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Interactive Brokers Group Employees Should be Aware that the Student Loan Payment Pause was Extended Through January 2022

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How Interactive Brokers Group employees can navigate federal student loan repayment: This article provides a framework for Interactive Brokers Group employees to understand the current federal student loan landscape and make the most of available repayment options and employer benefits, suggests Tyson Mavar, a representative from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, advises Interactive Brokers Group employees with federal student loans to take stock of their current repayment plan and explore the updated options available now that the pandemic-era payment pause has ended.

In this article, we will cover:

The end of the federal student loan payment pause: A summary of the pandemic-era moratorium and what happened when repayment resumed.

The effects on Interactive Brokers Group employees: How the current repayment environment affects both personal and Parent PLUS Loans.

New employer benefits and available programs: What Interactive Brokers Group employees can take advantage of under current law.

Background: The student loan payment pause has ended.

Federal student loan repayment resumed on September 1, 2023, after more than three years of pandemic-era relief. The COVID-19 payment pause, which began in March 2020 under the CARES Act, was extended multiple times. After the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling blocked broad student loan cancellation, the final pause ended and repayment restarted. The Department of Education implemented a one-year on-ramp period through October 2024, during which missed payments did not trigger credit reporting -- but interest continued to accrue. As of late 2024, standard monthly repayment is fully in effect for all Interactive Brokers Group employees with federal student loans.

Interactive Brokers Group employees nearing retirement should be aware that Parent PLUS Loans -- federal loans that parents can take out to help pay for their children's education -- resumed repayment along with all other federal loans in 2023. Income-driven repayment (IDR) options remain available for eligible borrowers. Interactive Brokers Group employees should note, however, that the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan -- introduced in 2023 as the most generous IDR option -- was blocked by federal courts in 2024 and is currently in administrative forbearance while legal challenges are resolved. Time spent in SAVE forbearance does not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and borrowers cannot make qualifying PSLF payments while in the plan. Two other IDR plans -- Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) -- are being phased out and will end in mid-2028. The standard 10-year repayment plan and Income-Based Repayment (IBR) remain fully available.

Does interest accrue during current forbearance periods?

Yes. Unlike the pandemic-era pause, the SAVE administrative forbearance does accrue interest. Interactive Brokers Group employees enrolled in SAVE who are in administrative forbearance may wish to consider voluntary payments to prevent interest buildup.

Do private student loans qualify for income-driven repayment?

No. Interactive Brokers Group employees should remember that private student loans are not eligible for federal IDR plans, PSLF, or federal forbearance protections. Only federal government-held loans -- including Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and FFEL Program loans held by the Department of Education -- are eligible.

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Interactive Brokers Group employees whose employer offers student loan repayment assistance should be aware of a significant development: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the employer benefit allowing companies to contribute up to $5,250 per year toward an employee's student loan repayment on a tax-free basis. This benefit was originally a temporary CARES Act provision. Interactive Brokers Group employees are encouraged to check with their HR department to determine whether this benefit is available and to contact their loan servicer to review their current repayment plan status.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Education. 'Federal Student Loan Payment Restart.' StudentAid.gov, 2023, studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19 .
U.S. Department of Education. 'Repayment Plans.' StudentAid.gov, 2025, studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans .
NPR. 'Federal student loans are changing. Here’s what to expect in 2026.' NPR, December 2025, www.npr.org .
U.S. Congress. One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed July 2025.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. 'Household Debt and Credit Report.' Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Q4 2025, www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc .

What type of retirement savings plan does Interactive Brokers Group offer to its employees?

Interactive Brokers Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Interactive Brokers Group provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interactive Brokers Group provides a matching contribution to eligible employees participating in the 401(k) plan.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

Employees of Interactive Brokers Group typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a certain period of service, as defined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Interactive Brokers Group choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees of Interactive Brokers Group can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

The Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interactive Brokers Group has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

How can employees of Interactive Brokers Group access their 401(k) account information?

Employees of Interactive Brokers Group can access their 401(k) account information through the company’s HR portal or the plan's designated website.

Does Interactive Brokers Group allow loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interactive Brokers Group may allow participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Interactive Brokers Group?

If you leave Interactive Brokers Group, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Interactive Brokers Group plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Interactive Brokers Group 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Pension Plan Details: Years of Service and Age Qualification: Criteria for eligibility. Pension Formula: How pension benefits are calculated. Name of Pension Plan: Official title of the pension plan. 401(k) Plan Details: Eligibility: Who qualifies for the 401(k) plan. Name of the 401(k) Plan: Official title of the 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Interactive Brokers Group has been undergoing restructuring to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. In late 2023, the company announced a reduction in its workforce by approximately 5% as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy. This decision aligns with their focus on improving profitability amid fluctuating market conditions. Source: Bloomberg Importance: Given the current economic uncertainty and market volatility, it is crucial to understand how companies like Interactive Brokers are adapting their workforce strategies. This is important for assessing potential impacts on investment stability and overall financial health

Stock Options (SO): SOs are typically granted to employees as part of their compensation package, giving them the right to buy company stock at a fixed price in the future. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): RSUs are company shares given to employees, which vest over time, meaning employees earn the shares as they remain with the company.

Health Benefits Overview: Interactive Brokers Group's official website often contains a section dedicated to employee benefits, including health insurance options, wellness programs, and other health-related benefits. Healthcare Terms and Acronyms: Common terms may include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and HSA (Health Savings Account).