A recent report shows 56 percent of millennials with current or past student loans have delayed major life events because of their debt, compared with 43 percent of older adults, according to a new Bankrate.com study. Buying a home is the most common event people have delayed due to student debt, trailed closely by saving for retirement and buying a car.
While student loan debt has hit millennials hardest in terms of delaying major life events, the Bankrate.com survey found that just 28 percent of 18-29 year-olds have ever had student loan debt, compared with 41 percent of 30-49 year-olds.
“Student debt is often portrayed strictly as a millennial issue, but the truth is that Americans of all ages have put their lives on hold due to student debt,” says Steve Pounds, Bankrate.com analyst. “Delaying major life milestones such as buying a home or saving for retirement doesn’t only affect the individual and his or her family; it also has ill effects on the overall economy.”
More than half of student loan borrowers say they didn’t receive enough information or advice about the financial risks of taking on education loans. 66 percent of millennials, more than any other age group, have this complaint.
Consumers can use the free debt management calculator at myBankrate.com to develop a payment plan. myBankrate.com also offers several other free resources that help consumers track their credit scores and plan for future financial goals.
The survey was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI) and can be seen in its entirety here.
