u/Firm_Buy8862

Total novice ready to begin smoking...would like to have some versatility in cooking directly over the coals for burgers, hot dogs, etc. and some flexibility in capacity for more than 2 people, which both should easily handle. Coming down to Orion 3.0 or the Weber Smokey Mountain but wanted to take this group's temperature (pun intended) about which was better? I've read some negatives about the old Orion including rubbery texture, etc, but the 3.0 looks configured closer to the WSM and I like the fact that the Orion seems to be "set it and forget it" and largely idiotproof for a newbie. WSM seems to be an old stand-by that stands up to anything you throw at it that everyone raves about. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

I have always been in the IDR plan. In October 2024, I submitted an income recertification per MOHELA's request anticipating that my monthly payment could double due to my partner's income and our jointly filed taxes. I continued to make my monthly payments during this time period while our income was recertified.

In May 2025, MOHELA sent me a letter saying my loans were placed in a forbearance because it had been more than 60 days since I submitted my IDR application/the payments I make during this period would not count toward PSLF, etc. I continued to make my monthly payments.

In September 2025, MOHELA sent me a notification that my plan request was rejected (which was never really explained) and that I was being placed into the SAVE forbearance. With the exception of two months because of the shutdown, I have continued to make my monthly payments at the old rate while remaining in the forbearance. I have done all of this to keep the interest on these loans from spiraling while the SAVE debacle plays out. According to DOE, my last qualifying payment was in March 2025 at 100/120.

Here is my question: Once I hit 120, which should be in December 2026 can I apply to "buyback" the months since March 2025 where I made payments at my lower rate to keep the interest in check or am I just screwed because I made a payment during these months?