which aims to educate graduates on their refinancing options as a way to relieve the overwhelming stress that comes with carrying student debt.
“We hear everyday from people with student debt that it feels like an anchor weighing them down from achieving other goals,” said Joanne Bradford, chief marketing officer of SoFi. “There are millions of people who could take advantage of refinancing their student loans to lessen their burden that just don’t even know it’s an option for them.”
Student loan debt is a large source of anxiety and stress for many young Americans. According to a recent SoFi member survey of over 1,200 respondents, eighty three percent shared that they’ve felt like they couldn’t relax due to the burden of the debt. Fifty percent of people dealing with student loan debt reported feeling anxious and/or depressed, and fifteen percent of respondents went so far as to talk with a mental health professional about the stress of their student debt.
Over a third of respondents have reported losing sleep due to student loan debt. Seventy five percent of respondents shared that they would give up social media if it meant their student loans would disappear. Forty percent of respondents said they would stay at a job that they hate because of student loan debt. Another twenty percent are willing to take even more dramatic measures by sacrificing a finger or toe in exchange for erasing their student loans.
Americans currently owe over $1.34 trillion in student loan debt, about $319 billion more than total credit card debt, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s August 2017 report.
Refi and Relax will comprise of a robust social media advertising campaign (#RefiandRelax), in addition to a members-only launch party in New York exclusively for those who recently refinanced their loans. On November 7, to give SoFi members a night off to unwind, the event will be dedicated to utmost relaxation, with manicures from GlamSquad, playtime with Socials Tees puppies, premium giveaways, and more.
About SoFi
SoFi is a new kind of finance company taking a radical approach to lending, wealth management and insurance. From unprecedented products and tools to faster service and open conversations, we’re all about helping our members get ahead and find success. Whether they’re looking to buy a home, save money on student loans, ascend in their careers, or invest in the future, the SoFi community works to empower our members to accomplish the goals they set and achieve financial greatness as a result. For more information, visit SoFi.com.
Contact
Danika Owsley
Director of Consumer Communications