Just be careful about what you commit to do under repayment plans especially if you are negotiating on your own. They are watching out for their interests. Make sure you watch out for yours. It's possible to pay and pay and pay and never make any progress. And for gawd sakes don't take out loans to pay other loans and NEVER cash out retirement to pay debt - it's a protected asset. If you've got a lot going on then I would suggest a debt counseling, a financial guru, an accountant, or even a bankruptcy attorney (yes, sometimes a fresh start is better than drowning year after year in red ink).

(Look at my sig. I've been there - and I'm never going back.)

"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." Thich Nhat Hanh