Student Loan Planner

Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Student Loan Planner's very own Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, sit down to discuss the differences between financial planners, financial coaches, and sales representatives. This is an important conversation that will give you more confidence and clarity when it comes to choosing the right professional to trust with your finances! In today's episode, you'll find out: How planners, coaches, and sales reps overlap, and where their roles differ What to consider when you're being marketed insurance products Why the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard designation to look for How these different professionals are compensated (ex. fee only, fiduciary, etc.) How to find an advisor that can specifically help you with your student loans Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

An earth-shattering report about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program came out a few weeks ago by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). I'm diving in and breaking it down, so you can see just how powerful the PSLF Waiver and IDR Waiver could be if more people knew about it. I'm also sitting down with Taylor, a special guest from the SLP community. As a borrower herself, Taylor's case study illustrates who may or may not benefit from the PSLF or IDR waiver. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why the PSLF report is so shocking (spoiler alert: $145 billion is eligible for immediate forgiveness, but people are missing out – especially teachers) About $8 billion in student loans has been forgiven through the PSLF Waiver The Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Waiver will see billions more being forgiven, but borrowers are still waiting for that to process before seeing any tangible results Taylor's student loan story How Taylor accumulated her loans while pursuing her undergrad degree Taylor's mix of public and private loans from grad school What to expect from the upcoming IDR Waiver Who is eligible for the PSLF Waiver What holds so many teachers and counselors back from taking advantage of the Waiver My fear about millions missing out on this opportunity How you can do your part to spread our message to more people who need it Link mentioned: Waivers for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: Who Would Benefit from Takeup? Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Ken Ruggiero, CEO and Co-founder of Ascent, joins me and we look at his unique journey to founding Ascent, a fintech company that applies a holistic lens to the student loan industry. It's the kind of discussion that's full of diverse insight into governmental policy, first-hand knowledge of the student loan industry's long history and the reflections on the outsized power that higher education lobby wields. Learn how Ascent has been honored by the American Bankers Association for its data- and tech-driven approach that also incorporates educational elements to advance financial literacy, life skills and career support. You'll also get a peek into Ken's emphatic advice: If you're struggling to keep up with payments, don't go into denial. Loan providers are there to help you work it out! In today's episode, we're covering: Ken's professional evolution within the student loan sector over the past two decades A complex understanding of the context for FFEL loans How student loan and FFEL restructuring made Ken step away What events propelled Ken's decision to re-enter the student loan market in 2017 How Ascent grew out of a desire to serve students who have no resources, no credit and no support in funding their education Ken's journey of Ascent's loan portfolio performance and forbearance amidst pandemic Why anyone would use a private student loan in today's environment Why private student loan companies like Ascent exist Refinancing and whether it makes sense to renegotiate your loan, including Ken's advice Ken's explanation of the finer points of Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans, patterns and shifts in borrowing A back-door method of education funding that parents without resources might try Alternatives to student loans that Ken recommends All about Ascent's Bright Futures Engine that integrates student loans with the preparedness and healthy financial habits for students What is peak season and why it matters Links mentioned: Learn about Ascent's Bright Futures Engine Find Ken on LinkedIn Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Pretty much everything regarding student loan debt is in flux right now, so it's a perfect time to get the facts straight and bust some misconceptions. Hopefully, this will ease your mind a bit and empower you to get the assistance you need to go after the debt relief you deserve. Join me in this episode as I break down some popular misconceptions about the PSLF Waiver and IDR Waiver programs, as well as a few other pertinent issues and updates around student loan debt relief, interest capitalization, and more. In today's episode, you'll find out: The major benefits of joining an occupation-specific PSLF Facebook group (check out the links below to join one!) How much student debt could be forgiven for teachers, nurses, social workers, etc through the PSLF Waiver Whether the PSLF Waiver is creating more or less inequality in student loan debt The truth about the most common misconception: You can only benefit from PSLF if you have 120 months (10 years) of credit. The specifics about the Department of Education's IDR Waiver and what it means for you What is Biden's newest proposal to change interest capitalization, when it'll go into effect, and how it will affect loan borrowers What you need to know about our pricing changes that go into effect September 1 Links mentioned: Request an IDR and PSLF waiver webinar for your organization Join a PSLF Facebook Group by Occupation Join the PSLF-Eligible Physicians Facebook Group Use our free student loan calculator Manage your student loans at StudentAid.gov) Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Biden's Student Loan Changes & What They Mean for Your Student Loan Debt The Biden Administration recently came out with a variety of sweeping proposals which are going to impact your student loans in a BIG way. These changes aren't slated to go into effect until July 2023, but they might start even earlier than that. Join me as I break down the new changes to student loans that the Biden Administration proposed and what other changes we can expect from the Department of Education in the near future. In today's episode, you'll find out: How interest capitalization may impact your student loans New changes the Biden Administration made to the PSLF rules How to join our occupation-specific PSLF Facebook group for more support Borrower defense settlement applications, potential benefits and dangers What to do if you feel like your degree gave you no value How the Supreme Court might handle the Borrower Defense settlement Potential updates and impacts of student loan cancellation, payment restart, and more What new information there is about the upcoming IDR Plan Whether these recent changes to student loans will increase the inequality in student loan debt (spoiler: We think so…) If the student loan pause will be extended past August 31st, 2022 Links mentioned: Borrower Defense application Request an IDR and PSLF waiver webinar for your organization 17 Best Physician Home Mortgage Loans in 2022 Use our free student loan calculator Manage Your Student Loans at studentaid.gov Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Washington may be headed into summer vacation doldrums, but for student loan borrowers now – more than ever – is a time to stay alert and informed! I'll start with a deep dive into a proposed settlement in the Borrower Defense to Repayment lawsuit (known as Sweet v. Cardona), outlining the origins of the class action and who stands to receive forgiveness from for-profit schools that marketed through fraudulent means. I'll also give you the latest updates on where PSLF and IDR waivers stand, and why a big announcement related to the student debt pause will likely occur in the next month. Then, I'll wrap up with announcements about Student Loan Planner's exciting new webinar initiative and program changes coming this fall. In today's episode, we're covering: What's it all about? A little background on Sweet v. Cardona What it means that it's a "proposed" settlement (and not yet finalized) The major issue at hand: Should those who were defrauded by scam for-profit universities be forgiven their government loans? What to do if you've already applied for Borrower Defense and what to do if you haven't Updates to the PSLF waiver even though a final decision hasn't yet been made pending determination of executive authority Why I anticipate a big loan announcement in late July/early August Why people are missing out on $50 billion or more available for forgiveness How to get in on our newest initiative of free online info sessions to any groups or associations interested Changes in pricing our pricing structure starting September 1st A recap of refinancing and where it stands right now for borrowers Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Join me in this episode where I answer many of your most popular questions about Income-Driven Repayment waivers, grace periods, reducing your loan repayment amounts, disability and term life insurance, our NEW Student Loan Planner Insurance, and so much more! It's an info-packed episode you won't want to miss, especially if you're a medical professional! In today's episode, you'll find out: Will relief come for spousal joint consolidation loans How PSLFs are changing after the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) waiver announcement. How to know if you're eligible for loan forgiveness on a Standard Tenure Plan Potential problems with loan repayment grace periods after you graduate How to exclude spouse's income to reduce student loan repayments What it's like to go through an adversarial preceding (recommended attorneys & getting relief from a school that closed) How to avoid the June 30th disability insurance sales tactic What important medical professionals need in their disability insurance policy How to know if you need term life insurance Links mentioned: Get Your Own-Occupation Disability Insurance Quote Get and Compare Term Life Insurance Quotes Book a 1 hour consult with us Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Senior Student Loan Advisor Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and one of our newest Student Loan Advisors, Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, discuss a number of relevant topics to student loan borrowers today. Listen as they answer listener questions from the inbox, technicalities about loan repayment (particularly around recertifying for your existing income-based repayment plan) and info about the Limited PSLF Waiver and consolidating your loans for PSLF. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Aidvantage is asking borrowers to recertify for income-based repayment Know when you'll actually need to recertify (not before March 2023!) How recertifying too soon can impact your income-driven repayment amount When we think student loan payments will resuem How to figure out your interest rates on federal student loans What FedLoan Servicing's transfer to MOHELA means for borrowers Where your data is stored (hint… it isn't just your servicer account) What to expect when consolidating your loans for PSLF or the IDR waiver How teachers can avail of PSLF and teacher loan forgiveness at the same time Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

I'm offering a sneak peek into "Dreams Not Debt," our brand-new ultimate guide to creating your very own financial plan. Listen is as I break down the five key crucial elements to keep in mind when putting together your plan (cashflow, taxes, insurance and asset protection, life milestone planning and goals-based investing)⁠ — and share actionable tips on how to optimize each one to help you achieve your unique goals! If you've always wanted to get financial plan but felt like the price was out of reach, or you feel like financial planning doesn't take into account your student loans, this is the course for you — and our podcast listeners can get it for 70% off through Thursday. Check it out at studentloanplanner.com/plan In today's episode, you'll find out: How to calculate your true net worth as a student loan borrower When it might be a good idea to hire an accountant to do your taxes for you The 5 key elements you need: Cashflow, taxes, insurance and asset protection, life milestone planning and goals-based investing About the different types of insurance to consider as part of your financial plan How to navigate the complexities of protecting your assets How to categorize your goals and focus on the right investments to achieve them Links mentioned: Dreams, Not Debt — Build a Financial Plan for Your Best Life Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Society tells us that we can only retire in our 60s. If that's your plan, I think it's great! But you need to know there are more options available than you have ever dreamed possible, and it all comes down to having the right financial planning strategy in place. Of course, that's easier said than done. Listen in as I break down what's wrong with the standard approach to financial planning, and what you can do to chart a course towards your ideal life in as little as a year. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why financial planning isn't only for rich people What's wrong with the standard approach to financial planning The real purpose of financial planning How to use financial planning to live your ideal life in a year Why financial planning is different than financial tools About different roles of financial planners and how the profession has evolved over time Why increasing your income alone doesn't guarantee financial success How to use financial planning tools to your advantage as a student loan borrower Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Too often, we set goals and we never reach them. Why is that? It's most likely because our goals aren't inspiring enough! If your goals haven't inspired you enough to pour your heart and soul into reaching them, let's fix that. Join us, Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, as we talk about how to set inspired financial goals so you can become debt-free and live the abundant life you want to live. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to turn boring, ineffective goals into inspiring, effective goals The power of thinking of possibilities instead of clinging to the "what ifs" How smart, inspired goals positively impact your spending habits Creating the path towards success and goal-setting for your biggest aspirations Why don't I ever reach my goals? How can I become a serial goal-achiever? The importance of focusing on the process over the outcome How to create financial goals that will help you become debt-free The 5 C's of inspired goal-setting Why you need to write down your goals and say them out loud The crucial role of habits in reaching your goals Goals we're currently working towards: Flexible travel options and Lauryn's financial retreat Links mentioned: Sign up for Lauryn's Financial Retreat Growth Day app Atomic Habits by James Clear Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

The Federal Reserve realized they messed up: Inflation wasn't only a temporary setback brought about by the pandemic. Monetary policy was left too loose for too long, and now it's led to the worst inflation in 40 years. This is painful for businesses of all types, big and small—including student loan companies. Many of them have no choice but to pivot or phase out certain products, and some of them go out of business completely. Join me as I talk about the student loan servicers that have been forced to shut down and what all of this means for borrowers. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why the Fed messed up and what they're doing about it How inflation measures up in today's economy The pain student loan companies are facing How the changes are impacting borrowers going for forgiveness What to know about the Nelnet-Great Lakes merger What the multiple student loan pause extensions mean for companies What borrowers need to do to prepare for servicer changes How servicers could fight back against Congress Whether more student loan refinancing companies will shut down What I think about the student loan pause continuing About our latest updates on the IDR waiver and cancellation by Executive Order Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Senior student loan advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, sits down with one of SLP's newest student loan advisors, James Mwombela, CFP®, to discuss the racial wealth divide and how it has impacted Black Americans' ability to create wealth. The basis for today's conversation is a Wall Street Journal article written in August 2021 titled "College Was Supposed to Close the Wealth Gap for Black Americans. The Opposite Happened." In today's episode, you'll find out: Why Black college graduates have a lower net worth in the 2020s than in the 1990s What is net worth and why does it matter Slow income growth and other causes of low net worth for Black households How student loan debt is affecting college graduates now versus 30 years ago How this phenomenon has impacted the lives of young Black graduates today About the history of the racial wealth gap Why homeownership is significantly lower for Black graduates The role of homeownership in wealth building How the lack of financial literacy stops net worth in its tracks Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

I'm breaking down all the fluid elements swirling and often confusing even the most knowledgeable student loan loan experts. There's just so much going on – and the U.S. Department of Education may or may not be concealing a backdoor form of relief via their complex waiver programs. What will happen if cancellation occurs? It's not clear, but it's very likely to end up in a heavy political court challenge just as midterm elections heat up. And we'll be here to help you ride the rapids and optimize whatever opportunities are out there. In today's episode, we're covering: Advice about consolidating Parent Plus loans that parents took out for their two kids The first thing you need to know about Parent Plus loans before figuring out your long-term strategy Whether it's possible to get credit for payments made during in-school deferment President Biden's recent announcement and the pressure he's under with regard to loan forgiveness Possible loan forgiveness for under $50,000, including a means testing approach Results of our biggest-ever survey of more than 6,200 subscribers and listeners about loan forgiveness Why only 47% of borrowers with balances under $50k plan to pursue forgiveness The complete breakdown of demographic insights in terms of what population is going for student loan forgiveness Debt cancellation for people in default on loans of $10,000 or under Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Vastly underreported in the media, the IDR waiver is currently being portrayed as an option for tens of thousands who are eligible for PSLF or income-driven repayment. Join me as I discuss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and how I see this as a way to help millions get forgiveness. Listen in as I break down all you need to know about the IDR waiver! In today's episode, you'll find out: What is the IDR waiver How it's meant to help student loan borrowers Why you need to pay attention to the IDR waiver The potential limitations of the IDR waiver Who could benefit from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity How many people can get immediate cancellation The political and legal headlines I think we'll see because of it Why the current administration is so keen on promising student loan cancellation Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

The temporary PSLF waiver is an amazing opportunity that offers expanded loan forgiveness for a limited time. Learn how you can use your knowledge of this once-in-a-lifetime program to help your friends get forgiveness on their loans before the October 31, 2022, deadline. Plus, I'm answering listener questions to clarify some points of the PSLF waiver, income recertification and Parent PLUS loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why you need to take advantage of the PSLF waiver How to share the PSLF waiver opportunity with your friends Why a student loan consult makes sense for your student debt The new income recertification date you need to know for IDR plans How consolidation can help you get more qualifying payments When consolidation could cause problems Whether or not Parent PLUS loans qualify for the PSLF waiver When double consolidation makes sense for Parent PLUS loans Why being vulnerable when talking about student loan debt matters How best to educate your friends on the temporary waiver Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

With the student loan pause, it's likely that many of you haven't made a payment in quite some time. So, how does repayment work when you're fresh out of school? What do you need to know before starting to pay off your student loans? Join us, Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, as we talk about the basics of student loan repayments while helping you figure out which repayment plan is best for you and how to start paying off your student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: What you need to know about the grace period of student loans. The only reason you should use your loan's grace period. How to figure out which loan payment plan is right for you. Student loan repayment options The 5 types of income-driven repayment plans. The 2 most popular repayment plans What happens when your income changes? Do you have to update your loan? Why you do not want to be late in recertifying your income. How to easily calculate your student loan repayments for free! When to recalculate your payments and recertify your income. When are student loan payments due? Should you enroll in autopay for your student loans? What is a prepayment and when does it make sense to make a prepayment? How do you set up loan exit counseling? Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

There are no guarantees when it comes to the future of federal student loans, but there are some clear data points and indicators — and I'm sharing my views on what will happen next. I'll take questions from listeners and deconstruct several scenarios that could impact student loan repayment as we head into midterm election season. Between the political and practical factors that will determine what happens next, I'll explain why my I think the current pause will extend at least through the end of 2022. You'll also be the first to hear about an exciting new development at Student Loan Planner, which has just expanded its services to offer insurance coverage. With the same ethical approach we've taken to student loan strategies, SLP Insurance LLC will advocate for your best interests, which means providing the best coverage at the best rates. In today's episode, you'll find out: Listener questions about pre-paying loans, refinancing in an atmosphere of overall spiking interest rates, PSLF waivers and how to get creative about certification when your employer changes tax status Will the current student loan pause be extended through the end of the year Why did the Biden Administration choose to extend the pause through August 2022 What I think about a few election season announcements about $10,000 of debt cancellation, a generous new income-based repayment plan, and an IDR waiver What you need to know about Operation Fresh Start What might happen if Congress remains under Democratic control after the midterm elections, and what if the Republicans prevail Our new Student Loan Planner initiative of SLP Insurance LLC How SLP Insurance extends the same ethical approach used to optimize student loan strategies and repayment to grow wealth and security for student loan borrowers and professionals How the agency can help people shop for life and disability insurance Links to topics mentioned: Refinance student loans Get a quote for disability insurance from SLP Insurance LLC Get a quote for life insurance from SLP Insurance LLC Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

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Horror stories about out-of-control college debt are familiar to most of us, but there is a flip side to consider. Shying away from student loans can prove short-sighted, especially if it costs you the ability to focus on studies, network with classmates and pursue career enrichment opportunities. The trick is enlisting the right loans for the right reasons – with a carefully considered plan in place. Learn why our student loan advisor, Sim Terwilliger, has some regrets looking back on how she managed the financing of her long-dreamed-of Ivy League college experience. She and Lauryn Williams, our senior student loan advisor, highlight common misconceptions about debt and how to avoid pitfalls both real and imagined. As Sim sums up: "Yes. Be cautious. Be intentional. But don't be fearful. Let knowledge give you clarity and direction." In today's episode, you'll find out: Undergrad price tags are steep and debt is intimidating, but there are options Colleges offer all kinds of packages, including work-study programs Fear of debt is natural and not a bad thing – but it's important to get educated about it Unpaid internships can be out of reach and impractical for lower-income students The open mouth gets fed: Never shy away from asking for help Only 45% of undergrads at Sim's Ivy League college qualified for need-based grants A Factor to Consider: Being the scholarship kid can feel awkward, even demoralizing If your living circumstance/home life is stressful or unhealthy, loans can be a worthwhile catalyst to change that pays off in the long-term Just $5,000-$7,500 in loans can provide enough flexibility and breathing room to make a real impact on the quality of an overall educational experience Parent-Plus loans are another option for students whose family financial picture doesn't fit the standard financial aid calculus If your estimated family contribution is unrealistic, ask your financial aid office for a reevaluation of specific facts and circumstances FAFSA is the baseline federal student aid application and CSS Profile is for private college consideration Liquidating assets to finance college expenses can be ill-advised for parents approaching retirement age Top 5 reasons that Sim wishes she would have opted for student debt Why federal loans are preferable to private loan options Links to topics mentioned: About Parent-Plus Federal Student Loan opportunities An overview of the federal FAFSA application An overview of the private CSS Profile Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

The loan servicing structure needs to be fixed, but how and why? Join me as I welcome Bobby Matson, CEO and Founder of Payitoff, to talk about why the state of the student loan serving industry is broken and how we might be able to mend it. Without getting overly cynical, we shed light on the incentive structure of student loan servicers, the problems that can arise when student loans are cancelled, and the changes and opportunities in loan servicing you can expect in the next few years. In today's episode, you'll find out: Servicers get paid $25-30 per borrower. What kind of incentive structure does that create? What does Payitoff do and how does it help institutional customers manage and pay off debt? Why did Navient exit the business of loan serving? Why the politics of student loans are brutally cynical right now. Is there a solution? The frustrating problem with cancelling student loans. How student loans systems are increasing disparities in outcomes and increasing defaults, even for communities that need the programs. What you can expect in the next few years: NextGen servicing contract? Will I need to visit my servicer's website in the future? Will I experience service interruptions? Why the loan servicing structure needs to be fixed. Opportunities in educating senators on how federal loans work. Should I reach out to Payitoff for help with debt repayment?

Do you have kids or are you thinking of having kids? Want to know how you can help your children avoid the student loan mess you've had to deal with? Join me and Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia529, as we talk about the benefits of a 529 plan and how to set up a tax advantage education savings plan for your children, even if they don't exist yet. In today's episode, you'll find out: What is a 529 plan and how does it work? What can I use a 529 plan for? How to choose a 529 plan: Cost, investment options, tax advantages, tax deductions, and more. Can I use a 529 plan from a different state? How to use a 529 plan to start a college savings fund for a child who isn't born yet. Can I change the name and the beneficiaries on my 529 plan? How can my friends and family contribute to my 529 account? Tips for reducing and paying off large student loan debts (529 matches can be a game changer!) Why tax season and holidays are great times to start growing a 529 account. Limitations and restrictions of a 529 plan. Is a prepaid 529 plan worth it? How much monthly savings is realistic for saving for college? Stay tuned to SLP to hear from more amazing guests! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, welcomes Student Loan Planner's newest consultants, Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, and James Mwombela, CFP®. Strap in as we get to know Sim and James. The two share their authentic journeys, what motivated them to enter the financial industry, their serendipitous paths to joining SLP, and what they're looking forward to in this new stage of their professional lives. In today's episode, you'll find out: How James came to join the team at SLP Sim's background and the path that led her to SLP What ignited James to join the personal finance community The book that James loves for financial literacy Why financial literacy is woven into every aspect of managing your student loan How Sim's childhood fueled her journey into financial planning Sim's favorite tool to manage her finances How our new consultants were able to overcome recent setbacks in their lives What Sim and James are most looking forward to as SLP's newest consultants Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Senior consultant Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP® joins me to discuss recent developments related to interest rate policy at the heels of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We also cover the impact of subsequent decisions to be made by the Biden administration in the coming months on interest rate policy. In today's episode, you'll find out: What to expect from the housing market this summer as interest rates continue to rise The impact of 1% difference in a mortgage interest rate Why a typical middle-income family might itemize their mortgage interest If we think interest rates will keep rising or remain steady Why interest rates have gone up even before the Russian invasion How to navigate the refinancing market Whether you should refinance now or wait Why most people have suffered more than benefited from the student loan freeze Where we go from here since Russia has invaded Ukraine Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Do you ever wonder why the prices of graduate programs have gone up so drastically over the last few decades? Do you want to know what the TRUE cost of your graduate degree is? Join me as I talk about why the cost of graduate school hasn't gone up as much as you think it has. In today's episode, you'll find out: How competition impacts the cost of tuition Reasons why the cost of graduate school has increased since the 1970s, especially for physical therapy, dentistry, law, vet med and pharmacology How today's employment prospects drives up the cost of college The role of producer surplus and consumer surplus in the context of higher education Why there's no cap on borrower for federal grad loans The difference in borrowing for undergrad and grad school The importance of looking at the present value of your loan payments and how to determine that present value Can medical school graduates and medical specialists get PSLF benefits Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, sit down to discuss common student loan scams. They also share why the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan might just be a great option to consider for borrowers looking to take advantage of the limited PSLF Waiver opportunity. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why you should check the StudentAid.gov site frequently About some of the most common student loan scams Real-life examples of scams our listeners have seen Why scams are likely to increase over the coming months What to look for to avoid being taken advantage of Who should consider the Income-Contingent Repayment plan How the ICR plan may push you much closer to forgiveness, if not immediately get you loan forgiveness Why your PSLF payment count is probably wrong The latest must-knows regarding the limited PSLF waiver

With tax season upon us, I'm sitting down with consultant Lauryn Williams CFP®, CSLP®, to discuss a number of common concerns by both employees and business owners. We cover everything from saving money on taxes in general to what to consider when seeking IBR recertification, all the way to taking advantage of pre-tax accounts. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Lauryn Williams became an Olympian How to recertify for income-based repayment How to save money on taxes as an employee What to know about contributing to pre-tax accounts such as a 401(k) Why borrowers shouldn't worry about unemployment and retirement How to take advantage of a backdoor Roth IRA How to save money on taxes as a business owner What to know about the SEP IRA and the Solo 401(k) if you are self-employed Why it literally pays to hire a tax professional Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Most people have a love-hate relationship with student loans. I'm diving into five reasons why student loans are absolutely worth it. And yes, it's true: There are unique situations in which they may not be worth the plunge. But I'll make the case that, for the majority of folks, student loans may just turn out to be one of the best investments they'll ever make. In today's episode, you'll find out: Whether you qualify for PSLF if you work for a 501a What I think about crypto How Roth compares to 401(k) How to know if student loan debt it worth it Why borrowers shouldn't worry about unemployment and retirement Why negotiating with your employer can open up new opportunities for you Why every borrower should consider starting a business based on their unique skillset How access to better professionals can help you save on taxes How student loans can help you get higher levels of job satisfaction Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, sits down with fellow consultant Meagan Landress, CSLP®, to talk in detail about student loan recertification and PSLF waivers. If you're worried about self-reporting or recertifying your income and how this whole process works when you're on an income-driven plan, this is the episode for you! In today's episode, you'll find out: How to self-report if you're on an income-driven repayment plan Mishaps to self-reporting and how you can avoid them The earliest you'll need to recertify your income on an income driven plan The best way to prepare for the resumption of payments in May 2022 About the latest developments regarding the PSLF waiver What to know about overlapping payments Why borrowers shouldn't worry about the letter they receive from FedLoan Servicing as they go through the consolidation process Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

The major news this week is Navient's $1.85 billion settlement, which involved 40 state attorneys general. I'll give you the rundown of the settlement, what it means and answer the biggest question borrowers want to know: Can you get money from this settlement? In today's episode, you'll find out: What is borrower defense to repayment and why you should apply How to get the most benefit from the PSLF Waiver The background of the Navient lawsuit Why Navient settled the lawsuit The role of Sallie Mae in the Navient lawsuit Navient's predatory lending practices Whether you can get cancelation or a check in the mail from Navient Why Navient is dealing with low-quality debt and what that means for their clients About the damage done to borrowers from the Navient settlement Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Break out your apocalypse gear because a disaster is coming! Just kidding, we're trying to keep things light and optimistic here, but it's difficult when there are so many PSLF challenges people with student loans are still facing. Join me as I discuss the upcoming Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) problem of 2022 and how you can ultimately overcome it. In today's episode, you'll find out: Who is the PSLF Waiver going to help in 2022 and who won't benefit from it? The problem: The inequality and unfairness of how the PSLF Waiver will be applied. Default rates for disadvantaged groups with undergraduate degrees (before the pandemic). How to qualify for the PSLF Waiver and the 2022 deadline you must apply by. Is the PSLF waiver easier or harder to navigate than signing up for income-based repayment? Solutions for this problem: Spread the word and tell your friends!! We're building out tools and resources to help you identify if you can benefit from the PSLF Waiver and how much credit you can get! Stay tuned! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

We can't control the pandemic or public policy, but we can control our actions to dramatically increase our net worth. I'm going to show you and your family a wealth of options for your wealth. Achieving a six-figure net worth seems like a daunting task, especially when you're saddled with student debt. However, I'll prove in this episode that your debt shouldn't be an obstacle as you build your wealth. Listen in and learn why. Find out why... You can't rely on the income you get from a job Passive income (not from side hustles) is key to wealth Your problem is not having assets and not your student debt The truth to growing assets to create options for yourself A six-figure net worth is the key success metric on the road to building your wealth The world of investing is so confusing nowadays and how to navigate it You have an advantage in the 2022 job market as someone with an advanced degree Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

It's 2022, and there's no better year to kickstart your journey to financial independence! One of the keys to making this a reality is a solid investment strategy alongside your student loan strategy. After two years of living in a culture of fear, people are craving for freedom—for autonomy and choice. This could be the year you finally get a taste of that freedom. Listen in as I reflect on the turbulence of the economy over the past two years and offer my thoughts on what to look out for when investing in 2022. In today's episode, you'll find out: How the economy evolved over the past two years Why we need to get past the fear culture with our finances How to invest alongside your student loan debt The key to investing even if you're living paycheck to paycheck Three positives for investing in 2022 Three caution signs for investing in 2022 The best way to act on your craving for freedom How to not let the ups and downs of the market stop you from investing Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Having six figures of student debt to pay off can often make you feel like you're in bad shape, and for good reason. But as SLP consultants Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, explain, you may be doing better than you think. Listen in for a positive, upbeat message and learn how to change your paradigm around your student loans and the various opportunities available right now to help you accomplish your goals. In today's episode, you'll find out: How a simple shift in perspective can help you see that you're closer than you think to paying off your student loans Why an income-driven plan gives you an incredible amount of flexibility in how you design your life and career The power of a positive attitude to overcome significant challenges How to face your fears and finally tackle your student loans The best way to pay as little as possible and eventually take advantage of student loan forgiveness Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Just announced! President Biden extends the pause on student loan payments to May 1, 2022. Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

I reflect on how my wife and I would have approached her student loan strategy differently if given a second chance. Listen as I pick apart a 2015-version of me (who had just started dating my then-girlfriend-now-wife) and the conversations we had around her $124,000 med school loan, and how a seemingly straight path to forgiveness led to a string of complications. Then, I dive into my thoughts on the ongoing negotiations around Temporary Expanded PSLF and how to go about refinancing your loans in the next couple of months. In today's episode, you'll find out: A flashback to my experience with student loans in 2015 How my wife and I lost $200,000 on student loans How to avoid wasting tens if not hundreds of thousands on sub-optimal student loan strategies How the best investment strategies can be more powerful than perfect student loan cancellation or forgiveness What to expect out of Temporary Expanded PSLF in the coming months Who in the government is most likely to uphold their end of the ongoing negotiations to expand PSLF Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

From the PSLF Waiver to the EICR plan to the debt mindset, there's a lot we need to cover regarding student loans and loan forgiveness in 2022 and beyond. Join me as I answer a few listener questions you asked us via our podcast voicemail! I talk about recertification, why it's so hard for undergrads to get student loan forgiveness, how to not feel so trapped by your debt, and more. Let's all take a deep breath and get some answers! In today's episode, you'll find out: How to navigate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver Program: Two of my six student loans were forgiven under the PSLF waiver, but why weren't the other four forgiven when they should've all been qualified? How long will my $0 FedLoan payments last? How do I know when to recertify? What you need to know about the new Expanded Income-Contingent Repayment (EICR) Plan: How will it impact me? Is it only for undergraduate student loans? Why it's so hard for undergrads to get student loan forgiveness. Why does debt make people feel trapped? & How to shift your mindset to feel less trapped by student loans. And more! Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Join Student Loan Planner consultants Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan Landress, CSLP®, to discover what's new and exciting about the PSLF Waiver and the servicer changes. They're sharing what they're seeing "on the ground" with real-life scenarios of the PSLF Waiver and servicer changes happening for borrowers. In today's episode, you'll find out: What's happening to PSLF folks that have moved from FedLoan to Mohela What is the PSLF Waiver and how does it work? How to know if you qualify for PSLF Waiver How temporary is the PSLF Waiver loan forgiveness opportunity? When do you sign up for it? Everything you need to know about the PSLF Help Tool & How to use it to sign up for the waiver What the PSLF recertification process looks like Why would a loan servicer call me? & A real story of this happening to one of our clients Listener Q&A to learn about FFEL loans, forgiveness, recertifying income, and more Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Inflation is the hot topic of the day. Is it here to stay? And does inflation mean income-driven repayment programs are a bad idea? Listen in as I unpack the inflation conundrum as well as the latest news around the PSLF waiver along with updated guidance from the Department of Education. In today's episode, you'll find out: How inflation impacts student loan borrowers The gold standard, inflation, and deflation, and what it means A brief history of inflation and how we got to where we are today The role farmers played in inflation over time What's going on with consumer's balance sheets amid inflation What to expect with IBR when inflation happens Why borrowers who refinance like inflation What you sacrifice in the long-term by aggressively paying off your debt in the short-term Who benefits from inflation Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

The Department of Education recently forgave around $700 million in student loans in a single day. I talk about how the new PSLF Waiver played into that, what it means for student loan forgiveness, and what it means for you and your finances. I also sit down with Ben Martinek, EA, CSLP®, CFP®, of Student Loan Tax Experts. He shares his experience helping student loan borrowers with their taxes and how you and your spouse may be able to save some cash through amended returns. In today's episode, you'll find out: Who the Department of Education is giving forgiveness to and when How to make the right student loan decisions based on your finances and your personality The problem with the tax-bomb after student loan forgiveness and why I think the tax-bomb won't actually happen Why refinancing student loans to a lower interest rate isn't right for everyone The important of planning for unpredictable events in your finances How the current administration decides on student loan policy How to save money by amending tax returns with a three-year lookback period Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

We could see a new student loan repayment plan for borrowers. The old IBR and the new IBR have been around for a while — now, the Biden administration is poised to create a new new IBR tentatively called The Expanded Income-Contingent Repayment (EICR) Plan. Confused? You're not alone. A lot is happening in the world of student loans, and a lot more will continue to happen come 2022 and beyond. Listen in as I cover the ins-and-outs of the EICR Plan, a brief history of how today's set of IBR programs came to be, and what borrowers can do to prepare for potential developments regarding IBR in the near future. In today's episode, you'll find out: A recap of recent student loan-related legislations and executive actions Why the PSLF waiver has a deadline Why I expect a lot of changes in student loans in the next 2 years Why you shouldn't worry about repayment programs going away How the current mess of IBR programs came about What the EICR Plan is How the EICR Plan works and how it could impact borrowers What's new with student loan servicers FedLoan and Aidvantage Updates on the temporary expanded PSLF plan Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Today, I'm joined by Chad Carson, aka Coach Carson. He's a husband, father of two, real estate investor, and world traveler. His message is threefold: Invest in real estate. Retire early. Do what matters. Listen in as Chad and I talk about his best practices for building a robust real estate portfolio and achieving financial independence. In today's episode, you'll find out: Coach Carson's "unusual" background before becoming a real estate investor What to know before buying your first rental property How to qualify for a second mortgage to be able to buy an investment property How to choose which type of property to buy (ex. single vs multifamily) Why big cities tend to be the best places to invest in How to bring down your taxable income as a married couple via your investments How to invest in real estate as a five-figure earner Different ways to invest in real estate Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

There's a lot going on in the world of student loans, from the recent overhaul of the PSLF program to the Federal Reserve's "tapering" of bond purchases and its impact on interest rates. Travis takes on seven listener questions spanning today's big issues. He then goes into the latest on the student loan servicer Navient. In today's episode, you'll find out: How and why to track your PSLF credit for long-term loan forgiveness How to appeal loan consolidations What the PSLF waiver changes are and how to navigate them What your start date is for making PSLF payments Whether to accept a family member's offer to pay off a chunk of your loans or to wait for forgiveness When to get creative with how much PSLF credit you might be able to get If you're missing out on any loopholes with your PSLF waiver How to adjust to Navient handing you off to Maximus/Aidvantage Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

The PSLF expansion took borrowers by surprise. The Biden administration's big announcement of a total overhaul to the PSLF program is a big deal. For a variety of reasons, many borrowers counting on PSLF had payments or loans that previously did not qualify for forgiveness because they could not meet the stringent requirements. The Department of Education effectively wiped out many of the hurdles through October 2022. Listen in and find out how the PSLF expansion can potentially be a life-changing opportunity for public servant borrowers, and what this development could mean for the future of student loans as a whole. In today's episode, you'll find out... Big takeaways from President Biden's Executive Order How to get PSLF credit for payments that didn't count before Why you can get PSLF credit for FFEL loan payments Who benefits from this expansion About the planned "grace period" on October 31, 2022 The Biden administration's legal justifications for the expansion Which employers could become eligible under this overhaul Why the cost of forgiveness will dramatically rise going forward Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Subscribe to the newsletter Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Today's conversation is for the parents out there who are currently navigating the challenges of paying down student loans all while preparing their own kids' future. Do you actually have a solid plan to protect your kids from the massive debt burden you left school with? Listen in as our consultants Molly Laughter, MBA CFA, CFP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, offer actionable strategies and tips for debt-straddled moms and dads. In today's episode, you'll find out... How just $25/month can make a big difference What is a 529 plan and how it can help with college savings 529 savings vs. a prepaid plan and how to choose How grandparents, friends, and others can gift money to a 529 Using community college to save on college costs Why it's better for the whole family to have the kids be involved in conversations regarding school How to handle Parent Plus Loans when you're just a few years from retirement The best money lessons Lauryn learned growing up What to do if you didn't grow up with great money messages Why paying down your loans as fast as possible might not be the smartest strategy for you Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

We've all heard the term "new normal" being used to describe life as we move toward life after the pandemic. But what exactly does that mean for you? How ready are you to seize upcoming opportunities to thrive personally and professionally once the world reopens? Listen in as consultants Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, do a deep dive into measuring your new financial normal, setting goals, and managing your relationships in a post-pandemic world. In today's episode, you'll find out... Why you should measure your new financial normal The free and paid tools to measure your finances Why Lauryn and Dan like YNAB (You Need a Budget) How to get the support of your friends and family How to fund a new small business The best way to measure your small business expenses The importance of setting career goals in the new normal How to accomplish goals while working from home Why now is a great time to explore new careers Why student loans don't have to dictate your career decisions How to travel during the pandemic Steps to unplug from your workplace when taking a vacation Ways to manage relationships today and post-pandemic Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

It's been quite a week for student loans. Navient and FedLoan, two of the biggest student loan servicers have thrown up their hands and said, "We're out." Listen in as I explain what's happening with student loans right now. I'll also talk about the timeline for the servicer transitions and what it might mean for you. I'm excited about what some of these changes can mean for our clients, but I'm also cautious. So, buckle up and let's get started. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why I'm worried even though the changes could be good Why TEPSLF created more problems than it solved The role of the CFPB in servicer accountability My theory about why Navient quit federal student loans Why I'm concerned about Maximus servicing student loans The awesome changes to PSLF the Biden administration is proposing How you might get PSLF even if you don't have qualifying loans Why a process called negotiating rulemaking is a big deal How short- and long-term fixes can benefit you What to expect in the coming months and over the next few years with student loans Links mentioned: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

No one should be forced to keep a job where burnout, stress, and overwork have become the norm. Jessica Medina is a lawyer and Accredited Financial Counselor who helps her clients "build the money habits they need to actually build wealth." Listen in as Jessica shares her own experience leaving a series of prestigious roles in Big Law that she felt trapped in, and her journey to becoming an advocate for other professionals looking to do the same. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why Jessica was drawn to law and how it turned into a career path Jessica's experience working long hours in Big Law while being the mother of two small kids How the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement changed everything How Jessica helps others with FIRE principles into her current work as a counselor Where Jessica's career trajectory would have gone if she had access to PSLF Why Jessica decided to become a financial counselor instead of a financial planner Jessica's advice to risk-averse people (like herself at one point) who want to take the necessary risks to retire early Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan

Student loan loopholes aren't always a good thing. While many loopholes can benefit borrowers by helping them pay less on their student loans, some can end up doing more harm than good. Listen in as I dismantle eight loopholes that actually aren't loopholes, from rolling your student loan into a mortgage or practice loan to borrowing from your parents to relying on your spouse's ability to pay for your tuition and living expenses while at school. In today's episode, you'll find out why these loopholes don't work: How to get your student loan questions answered on the podcast Turn your non-deductible student loan interest into deductible mortgage interest Roll your student loan into your practice loan to get a tax deduction Borrow from your parents or other family members to pay down your student loan Borrow from the Department of Health and Human Services, i.e. Loans for Disadvantaged Students Pay off your student loan with a credit card Use your spouse's money for tuition and living expenses while you're at school Go to a Caribbean medical or vet school instead of waiting for another acceptance Work while you're still in school Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan