The return of federal student loan payments in October has the potential to derail your finances, especially if you’re already struggling with credit card payments. One in five student loan borrowers have risk factors that suggest they could struggle with student loan payments when they resume, according to a June blog post at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The impact won’t be as significant during the initial 12-month student loan on-ramp period from Oct. 1 to Sept 30, 2024.