Student Loan Planner

Have you ever thought, "wait, is that actually true?" while scrolling financial TikToks at 1 a.m.? We've been there, too, and the advice can be hit or miss. We've spent hours sorting through viral money videos to find six trends that actually contain real wealth-building potential — when you know how to apply them correctly. Learn what these popular money concepts really mean, which parts are legi...

The IDR recertification deadline has been pushed back again — this time, to no sooner than February 2026. And while that might sound like good news on the surface, we know it brings up a ton of questions. That's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode. If you're on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or even thinking about it, tune in as we answer listener questions about what the new exten...

Tax season is back, and while it's no one's favorite time of year, getting ahead of it can save you a ton of stress (and money). We're breaking down tax planning tips, retirement contributions, and the sneaky mistakes that could cost you. Plus, some unexpected tax trivia — turns out, pro athletes and farmers have some wild tax rules. And because we can't talk numbers all the time, we're debating t...

Student loans are a mess right now, no doubt about it. But here's the thing: fear won't help you. I'm sharing a personal story about my struggles with anxiety, why the news cycle makes everything feel worse, and how calling out worst-case scenarios can actually give you more control. Plus, we're diving into the latest survey results from our audience — some frustrating, some shocking, but full of...

There's more turmoil surrounding the Department of Education (ED), with recent government layoffs and speculation about the ED's future making headlines. We're here to analyze what's real, what's political theater, and how these changes could impact student loan borrowers in the coming months. We also discuss the potential fallout from IRS and USAID layoffs, the legal and budget reconciliation upd...

The Department of Education is facing potential shutdown, and a stop work order has stalled loan processing. If you're waiting on repayment plan approvals, PSLF progress, or forgiveness updates, this could directly impact you. We'll break down what's really happening, how this could affect your student loan strategy, and what to do if your application is stuck. Plus, we'll dig into the possibility...

Ever run into a frustrating roadblock with the IRS, the Department of Education, or another federal agency? Most people don't realize they have a direct line to help. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CSLP®, joins us to break down constituent services — a little-known but powerful way to get help with federal financial issues. Plus, Justin Kim-Hummel from SLP Wealth shares insider know-how from h...

The IDR and loan consolidation applications are down, repayment plans are shifting, and court rulings are throwing everything into question. If you're feeling stuck, you're not alone. Learn why the Department of Education is reworking the IDR and PSLF applications, what this means for your loan strategy, and how to make smart decisions despite the chaos. We'll also tackle listener questions about...

Flying by the seat of your pants isn't a great strategy for your own finances, and it's downright risky when it comes to your aging parent's money situation. Many of us millennials and Gen Xers are suddenly realizing our boomer parents might need help, but where do we even start? We have a practical checklist for tackling those awkward money conversations with your parents. We'll guide you through...

The legal battle over the SAVE plan just took another turn. With the injunction now made permanent, what happens next? Learn how this latest court decision affects your repayment plan, the impact on student loan forgiveness, and what it means for current and future borrowers. We'll also cover the legal and legislative angles, what to watch for in the coming months, and how to adjust your student l...

If you've been setting goals but not seeing results, this might be the missing piece. The simple act of writing down your financial goals increases your chances of seeing them through by 33% to 42% compared to those who just keep them in their heads. Learn why writing your goals makes such a difference, and discover simple strategies to make your financial dreams a reality. From the psychology of...

The student loan landscape is a mess — uncertainty, delays, conflicting headlines, and a whole lot of anxiety. Should you switch repayment plans? Are you eligible for PAYE? And how could political changes impact Grad PLUS loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)? We're answering real borrower questions and sharing practical steps you can take right now so you don't get caught off guard by...

This Valentine's Day, we're putting a fun twist on one of the most important (and tricky) parts of any relationship — money. We're playing a game of "Swipe Right or Left" to tackle common financial questions and relationship dynamics, deciding what's worth keeping and what needs to go. From engagement rings and budgeting to investing and prenups, we're sharing personal stories, financial red and g...

A lot of borrowers are concerned about what would happen if the Department of Education gets eliminated. We'll walk through exactly what can and can't change based on the law, from Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans to the impact on your student loans. Plus, I'll give you clear guidance and action steps to prepare your finances. If you're worried about r...

Most people treat insurance as a set-it-and-forget-it expense — but that approach could be costing you. We're going beyond the basics with industry experts Bobby Jackson and Taylor Walker from Rhodes Advisors to unpack the forces driving rising property and casualty (P&C) insurance costs. Y ou'll learn why premiums are climbing, how natural disasters and market trends play a role, and what brokers...

Confirmation battles are heating up, and student loan policy hangs in the balance. Linda McMahon is set to take over the Department of Education, but will her past come back to haunt her? More importantly, who will actually be in charge of student loan decisions? We address why student loans have been on the back burner, what could change, and how much power the Trump administration really has ove...

Personal finance is a journey, and we've spent years guiding clients through its twists and turns. Now, we're sharing the top 10 lessons we've learned — insights that can help you tackle student loans, achieve financial goals, and navigate the emotional side of money. Learn how simplicity can transform your financial plan, why celebrating small wins keeps you on track, and how to stop lifestyle cr...

The first week of a new administration always brings a flurry of activity, but despite a wave of executive orders, the Trump administration hasn't touched student loans… yet. What does this mean for borrowers? Let's unpack the silence and uncover what this lack of immediate action says about the administration's priorities. If you're curious about policy changes or want to stay ahead of the curve,...

The age-old question of renting versus buying takes center stage in this episode as we explore whether the American dream of homeownership lives up to the hype. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth dental team, joins us for a lively debate as we dig into the financial and lifestyle factors that go into this decision, bust some common myths, and help you weigh what's...

With a new Trump administration taking office, the next 100 days could shape the future of student loans in America. We're breaking down what we're watching and what these potential changes could mean for borrowers. Key moments: (01:06) The GOP's budget reconciliation bill and how it could impact borrowers nationwide (03:46) A closer look at the proposal to end time-based forgiveness and require f...

What's next for student loan borrowers in a world of shifting repayment plans and interest rates? Financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down the potential repeal of the SAVE plan and how it could reshape repayment strategies. We explore why PAYE or IBR might take center stage, when refinancing could make sense, and why it's always a case-by-case decision. If you're PSLF...

If you've been wondering how to level up your finances in 2025, we've got you covered. Discover our top 10 strategies to help grow your wealth, including smart investment moves, must-know insurance tips, and how to recession-proof your finances without losing sleep. But it's not just about numbers. We'll talk about how mental health and money intersect, share some personal stories, and give you re...

What's the real difference between being a 1099 contractor and a W2 employee? And who actually decides which one you are — your employer or state law? Financial planner Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, CSLP®, CBDA, joins us to unpack the distinctions between these classifications and what they mean for your career, finances, and legal obligations. You'll learn the IRS guidelines that determine your status, th...

We'll look ahead at major changes in student loan repayments under the new Trump administration, with potential IDR recertification deadlines and implications of the 8th Circuit's decisions. Plus, I'll share a personal story about an investment mistake that cost me thousands and tips so that it doesn't happen to you. Key moments: (01:28) Student loan collections are restarting: what it means for y...

Is it possible to buy a home without a credit score? We're joined by special guest Steve Stewart, podcast editor, who shares how he moved his family to Colorado and secured a mortgage without a traditional credit score. Steve, who hasn't opened a credit account since 2008, reveals tools and strategies for documenting payment history, navigating homeownership as a single-income household, and overc...