Student Loan Planner

Student loan repayment plans are in chaos. From the PAYE and ICR confusion to the ongoing servicer challenges, borrowers face an overwhelming mess. We break down what's happening, what changes might be coming, and how to stay ahead in an unpredictable system. On the investing side, we're tackling the dominance of U.S. stocks since 2008, asking whether their reign is coming to an end. We'll explore...

The clock is ticking on the double consolidation loophole for Parent PLUS Loans, which closes in July 2025. Learn what this change means, why borrowers must act quickly, and how to make the most of the remaining time. We'll tackle the big questions: Should you file taxes jointly or separately? How do Medicare penalties and student loan repayments overlap? And what strategies can help you maximize...

This episode is packed with answers to listener questions about student loans. From Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules to spousal consolidation loans, we're covering real-life scenarios that borrowers face every day. Wondering how family size changes affect payments or what to make of new repayment plans? We've got you. Tune in for practical advice, expert tips, and answers to the questions you...

The shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO is a tragic story that highlights deeper issues within the health insurance industry — wealth, greed, inequality, and power dynamics — and raises important questions about the prioritization of profits over patient care. We're taking a closer look at the broader implications of this event and its ties to the systemic challenges healthcare professionals...

The PSLF buyback program could be the key to reaching forgiveness faster, but there's a catch. You must use exact language in your reconsideration request, or it won't count. Without it, your request might be dismissed as just an inquiry — seriously. We break down everything you need to know about PSLF buyback, including the steps to get your application right the first time, how this program came...

Social media is overflowing with flashy trends and hyped-up advice, making it easy to feel like you're missing out. From "get rich quick" schemes to so-called success shortcuts, the constant FOMO can lead to bad financial habits and second-guessing your decisions. We're exposing the trends that claim to help but actually hold you back. Discover how harmful financial behaviors and misleading invest...

Over the past four years, student loans have been at the center of some of the most dramatic changes we've ever seen — both good and bad. We'll explore the Biden administration's legislative and executive actions, such as making student loan forgiveness tax-free through the American Rescue Plan, the PSLF waiver, and the introduction of the SAVE plan. Along the way, we'll unpack the political press...

Roth IRAs are a fantastic tool for building tax-free retirement wealth, but they're not without their pitfalls. Uncover common Roth IRA mistakes, like contributing too much, missing key deadlines, or triggering taxes you didn't expect — and how to avoid them. Already made a misstep? Don't worry. We'll walk you through how to fix these mistakes, from recharacterizing contributions and correcting ex...

If you're counting down your final PSLF payments and feeling like you're losing your mind with all the uncertainty, this episode is for you. We'll tackle what's actually worth worrying about when you're close to forgiveness, explore strategies for navigating the final stretch, dig into the PSLF buyback situation, and cover what you need to know about potential new repayment plans and legislative c...

Stuck in holiday traffic? Make the most of your travel time with our curated collection of student loan resources perfect for your commute. We'll explore the latest Pay As You Earn (PAYE) rumors, tackle tricky PSLF payment count challenges, and share a simple yet effective tool to estimate your IDR forgiveness progress while we wait for the Department of Education's much-anticipated tracker. Key m...

The last few weeks have been a lot — election chaos, tensions running high, and now Thanksgiving is knocking on the door. If the thought of sitting at the table with family members who have very different opinions makes you cringe, you're not alone. We've brainstormed tons of fun and unconventional methods to sidestep political tension, avoid unnecessary drama, and maybe even have a little fun. Pl...

It's an unlikely scenario, but the possibility of President Trump abolishing the Department of Education in his second term is a hot topic that's sparked questions and concerns among student loan borrowers. We'll explore what that might mean, unpack the fears and anxieties expressed by our listeners, and provide context around the policy implications. Plus, stick around for our "listener mailbag,"...

Ready to turn up the heat on your finances before 2024 comes to a close? We've packed this episode with 15 savvy, high-impact financial moves to help you finish the year on top. From maxing out retirement contributions and exploring tax loss harvesting to utilizing backdoor Roth strategies and refinancing high-interest debt, we're covering it all. We'll also discuss year-end must-dos like reviewin...

With Trump's unexpected victory in the popular vote and key swing states, and a likely Republican majority in Congress, significant changes to student loan policies may be on the horizon. We'll look at possible shifts in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that could make it harder to qualify, and the potential elimination of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. We'll discuss recent...

Could your tax filing status save you thousands on student loan payments? You're about to find out. We're discussing how choosing to file jointly or separately can impact your student loan repayment strategy. You'll hear about real-world scenarios, from high-income couples evaluating their tax implications to the strategic benefits of filing separately in community property states. Plus, we'll exp...

Have you ever wished you could give your debt — and even your degree — back? The weight of student loans is no joke, but returning it won't improve your life. The truth? You're underestimating the position you're in. A professional degree offers more job security, higher income potential, and better protection during economic downturns. Stop beating yourself up and start recognizing the smart fina...

Bringing a child into the world is one of life's greatest joys — and one of its biggest financial commitments. With so much to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Learn real-life insights, personal stories, expert advice and practical tips to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Key moments: 09:13 Health insurance coverage, costs, co-pays and coinsurance explained 14:44 How to tak...

The SAVE lawsuit hearing did NOT go well for borrowers. What happens if SAVE was ruled to be unconstitutional along with the ICR statute? In this episode, we will share more about the challenges the SAVE plan is facing and what borrowers should consider up ahead. Key moments include 01:30 What are the current SAVE lawsuits? 04:50 Student loan uncertainty causing statute confusion 12:35 SAVE plan f...

Think you're making the most of your health benefits? It's open enrollment, and we're decoding everything you need to know, from why HSAs are the most overlooked investment vehicle to the surprising perks hiding in your benefits package. In today's episode: 01:58 Making sense of health insurance HMOs, PPOs, high-deductible health plans, and HSAs 20:57 The big issue with group life insurance and di...

If you graduated back in May, your student loan grace period is about to expire. Get the inside track to navigate this new financial responsibility and manage recertification details. You'll also find out the latest updates on forbearance options, hear success stories of borrowers who've benefited from payment recalculations and plan switches, and explore possible loopholes that might emerge if SA...

We're exploring spending and creative shopping tips beyond the age-old advice of setting a holiday budget. Get tips you can actually use to keep your finances in check from Halloween to the new year. In this episode: 01:47 Hidden holiday costs and how to catch up after a really expensive month 12:18 Shopping tips for Halloween candy and costumes and nailing the lowest price on gifts 23:23 Get craf...

Imagine a world where the SAVE plan is struck down by the courts, taking various income-driven repayment (IDR) plans with it and leaving millions of borrowers scrambling. This worst-case scenario could block hundreds of thousands from accessing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and introduce massive complications for those on IDR plans. But don't worry, I'll break down this doomsday scenario,...

Reddit is a valuable yet risky source of information for student loans. Listen in to get actionable advice for real-life scenarios as we react to what people are saying about money online. In today's episode: 10:43 Navigating private loan lawsuits, bankruptcies, and strategic defaults 17:12 Reverse mortgage for a vacation: Good idea or bad move? 27:06 Not every choice is about money 39:32 Seeing f...

After months of waiting, the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) application is live again! But with all the changes, options, and deadlines, where do you start? Learn the steps you should take if you're considering switching repayment plans, the implications for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and how to navigate the updated requirements for loan consolidations and recertifications. In today's...