Jim Cramer, yes, he of Mad Money, provides guidance to student loan borrowers that might be summed up as the following: If you think you might be late on payments for your student loans, don't run, don't hide, but rather get on the horn and contact your lender to try and work out a payment plan. Given rising default rates, if you contact lenders early you may be able to negotiate a plan until you are on firmer footing. Good advice!