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Easy Grilled Pizza

I’m all about pizza and grilling, so when I can combine the two, it’s a win. The grill gives pizza…
Mango Salsa Salmon

I’m obsessed with salmon, and this Mango Salsa Salmon might be my new favorite! It’s quick, flavorful, and my kids…
Weekly Meal Plan #44

This week’s meal plan is all about keeping things simple and delicious! I’ve rounded up a fresh batch of easy-to-make dinners that’ll…
Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake

Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake is what happens when your favorite fizzy drink meets rich, fudgy chocolate cake, and it’s magic! The…
Frito Chili Pie

Not to be dramatic, but Frito Chili Pie might have saved my sanity. Zero whining, zero leftovers, it was a…
Mother’s Day Breakfast Menu

What mom doesn’t love it when a meal is planned for her? This mother’s day menu plan has recipes that…
One-Pan Creamy Lemon Orzo

Fresh lemons make me so happy! They’re bright, cheerful, and lift me out of the winter rut. Add that citrusy…
Homemade BBQ Seasoning

My homemade BBQ seasoning brings bold, smoky flavor to just about anything! It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and…
Weekly Meal Plan #43

If dinner planned itself, life would be easy. Until then—this week’s meal plan has your back with simple, tasty meals…
Lemon Chicken Casserole

You guys love lemon chicken anything—and honestly, I’m the same. So I had to give you this lemon chicken casserole.…

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The Recipe Critic Delivers Fresh Ideas

Mango Salsa Salmon

I’m obsessed with salmon, and this Mango Salsa Salmon might be my new favorite! It’s quick, flavorful, and my kids…
Weekly Meal Plan #44

This week’s meal plan is all about keeping things simple and delicious! I’ve rounded up a fresh batch of easy-to-make dinners that’ll…
Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake

Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake is what happens when your favorite fizzy drink meets rich, fudgy chocolate cake, and it’s magic! The…

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Student Loan Payments Have Resumed—Here's Why Women May Get the Worst of It

Fact checked by Ward WilliamsLumiNola / Getty Images On average, women take out more student loan debt than men.After a five-year pause, the government is restarting involuntary collections on defaulted federal student loans. The resumption of student loan payments marks a major shift for millions of borrowers, especially women. They carry most of the country's student debt and typically earn less than men, both of which can make repaying loans harder.Key TakeawaysInvoluntary collections on defaulted student loans are resuming after a five-year pause.Women, who held almost two-thirds of all student loan debt in 2021, could be hit harder.Lower earnings, caregiving responsibilities, and racial wage gaps make repayment tougher for many women.Background on Student Loan PaymentsStudent loans were first paused in early 2020 to provide relief during the pandemic. The pause stopped payments and interest on most federal student loans, and it was extended several times under both the first Trump administration and the Biden administration.After over three years, the pause officially ended on Sept. 1, 2023. Borrowers were given a 12-month "on-ramp" period during which missed payments weren't considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or sent to collection agencies. As of May 5, 2025, that grace period has passed.WarningIf you're in student loan default, the government can now garnish your wages or seize your tax refund and Social Security payments.Social and Demographic FactorsWomen held nearly two-thirds of the nation's $1.6 trillion student debt in 2021, according to the American Association of University Women. With collections restarting, many women who relied on the payment pause now risk losing a portion of their paychecks or certain federal benefits if their loans aren't in good standing.Additionally, women often earn less than men, leaving them with fewer resources to repay their debts. Faced with suspended careers and caregiving demands, women take about two years longer to pay off their loans, which are approximately $2,000 higher on average compared to those of their male counterparts. Longer repayment terms and bigger balances also typically lead to paying more in interest.Race adds another dimension to this issue. Black women, for example, borrow more for school than anyone and face a steeper wage gap. A 2022 study from the Education Trust found that 12 years after college, White men had paid off nearly half of their loan balances, while Black women owed 13% more than they’d originally borrowed.The Bottom LineAs collections restart, now is the time for borrowers in default to explore their repayment options. Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and loan forgiveness programs may be able to offer some relief.At the same time, there's still work to be done. Policymakers must take steps to close the gender wage gap and address other systemic issues that cause student debt inequality.