Stanley details why the ‘student loan problem’ in the United States is actually a family problem. Parents are at as much, if not more, risk than our student population. Is paying ‘cash for college’ the solution? (Ideally but not realistic for 90% of the population.) Instead, we should know exactly what we are up against and have a plan entering this distribution stage of our lives. The debt was created out of a desire for education. Using that same drive and passion, we need to own our part, be responsible with our resources, seek information outside of tradition, and rely on ourselves alone to pay it back. This can either be a speed bump along the way, an investment in yourself, or a tumor that impacts us the rest of our lives. It all depends on how you plan for it and having the discipline to follow up on your plan. First step? Understand the rules, timing (payoff schedule and potential earnings), and how to manage it in bite-sized pieces.