Shame is "the overwhelming theme," a WNYC podcast host says.

I've got a fair amount of student loans. I've also got a good job as a college professor, and I will be able to pay them off eventually. But I'm concerned about my wife. If something should happen, do student loans transfer to a spouse or do they stick with me? Rudolf, Providence, RI

The student loan debt burden is getting worse. The epicenter of trouble is so-called private student loans. It's time to take action on private student loans.

My fiancée has a student loan that defaulted but is now paying on it every month. She has been told that it can't be rehabbed because of the default (even though others that have defaulted can rehab a second time). She doesn't make that much money, and she is filing bankruptcy because of various debts. She knows she can't bankrupt the student loan. What are the options other than making regular monthly payments, or not paying? Brian, Waterville, ME