Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast

Post–July 1 Federal Student Loan Updates: SAVE Forbearance Delays, Recertification Strategies, Rate Discounts, and Lawsuit Wins In this episode, we share some unexpectedly-positive updates post the July 1st deadline, including SAVE forbearance potentially being extended for some borrowers until deep into 2027. The episode covers common studentaid.gov application errors, income recertification stra...

EPISODE RESOURCES New Money New Problems Podcast July 1 Deadline Changes, SAVE Ending, New Borrowing Caps, and Myth-Busting In this episode we explore major federal student loan changes tied to the key July 1 deadline and dispels common myths about what's to come. Key updates include new borrowing caps for Parent PLUS loans and the important distinction between a "standard" graduate...

EPISODE RESOURCES Student Aid Website   How to Download and Read Your NSLDS File on StudentAid.gov (and Spot Forgiveness/Credit Errors) As student loan guidelines change and they apply past credit to borrowers' accounts, it's important you know how to review your loan history. In this episode, we discuss how to download and review your NSLDS data file, and easter eggs in the document tha...

EPISODE RESOURCES The Debt Trap The History of Student Loans, Pt. 2 How Student Loans Started: From GI Bill Direct Loans to Federally Backed Bank Loans (1944–1965) During a light week for federal student loans, we replay our very first Escape Student Loan Debt episode on how the student loan system began. Join us as Brenton covers key student debt milestones: the 1944 GI Bill’s uneven access for B...

EPISODE RESOURCES RISE Student Loan Regulations Fact Sheet ...I Just Lost $33,709 Episode Repayment Assistance Plan Explained Finalized DOE Student Loan Rules: New Caps, Repayment Assistance Plan, and Default Rehab Changes (Effective 2026–2027) In this episode we share newly finalized Department of Education regulations tied to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and explain how they may affect stud...

EPISODE RESOURCES Download the updated IDR Guide! Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) Explained: Eligibility, Payment Calculation, Subsidies, and Who Should Use It The episode breaks down the forthcoming Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)! We dig into all the details ranging from who's eligible for RAP, to how Discretionary Income and protected income are thrown out the window when it comes to calcu...

EPISODE RESOURCES SAVE Plan Cancellation Press Release SAVE Plan Timeline Press Release Parent Plus Loan D-Day, Disallowed Student Loan Guidelines and Details on the Immediate Future of the SAVE Plan In this episode, we go through EXTREMELY important details on the future of Parent Plus Loans, and why many borrowers need to take action by April 1st in order to preserve eligibility for student loan...

SAVE Plan Dissolved, April 1 Deadlines, and Growing IDR/PSLF Backlogs This episode shares several student loan updates, led by a higher court directing a lower court to honor a settlement dissolving the SAVE plan, with no timeline yet for moving SAVE borrowers into other repayment options and speculation ranging from IBR to the standard plan.  We also cover the importance of Parent PLUS borrowers...

EPISODE RESOURCES Schools Eligible for Discharge SAVE Plan Court Update, Forbearance Strategy, and a Borrower Defense Deadline Ruling This episode provides an update on the still-unlikely revival of the SAVE repayment plan and what borrowers in SAVE administrative forbearance should consider. SAVE, created by the Biden administration and popular for its low payments and generous forgiveness, remai...

EPISODE RESOURCES RISE Committee Document Federal Student Loan Updates: RISE Committee Proposals, New Borrowing Limits, Parent PLUS Deadlines, and Forgiveness Processing In this episode, we highlight the major proposed changes—including creation of the Repayment Assistance Plan, removal of ICR and PAYE, changes to SAVE, limits on graduate and undergraduate borrowing, and restrictions on Parent PLU...

Optimizing Your Student Loan Payments and Understanding Key Tax Strategies This episode of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast is a dual-cast with The New Money New Problems Podcast to discuss crucial tax strategies for student loan borrowers.  We touch on how Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) impacts Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and explain the significance of above the line tax deductions. Bre...

EPISODE RESOURCES Read the Dept of Ed Announcement on Wage Garnishment Try the Reddit Backdoor Payment Tracker Download our Guide to IDR Plans   Essential Updates on Federal and Private Student Loans: January '26 In this episode of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast, we share updates on federal and private student loans in January 2026. Key topics include the delay of wage garnishments for...

Navigating the Big Beautiful Bill Act: Strategies for Student Loan Borrowers EPISODE RESOURCES The Smart College Buyer Podcast The Smart College Buyer YouTube Check out this replay from our appearance on The Smart College Buyer podcast hosted by Jack Wang. The conversation focuses on changes brought by the Big Beautiful Bill Act and their impact on student loans and financial planning. Key topics...

EPISODE RESOURCES ESLD Guide to Income Driven Repayment Plans SAVE Settlement Details Navigating the End of the SAVE Plan: What's Next for Your Student Loans? In this episode we talk the end of the SAVE Repayment plan and explore the implications for borrowers. Find out who benefits from different Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and the importance of immediately switching plans for those...

EPISODE RESOURCES Principal Samuelson's Business Insider Feature Preparing Children for College and Beyond: A Conversation with Principal Joseph Samuelson In this episode, we talk about exposing your kids to different paths, including ones that may NOT lead to college. We're joined by Principal Joseph Samuelson from Upton, Wyoming, who offers unique perspectives on exposing students to v...

EPISODE RESOURCES Email your stories to hello@brentonsolutions.com ! Smart College Buyer Podcast Connect with Jack Optimizing Your Child's College Journey with Jack Wang In this episode of the New Money, New Problems podcast, we interview special guest Jack Wang, a financial advisor specializing in college planning.  Jack discusses strategies for optimizing your child's journey to colleg...

EPISODE RESOURCES 2025 Tax Tables and Guidelines Eligible HSA and FSA Expenses Eligible Dependent Care FSA Uses Schedule a Private Review Apply for a (FREE) Live Review! Maximizing Employee Benefits to Reduce Student Loan Payments In this episode of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast, we discuss how understanding and utilizing employee benefits, particularly during open enrollment, can positivel...

EPISODE RESOURCES Joint Case Update Essential Updates on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness This episode covers significant recent updates concerning the forgiveness of federal student loans. Key highlights include the impact of the lawsuit between the American Federation of Teachers and the Department of Education on loan forgiveness processes, the phasing out of certain Income Driven Repayment pla...

EPISODE RESOURCES Student Loan Forgiveness Lawsuit Latest OBBBA Student Loan Updates FSA Feedback Portal Joint Consolidation Loan Latest Schedule A LIVE Review Schedule a 1-1 Private Review Impacts of Government Shutdown and Key Updates on Student Loan Forgiveness In this episode, we provide updates on various aspects of federal student loans, focusing on how the ongoing government shutdown may af...

EPISODE RESOURCES Federal Mortgage Student Loan Guidelines Navigating Home Buying with Student Loan Forbearance In this episode, we explore how student loan forbearance affects the home-buying process. We discuss the significance of credit scores on loan structure and the impact of debt-to-income ratios, particularly highlighting how student loans influence these metrics. The episode breaks down h...

Schedule A 1 on 1 Loan Review Apply for a Live (and Free) Review! IDR Class Action Lawsuit When Will Student Loan Payments Restart? Critical Updates on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Strategies In this brief updates episode, the host discusses the latest developments regarding federal student loans. Key highlights include the importance of consolidating loans for certain borrowers...

Essential Updates on Federal Student Loans: Consolidation Risks, Deadlines, and Forgiveness Insights Reddit IDR Payment Count Hack Login to studentaid.gov and type https://studentaid.gov/app/api/nslds/payment-counter/summary as the URL In this episode, several critical updates on federal student loans are discussed. These include the dangers of consolidating loans post-July 1, 2026, the necessity...

In this episode, we review a student loan case whose strategy required changes less than 60 days out from the recording. It highlights the importance of staying updated with legal and policy changes.  For those who want to have their loan strategy reviewed for free on the podcast, they can visit EscapeStudentLoanDebt.com/review . Those seeking a one-on-one session can schedule at EscapeStudentLoan...

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Stanley Tate, a seasoned lawyer specializing in federal and private student loans.  Stanley shares his extensive knowledge and practical advice on managing student loans, including strategic use of forbearances, the unique approach of returning to college, and leveraging the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Act.  He also delves into the potential discharge...

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