Latest news with #studentloan
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How AI Can Help The Credit System Handle The Student Debt Crisis
Mike de Vere is CEO of Zest AI. Despite recent headlines, taking out a student loan can sometimes be a good thing. Here's one reason why: For many Americans, taking out a student loan is a rite of passage toward becoming credit-visible. There are no cosigners or credit history required, and they have fixed interest rates with a repayment grace period after graduation. This is a building block for building credit and ideally also produces a meaningful result: getting a college degree. In many cases, the rate of return on a college education remains considerable: Income tends to increase with education, and a college degree is increasingly required to start a career and, in turn, afford a middle-class lifestyle. However, many Americans find themselves swimming in endless student debt. Collectively, Americans owe $1.6 trillion in student loans. And with recent policy changes surrounding repayment plans and student debt forgiveness, we're now seeing the negative financial effects cascading down. Recent student loan delinquencies have led 2.2 million Americans to see their credit score fall by 100 points, and over 1 million saw theirs fall by 150-plus points. Many previously had scores above 620, meaning that for at least a while they've been locked out of a once-accessible credit system. What's more, borrowers are punished (if only temporarily) when they ultimately repay the loan. Even a temporary drop in credit can have negative consequences—it may mean higher interest rates for auto or mortgage loans or even delaying these kinds of major purchases. The Credit Scoring Gap In Student Loan Borrowing Lenders who rely only on traditional scoring models are left with a problem—a costly blind spot due to the traditional credit system's misalignment with student debt realities. Student loans are designed to help people build a better financial future by enabling higher education and by helping them become credit-visible. However, the same loans can end up hurting their creditworthiness, especially under recent repayment and forgiveness policy shifts. This system penalizes borrowers through credit score declines even when they are trying to repay, creating a feedback loop of financial exclusion. Based on the traditional demographics of college attendees, this disproportionately affects younger and lower-income individuals—those who were supposed to benefit from the promise of upward mobility via education. When financial institutions are unable to capture a full picture of each loan applicant, they're unable to see if, for example, a student loan default is an exception for an otherwise great borrower or part of a pattern of missed payments. Let's say an American went to college to become a teacher. He went to a state university, got his teaching credentials and chose an income-based repayment plan that allowed him to accept a lower salary as a teacher but still diligently pay down his debt. When that income-based repayment plan was rescinded, he was no longer able to pay the monthly cost and found himself delinquent. He's still a good financial bet—he had been actively paying a loan down until an unexpected circumstance caused delinquency. But his traditional credit score wouldn't reflect these nuances. When Main Street financial institutions miss these types of borrowers, they're not just denying someone credit—they're missing profitable opportunities. The demand for credit doesn't disappear; it shifts to payday lenders and challenger banks using more sophisticated scoring methods. This exodus of good financial bets costs community-based lenders their market share while simultaneously pushing financially capable Americans toward higher-cost alternatives. AI: More Data Paints A Fuller Picture Despite relying heavily on credit scores for lending, financial institutions still have a ton of data at their disposal within an individual's credit report. While a traditional credit score may only use a handful of variables, artificial intelligence (AI)-automated underwriting can look at hundreds, making stronger associations between them and looking further back into someone's credit report. Take financial institutions like Commonwealth Credit Union, one of my company's clients, that are using AI to help make their lending faster, more accessible and data-driven. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach to lending, their lending team uses AI to take a high-definition look at each individual member's financial history. For instance, one member faced reduced working hours and yet was immediately approved for a $6,000 loan to bridge the gap, thanks to Commonwealth's ability to harness more data. It all boils down to lenders' ability to answer this question: Are these student debt defaults part of a larger pattern of debt, or is it part of an unexpected balance surge? AI can help answer that. Now, the teacher who eventually pays off his loans suddenly doesn't seem like a bad financial bet, since AI can detect that he consistently paid off his loans over a long period of time. When lenders have technology weighing hundreds of variables instead of 10 to 15, a change in just one variable (such as the number of credit lines) doesn't make such a big splash. Instead, it's connected to a wider web of variables, all weighing credit risk and building a case for the borrower. When technology evolves, so does lending. Whether it's the student debt crisis, tariffs or a possible recession, there's always going to be an unfolding challenge that lenders must address. The financial institutions that can steer the course and thrive in these climates are those that can be agile, leverage data and technology, and move beyond outdated scoring methods. They say 'that's the way we've always done it' is the most dangerous phrase in business. The same is true for lending; tomorrow's industry standards won't come from today's playbook. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Overseas Kiwis struggling with massive interest and penalties on unpaid student loans
A student loan borrower who went overseas with a $15,000 loan, called in a tax barrister to help her when the debt ballooned to $70,000. Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton A former IRD prosecutor is calling for changes to the student loan system so that Kiwis living overseas aren't put off coming home because they're worried about being arrested at the border. In April, interest rates for overseas borrowers were lifted from 3.9 percent to 4.9 percent and the late payment interest rate for all borrowers to 8.9 percent. Tax barrister Dave Ananth said this is putting people off returning to New Zealand at a time we should be encouraging skilled people to come home. A pilot who's been living in Australia for over 10 years has racked up a whopping $170,000 in student loan debt, most of it being interest. After completing his training in 2014 he struggled to find work in Aotearoa, so he headed across the ditch, where he worked as a commercial pilot for six years. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and overseas travel all but ground to a halt, he was forced to take a low-paying job in a storage warehouse meaning he struggled to meet his loan payments. The pilot, who Checkpoint has agreed not to name, has since resumed flying for a regional carrier, but worried about an uncertain job market and whether he'd ever pay off his loan. "This loan becomes an ongoing - it becomes a burden and it's not the fact the size of it. There's just no pathway forward as it currently stands." Checkpoint's also spoken to a woman who was unable to come home to see her sick mother as she was scared, she'd be arrested at the border. When she moved to the United States 20 years ago, her student loan debt was around $15,000. That had ballooned to close to $70,000. "When they told me how much penalty fees that I had and that was 10 years ago when I first found out about the penalty fees and that was more than my initial student loan and interest combined, I just was deflated." She received emails from IRD threatening legal action if she didn't pay, but she said she couldn't afford it. "You may think, 'oh no, I'm just going to go to a different country and make all my money there'. "But at some point, in time, when you're older, you're going to want to go back to your roots and see family and friends. I just screwed that up for myself. "Just don't get yourself in this situation like so many of us have where you can't even go home and see family when they're ill. "I've been petrified something's going to happen to my mum and she's going to pass away and I'm not even going to be able to go there." After getting legal help from former IRD prosecutor Dave Ananth, IRD agreed to wipe the penalty fees so she now need only pay the original $15,000 loan and interest. Ananth, who's a tax barrister with the law firm Stace Hammond, agreed there should be penalties for failure to pay but said these should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. "A lot of them are telling me I've not heard from IRD for the last 10 years, but IRD's perspective is it's your obligation, you should contact. "[It's] that sort of 'Who should contact? I'm away, you haven't rung me, there was no emails', that sort of thing. I think both sides need to come to the table." He also wanted better communication between IRD and the student debtor. "There should be a bit of leeway to say, 'Hey, okay you come in, but come back and talk to us and see whether a hardship application can be made, whether you can pay a few $100 for a start and then we can see how you go'." "For a lot of them because the loan has been taken, 15, 20 years ago they've got their head buried in the sand, they don't want to deal with it. So, it creates a lot of anxiety, creates mental stress for a lot of people." In the year to March, there were about 80,000 overseas-based student loan borrowers with overdue repayments - that's an increase of 10 percent on the year before. In total they owed $2.3 billion. Ananth said many people had found the grass wasn't greener overseas. "Everyone doesn't go overseas straight away and then lands in this cushy, $200,000, $300,000 job." He said people working in healthcare, technology, and engineering should be prioritised to help plug gaps in the job market here. Inland Revenue said between 23 January and 7 February this year they had emailed 3502 borrowers with overdue repayments telling them they're being monitored, and that enforcement may be taken against them. That could include being arrested at the New Zealand border. But it said border arrests were a last resort, and it would work with people before taking legal action. One borrower in default had been arrested in the past year. IRD said it could consider remission of late payment interest, but on a case-by-case basis. It said borrowers often did not update their contact details when overseas making it harder for the department to contact them. The student loan base interest rate was increased by one percent in the 2024 Budget and was intended to partially cover the loss in value of the scheme due to recent high inflation. IRD did not set the student loan interest or late payment interest rates. "Student loan interest that has been correctly charged on overseas based borrowers student loan accounts cannot be written off under current legislation, nor can Inland Revenue accept any agreement that voids a borrower's liability to repay this. "We always encourage student loan borrowers to contact us directly to discuss their situation. There is no need to engage the services of a lawyer." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Kiwis worried about arrest over student loan debt crackdowns
law politics 42 minutes ago A former IRD prosecutor is calling for changes to the student loan system so that Kiwis living overseas aren't put off coming home because they're worried about being arrested at the border. In April, interest rates for overseas borrowers was lifted from 3.9% to 4.9% and the late payment interest rate for all borrowers to 8.9%. Tax barrister Dave Ananth says this is putting people off returning to New Zealand at a time we should be encouraging skilled people to come home. Bella Craig reports.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What is student loan default?
Student loan default happens when the borrower does not make payments on their student loan, often for a few months or more. Having a student loan in default can cause your credit score to drop, your income to be garnished and your loan to come due in full immediately. To avoid the worst consequences, you can consider federal student loan rehabilitation or consolidation or negotiate a settlement for private student loans. Student loan default occurs when a borrower fails to pay their loans according to the terms of their loan agreement. The exact timeline varies depending on whether you have federal or private student loans. Defaulting on a student loan has serious consequences. Your entire loan balance may come due immediately, and you could have your wages or social security payments garnished. You will also become ineligible for forbearance, deferment and student loan forgiveness. When you miss your due date, your loan first becomes delinquent. Your student loan will remain delinquent until you pay the amount you owe, qualify for deferment or forbearance, change your repayment plan or enter default. Once your student loan payment is 90 days late, your student loan servicer will report your delinquency to the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. From there, your loan will transition from delinquency to default on a timeline that depends on the type of student loans you have. With federal student loans, your loan is usually considered in default when you don't make your scheduled payments for 270 days. One exception is Perkins Loans, which can be considered default if you miss a single payment. With private student loans, you are usually considered in default after you miss three monthly payments or 90 days total. If your student loans become delinquent or past due, your loan company or servicer will likely notify you. You may receive a notice in the mail, a call from your servicer or an email with details on your late payment. Once your student loans enter default, you should see them listed on your credit reports. You can get free weekly credit reports from the three credit bureaus using You can also log in to the Federal Student Aid website to see the status of your federal student loans, including any information on past-due, delinquent or defaulted amounts. You could face multiple consequences if your loan enters default. Your credit score drops: Missed student loan payments can cause your credit score to drop by more than 100 points. A low credit score and a history of missed payments on your credit report can make it difficult to qualify for a car loan, mortgage or other loan in the future. And if you do qualify, you'll have less favorable interest rates and terms. You owe the entire balance immediately : With federal student loans, your entire unpaid balance and owed interest become immediately due through a process called 'acceleration.' You can have a portion of your income taken: If you default on federal student loans, the government can garnish a portion of your income, tax refund or social security benefits, leaving you with less money to live on. You lose borrower protections and access to federal student aid: Your federal loans will no longer be eligible for deferment or forbearance. You also won't be able to change your repayment plan. Additional federal student aid, like grants, will not be available either. You may be taken to court: Your private loan servicer can take you to court to collect. In addition, you will likely be on the hook for court costs, collection fees, attorney fees and extra costs associated with the collection process. You won't qualify for student loan forgiveness: While you're in default, you will not qualify for student loan forgiveness and any payment made while in default will not count toward forgiveness. However, you can become eligible again once you're out of default. Your academic transcript may be withheld: Your school may withhold your academic transcript until you get your student loans out of default. However, schools aren't allowed to withhold your transcript over defaulted-on federal loans. While all of this takes place, late fees and interest will continue to accrue on your debts, meaning the problem only gets worse — and more expensive. Defaulting on your student loans can impact your life and finances for years to come. If you are concerned that you may default or are having financial challenges, do not ignore the issue. Reach out to your loan servicer proactively and find out about your options for avoiding default. In addition to understanding student loan default, it's important to know how to turn the situation around. If you're already in default, there are ways to get back in good standing. Bankrate insight It is very difficult to get your federal student loans discharged in bankruptcy. Rehabilitation and consolidation are more reliable options. There are three main ways to get your federal student loans out of default: paying your entire loan balance in full, pursuing loan rehabilitation or applying for loan consolidation. Since most people cannot afford to pay their loans off in one lump sum, rehabilitation and consolidation are the only options most can consider. Federal loan rehabilitation starts with contacting your servicer. When you rehabilitate a federal Direct Loan or FFEL loan, you must: Make nine monthly payments as determined by your loan holder, each within 20 days of the due date, and agree to these terms in writing. Make all nine of the agreed-upon payments over 10 consecutive months. The monthly payment you make under loan rehabilitation typically equals 10 or 15 percent of your monthly discretionary income. According to the U.S. Department of Education, discretionary income is 'the difference between your annual income and 150 percent of the poverty guideline for your family size and state of residence.' Your monthly payment during the rehabilitation process could be as low as $5. After you complete rehabilitation, the record of default will be removed from your credit history, though late payments will remain. With federal student loan consolidation, you combine your existing federal student loans into one new one. To qualify for this plan for defaulted loans, you must do one of the following: Agree to enroll your new Direct Consolidation Loan in an income-driven repayment plan. Make three consecutive, voluntary, on-time, full monthly payments on the loan in default before consolidating. This option does not remove your default from your credit record. The rules are different for private student loans. If you have private student loans in default, you may be able to negotiate a settlement on your debt in collections. You could also try to work with your loan servicer to get up to date. Start by reaching out and explaining your situation. Some lenders might allow you to adjust your repayment plan to better fit your budget. Many with unmanageable private student loan debt reach out to a student loan lawyer for help. Another option is working with a certified credit counselor who can help you create a plan to repay your defaulted loans. Once you have taken steps to get your student loans out of default, it's important to avoid making the same mistakes again. Your best move is to make sure you have a monthly payment that you can afford without financial hardship. You can do this by: Looking into income-driven repayment plans that let you pay a percentage of your discretionary income on your loans for 20 to 25 years. Refinancing your student loans with a private lender to secure a lower interest rate and a more affordable payment. Though you should think twice before refinancing federal student loans since it means you'll lose access to federal benefits like income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs. Using a student loan calculator to figure out the best rate, term or repayment plan that creates a monthly payment that comfortably fits into your budget. Also, set yourself up for success when it comes to planning for your student loan payments. This can mean starting a monthly budget that helps you plan for each of your bills and your average expenses, but it can also mean cutting discretionary spending so you have more wiggle room in your budget each month. Finally, you can also consider setting up your student loan payments to be sent in automatically so you never forget to pay. Student loan default carries serious consequences, like harm to your credit and possible wage garnishment. If you have federal student loans, you can get out of default through loan rehabilitation or consolidation. Your options with private student loans vary by lender. Contact your lender or loan servicer immediately to discuss your options if you've defaulted or are in danger of defaulting. If you need help negotiating with your lender or creating a plan to pay off your loans, consider working with a student loan lawyer or credit counselor. Can I remove unpaid student loans from my credit report? Unless you have rehabilitated federal student loans, negative marks caused by unpaid student loans will remain on your reports for at least seven years. Student loans are notoriously difficult to discharge in bankruptcy, and disputing them on your credit reports will not help, either. What happens if I cannot repay student loans? If you cannot repay your student loans now, you may want to look into federal deferment and forbearance. Both let you pause your student loan payments while you get back on your feet. Interest may still accrue during this time, but either type of relief can buy you time. Some private loans may offer deferment or help. It's important to research hardship assistance options when comparing private student loan lenders. Borrowers with these loans can reach out to their lender for relief options and alternative repayment plans. Can you go to jail for student loan default? Generally speaking, you cannot go to jail for defaulting on your student loans. However, your lender can, and likely will, sue you. On top of this, your credit score could take a significant hit, your wages could be garnished and you could end up owing a lot more in fees and interest over the long run. If there is a lawsuit, not complying with the court could result in an arrest warrant. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I moved to Bali as a digital nomad. Life is luxurious even on a budget'
To take part in How I Spend It, please use the form below or email money@ As a thank you, published diarists will receive a £50 Amazon voucher. All our subjects are genuine but anonymous. For years, London was my life. The familiar hum of the city, the vibrant energy, the endless opportunities – I loved it. But over time, that hum began to sound more like a monotonous drone. The pressure of continually climbing the career ladder, the exorbitant cost of living (especially rent for my flat near Camden), and the feeling of being perpetually on a treadmill all started to wear me down. Then, the pandemic hit, and the forced pause made me seriously re-evaluate everything. So, I did what any sane (or perhaps slightly mad) person would do: I let out my flat in London, packed a single suitcase, and became a digital nomad. It felt like a leap of faith, but also an incredibly liberating decision. My parents have always instilled in me a strong work ethic, but also encouraged me to pursue experiences, so they were surprisingly supportive of this unconventional path. I studied Graphic Design at university, graduating with a student loan that I'm still chipping away at each month. My first job out of university was as a junior designer, earning £22,000 annually. I steadily worked my way up, which led to a senior designer role where I was earning £35,000 before I decided to go freelance three years ago. Now, as a freelance graphic designer with primarily UK clients, my income is variable, but I aim for around £4,500 gross per month. This figure also includes the £1,500 I receive from renting out my UK flat, which helps cover my ongoing UK commitments. My monthly outgoings here in Bali are considerably lower, averaging around £2,000, which includes everything from accommodation and food to travel and leisure. My financial goals have shifted significantly. While I'm not actively saving for a house in the UK at the moment – that feels like a goal for a much more distant future – my current focus is on building a solid emergency fund and investing in experiences rather than accumulating material possessions. I aim to put away at least £500-£700 into a flexible savings account each month, though this can vary depending on project flow. I'm also mindful of maintaining a healthy buffer in my business account for quiet periods. I truly believe that investing in travel and new cultures enriches my life in ways that traditional savings accounts can't. It's a different kind of wealth. Monday I woke up to the symphony of nature. The guesthouse is nestled amid rice paddies, so instead of London traffic, I hear roosters, chirping geckos, and the gentle splash of the koi pond. It's incredibly serene, a stark contrast to my previous life. After yoga on my balcony I had a green smoothie for breakfast. I blended spinach, banana, pineapple, and coconut water from the local market (£2). It's incredibly refreshing and a healthy start to the day. I am lucky that the guesthouse offers a communal workspace for £15 a day with complimentary tea and coffee. It's a mix of solo travellers and digital nomads, creating a productive and friendly atmosphere – and the tranquil environment helps me concentrate. The guesthouse itself is a collection of traditional Balinese bungalows surrounding a central garden and pool – it feels like a little oasis. For lunch I went to a nearby family-run eatery that's a local favourite and opted for a mixed rice dish called nasi campur. It's delicious and at £3 the price is incredibly cheap – a real bargain compared to any London lunch! After work I headed out to explore Ubud. I wandered through the bustling local markets, admiring the handcrafted souvenirs and colourful textiles. I resisted buying anything, but it's easy to get carried away here. For just £6 I decided to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. It's a bit chaotic, with hundreds of monkeys roaming freely, and you have to be vigilant with your belongings, but it's undeniably entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud watching their antics – definitely a unique interaction, even if they're just after your sunglasses! Dinner was at a vegan restaurant where I opted for a tempeh curry with brown rice (£8), which was flavourful and satisfying. It's wonderful how many healthy and affordable options there are here. Total spend: £34 Tuesday After a lie-in I bought a selection of local fruits from the market – incredibly sweet mangoes, papayas, and vibrant dragon fruit – and enjoyed them with strong Balinese coffee (total £4). This is a daily pleasure that feels so luxurious for the price. I settled down for a morning in the workspace (£15) before going to lunch (£7) with other digital nomads at a popular hangout spot. We share stories and tips about places to work, best local eats, and visa intricacies. It's a fantastic way to build community and feel less isolated. In the afternoon I treated myself to a traditional Balinese massage for £15. This is a regular 'splurge' for me – but incredibly affordable relaxation. The equivalent at home could cost up to £100. I joined a cooking class learning to make traditional Indonesian dishes like sate lilit and gado-gado. The instructor was hilarious, and it was a hands-on way to understand the local cuisine. Plus, I got to eat everything we made, a good deal for £12 a class. I enjoyed a video call with my best friend back in London before bed, sharing stories of my adventures and getting updates from home. It's important to maintain those connections. Total: £38 Wednesday I decided to take a complete break from work and immerse myself in Balinese culture for the day. After breakfast of coffee and fruit at the guesthouse (£3) I rented a scooter (£7 including petrol) and set off to visit Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred water temple known for its purification rituals. The journey to the temple was an adventure in itself with roads winding through lush rice paddies and small villages, offering breathtaking views. Arrived at Tirta Empul Temple (donation £2). The temple complex is a marvel of Balinese architecture, with intricately carved stone shrines and serene pools. The main attraction is the holy spring, where locals and tourists alike participate in the purification ritual, bathing under the spouts of water. However, I also visited another temple that day – it was beautiful, but sadly absolutely swarming with tourists. It made it difficult to really appreciate the serenity and spiritual significance of the place, which was a shame. I find it's a delicate balance, wanting to see these iconic spots but also wanting to avoid the crowds. Lunch was at a local cafe near the temple where I had gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) and fresh coconut water for £5. After exploring the area surrounding the temples I headed back to the guesthouse and enjoyed a dip in the pool. Dinner at another local spot for just £6. I opted for a flavourful chicken satay with peanut sauce. Total: £23 Thursday Coffee and fruit from the local market for breakfast (£2.50) before I head back to the workspace for the day. For lunch I tried a local cafe that was recommended by another digital nomad, and had a very nice vegetable curry (£6). This place had a lovely, quiet atmosphere perfect for a mid-day break. I decided to take a batik class, learning the traditional art of wax-resist dyeing. I even managed to create a small piece myself – definitely not museum-worthy, but a fun, hands-on cultural experience for £10. Dinner with other digital nomads (£8). We met at a local restaurant, sharing stories and tips while enjoying a delicious meal. Total: £41.50 Friday Another fresh fruit and coffee breakfast (£3) before settling in the workspace (£15) to meet client deadlines. For lunch I went to a local seafood restaurant and enjoyed very good grilled fish (£7). In the afternoon I took a silversmithing class (£15), learning to create my own silver jewellery. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I made a simple ring I'm actually proud of. Earlier in the week, I stumbled across this little market selling the most beautiful hand-carved wooden bowls. I managed to haggle the price down to a steal, which felt like a real win. That's the beauty of Bali, amazing little bargains are everywhere if you know where to look. I was craving something different for dinner so I treated myself to a delicious pizza at a local Italian restaurant for £12. Sometimes you just need a taste of home! Total: £52 Weekend I rented a scooter to explore the surrounding villages. This gives me incredible freedom and is super cost-effective at just £5 and £2 for petrol. This is where you see the real Bali, away from the main tourist hubs. Lunch was at a roadside stall for a plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) and a fresh coconut (£4). These mini-eateries are the best for authentic, cheap eats. I rode to a nearby beach, enjoying the warm sand and clear water (parking is just £1). The journey itself through the lush landscapes is part of the experience. I enjoyed a seafood dinner (£10) at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, watching the sunset. It's still relatively affordable to have a lovely meal with a view. Bali certainly can be very affordable, especially when it comes to delicious food and local transport. However, those tempting villas with private pools, and the occasional urge for Western comforts, do add up. I'm being mindful of my budget, and generally, my cost of living here is significantly lower than what I was paying in London, allowing me to save more than before. I'm not ruling out a return to the UK at some point, but the idea of travelling more is definitely very appealing. Perhaps a mix of both in the future, where I base myself somewhere for a few months and then move on, is the ideal scenario for me. For now, Bali is home.
