It's now a $1.64 trillion problem that has increased over 120% since 2009. Student loan balances equate to 7.6% of GDP. That's up from 5.1% a decade ago.

Much of the millennial generation has insurmountable student debts that have prevented them from family formation, home buying, and growing savings. This has severely weighed on the economy, but it appears relief could be on the way, paid for by the U.S. taxpayer.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said this week that a $207.4 billion student loan forgiveness program would help Americans who are unable to pay their debt through 2029.