Loans – Former college student concerned $600 stimulus checks are not enough

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) — As 2021 begins, stimulus checks are starting to roll in to help give people some relief. 

But what about former college students needing some help to pay off student loans?

Fort Wayne’s NBC News talked with Myles Trowell, who graduated from Indiana University in 2018. His student loan payments are coming up at the end of the month. 

He told Fort Wayne’s NBC News he’s worried the stimulus payments won’t be enough. 

Trowell told Fort Wayne’s NBC News he works in health administration but it’s still hard at times to get by.

However, Trowell says he’s still grateful for the financial even though life during the pandemic has been difficult for him. 

“If I were to get $600 right now, it will definitely be helpful,” he said.

 Trowell says he hasn’t received his stimulus check yet, but he says he’s worried about being able to pay off some of his debts.  

For the past several months, interest on student loan payments took a pause. 

However, the current student loan forbearance is scheduled to end January 31. 

Trowell says he’s concerned about his loan. But he told Fort Wayne’s NBC News he has other expenses he needs to cover first, including helping his family with groceries. 

“Unfortunately, this time around, I’m only going to be able to pay for the things I still have to pay for,” he said. “I won’t be able to make any student loan payments.” 

Trowell says the $600 payments are not enough, especially for many Americans who have been hit hard by the pandemic. 

“I’m not worried about myself,” he said. “I’m worried about the American people and how they’ve been cut short.” 

Trowell says there are so many people who are struggling during this pandemic, and they all need more help. 

“Everybody needs individually as much money as they can and make sure they can pay student loans and take care of everything else they would be able to take care of,” he said.