Their goal is a peaceful retirement. Up to half a million dollars in student loans is standing in the way.

High student-loan balances are weighing on borrowers' retirement goals.

Courtesy of Amye Cooley, Jordan Hendrickson

• Changes to federal student loans are set to be implemented beginning this summer.
• Borrowers said the uncertainty over changes makes it difficult to plan for retirement.
• Retirees said the debt is taking a financial and emotional toll.

For some, retirement means relaxation. For Jordan Hendrickson, retirement means debt.

"I don't have any retirement savings," Hendrickson...