Human Coaching or Automated Tools? Why Our Loan Advisors Still Pick Up the Phone

In today’s digital world, it’s tempting to think automation is the answer to everything. And for many services, that’s true—automated tools can make tasks faster, easier, and more scalable. But when it comes to something as personal and life-altering as student loan forgiveness or choosing the right repayment plan, sometimes you need more than just an app. You need a person.

At PeopleJoy, we believe that human-centered financial wellness makes all the difference, especially when navigating complex student loan programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or the now-paused SAVE Plan. That’s why we don’t just offer automated resources—we offer real student loan advisors who still pick up the phone and meet employees where they are.

Why It Matters: Automation Can Miss What Humans Catch

Competitors like FutureFuel.io, Summer, Candidly, and Tuition.io have built excellent reputations for their automation and self-serve tools. These platforms help borrowers understand their student loan options, apply for income-driven repayment plans, and even track PSLF progress. But at times, borrowers can feel like they’re working with a system, not a partner.

For example, when determining whether the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plan or Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is a better fit, the decision isn’t just about the lowest payment today—it’s about a borrower’s long-term forgiveness strategy. At PeopleJoy, our advisors analyze each individual’s full financial picture, career path, and forgiveness goals before mapping out a personalized plan.

Rather than relying on generic calculators or preset recommendations, our team proactively builds a forgiveness-first roadmap that accounts for factors like:

• Whether a borrower is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness
  
• Their long-term income trajectory and tax filing status
  
• Opportunities to consolidate or separate loans for optimal forgiveness tracking
  

This level of strategy requires a trained expert who understands the nuances of federal loan policy and can tailor guidance to real life—something that automated systems often miss.
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Real People, Real Results: Our Student Loan Advisors in Action

Our employer student loan repayment clients—particularly in healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors—often tell us how comforting it is to speak to a real person about their options.

Just a year ago, one borrower came to PeopleJoy with $232,000 in student loan debt—and in default. Her financial future was uncertain, with a damaged credit score and the threat of wage garnishment looming.

That changed when she partnered with a PeopleJoy advisor.

With personalized guidance, she:

• Brought her loans out of default, restoring forgiveness eligibility
  
• Lowered her monthly payment from $1,033 to just $251 through an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan
  
• Improved her credit score by 30 points
  
• Avoided wage garnishment and regained financial control

Our advisor built a clear forgiveness strategy—consolidating her loans, enrolling her in the right IDR plan, certifying three public service employers, and submitting her final Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) application.

The result?
In just 12 months, her $232,000 in student loans were fully forgiven.

This is what real, human-centered student loan repayment assistance looks like. Not just automation—but strategic, compassionate support that changes lives.

Balancing Tech + Human Touch: A Hybrid Model That Works

To be clear, we’re not against automation. In fact, PeopleJoy’s platform includes secure portals, automated PSLF tracking, compliance dashboards for HR, and robust employee self-service options. But what sets us apart from other student loan repayment benefits platforms is that we don’t stop there.

Whether an employee is:

• Choosing between Standard vs. PAYE or ICR
  
• Deciding to consolidate Parent PLUS loans for PSLF eligibility
  
• Navigating repayment post-graduation
  
• Trying to optimize employer student loan repayment benefits or tuition reimbursement

… they always have the option to speak to a real advisor—someone who understands the financial and emotional landscape.

Employers: This Is About More Than Benefits—It’s About Retention

In a competitive hiring landscape, employers are looking for ways to reduce hospital staff turnover, retain teachers, and boost financial wellness across their workforce. Offering PSLF support or student loan repayment assistance is one step. Offering live, empathetic guidance through PeopleJoy makes it a game-changer.

Companies who only offer a self-guided experience may see usage rates falter. But when your employees know a human is on the other end of the line, they show up—and they stay.

People First, Technology Supported

Student loan forgiveness isn’t just about eligibility—it’s about empowerment. At PeopleJoy, we combine innovative tech with human coaching that actually listens, so your employees don’t have to navigate it all alone.

Whether you're a benefits leader evaluating vendors or an employee overwhelmed by options, know this: We’ll be here, and yes, we’ll still pick up the phone.
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Ready to bring real student loan support to your workforce?

Book a demo to learn how PeopleJoy can drive results through personalized student loan coaching, PSLF guidance, and employer-backed repayment assistance.