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Student Loan Planner

Student Loan Planner

456 episodes — Page 7 of 10

Ep 155What We Know About the New New IBR

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

Nov 16, 202146 min

Ep 154Financial Freedom by Investing in Real Estate with Coach Carson

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

Nov 9, 202150 min

Ep 153Navient is Gone

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

Nov 2, 202141 min

Ep 152The Biggest PSLF Expansion in History

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

Oct 26, 202148 min

Ep 151How To Protect the Next Generation from Student Debt

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

Oct 19, 202140 min

Ep 150How to Plan for a New Financial Normal After the Pandemic

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

Oct 12, 202134 min

Ep 149Servicers Fired, PSLF Changes, and a New IBR 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

Oct 5, 202147 min

Ep 148Making a Big Law Escape Plan with Jessica Medina

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

Sep 28, 202145 min

Ep 147Student Loan Loopholes That Don't Work

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

Sep 21, 202145 min

Ep 146Six Student Loan Loopholes that Borrowers can Take Advantage Of

In this episode's consultant takeover, Molly Laughter, MBA CFA, CFP®, and Meagan Landress, CSLP®, dive deep into the student loan repayment loopholes that are available for borrowers — depending on certain factors such as family situation and where they live. Molly and Meagan also discuss tax implications, including those for individuals or families who live in a community property state versus those who don't, as well as for those who live abroad and earn foreign income. In today's episode, you'll find out: The ins-and-outs of the Double Debt Loophole Defining Community Property States Taking advantage of the Breadwinner Loophole How the Reverse Breadwinner Loophole can help borrowers Why a competent tax professional is crucial for student loan repayment Understanding the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for those living abroad How the REPAYE Interest Subsidy works What to know about the Double Consolidation Loophole for Parent PLUS 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

Sep 14, 202151 min

Ep 145The Future of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

There's a lot of talk around the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. In the last several months, we saw new developments unfold, and there's no doubt we'll see more changes in the years to come. I'm diving in and giving my thoughts on the current state of PSLF and what we could expect come election season in 2024 and beyond. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why very few borrowers qualified in the beginning of the program Why most people who apply for PSLF are denied Why graduates after 2014 shouldn't worry about qualifying for PSLF Why is it for the best to make the approval process difficult Who benefits from the temporary expanded PSLF program My thoughts on two diverging paths that PSLF could take in 2024 Other potential developments for the PSLF program in the near future 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

Sep 7, 202136 min

Ep 144Is Your Student Debt a Good Thing?

Was your decision to take out a student loan the right decision? In this episode, I make the case that student debt isn't only the right decision, but a fantastic one. It can feel like a burden, but it's also a massive opportunity to gain access to high-income skills that you can use to maximize your potential and leave a lasting impact. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why I think student loan debt is a good thing Why you shouldn't wait to apply for PSLF, despite FedLoan leaving Whether cash back credit cards are worth it How disability discharge can forgive student loans How student loans can give you the security of high income and job security The true percentage of income you'll pay for income-driven repayment plans The few states that will potentially tax student loan forgiveness in the near future Why you should think of your student debt as a "smart income tax" How to be optimistic in a time of chaos and uncertainty 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

Aug 31, 202149 min

Ep 143Why Median & Average Student Loan Statistics Are Ridiculous

If you've ever been told the average student loan debt for your program or degree, this episode is for you. Join me for a Q&A followed by a discussion on why focusing on median and average student loan debt statistics is a waste of time, and why those statistics cause all kinds of problems when it comes to higher education policy. In today's episode, you'll find out: Listener questions about recent student loan volatility How part-time hours can qualify you for PSLF How to use strategic refinancing to repay your student loans How to get your student loan questions answered by Travis Why you probably shouldn't expect student debt cancellation during the Biden administration Possible changes to the PSLF program in the next few years Why the average and median student loan statistic is extremely flawed How to calculate the true cost of attendance for your program of choice Why schools never disclose tuition inflation, loan fees, or interest fees Why statistics aren't reliable Why you shouldn't focus on student loan debt and what to focus on instead 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

Aug 24, 202147 min

Ep 142Navigating Today's Crazy Housing Market

Senior Consultant Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, joins me in this episode as we take a deep dive into the current state of the housing market. With so many people on the fence about buying a new home this year, Rob and I tackle the most important things to consider before making that all-important decision. Listen in as we discuss how to navigate unpredictable supply chains and fluctuating material costs when renovating your house, questions to ask yourself in the process of deciding whether to buy a house, and why homeownership is not the key to financial freedom — and what you should aim for instead. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why the housing market is so volatile Why current homeowners might be feeling lucky How to manage house hunting in today's market Considerations around renovating your home Why a lower interest rate results in a cheaper mortgage Whether a market crash is inevitable Common budget-related issues prospective homebuyers run into Why homeownership is overrated when it comes to boosting your financial well-being 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

Aug 17, 202146 min

Ep 141How to Jump to the Next Rung of the Economic Ladder

Many people feel like they need to make a higher income or invest more to advance to the next level of the economic ladder… but do you? Is it worth striving to become an upper middle class American? Join me as I discuss the various things you need to do at each income level (lower class through upper middle class) to break through to the next level and achieve financial security and wealth. In today's episode, you'll find out: Quick tips to adjust your spending and monitor your income The impact of the White House's failure to extend the eviction moratorium How to reach financial security if you're a working class American Money-saving tactics to stretch your income The most common reason people go bankrupt or lose money Insurance and healthcare benefits hacks for low income individuals What to do if your debt is too big to handle Why you should go back to school and get another degree, even if you have student loan debt Top tips and advice for increasing your income and saving for retirement What to expect in future episodes of the Student Loan Planner podcast Links mentioned: Mint.com Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley 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

Aug 10, 202137 min

Ep 140How to Invest (Even If You've Never Done It Before)

More important than what kind of student loan plan you have is knowing how to invest. Listen in as I talk to you about investing in this current economy amid red-hot inflation and a booming housing market. I'll also explain that, while 2021 continues to hold a lot of opportunities, it's also a dangerous time to be investing now that everyone is in the game. Plus, get a discount code for our Six-Figure Debt to Six-Figure Net Worth investing course. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why investing is so important The definition of "harmonic mean" and why it matters in investing How to use tax-loss harvesting to boost your portfolio Risks to consider if you decide to invest today My thoughts on crypto in the current market All about SLP's course, Six-Figure Debt to Six-Figure Net Worth, and how to take advantage of our limited-time discount 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

Aug 3, 202145 min

Ep 139The Debt Trap with Josh Mitchell

In this episode, I'm joined by Josh Mitchell, a Wall Street Journal reporter and the author of the book The Debt Trap: How Student Loans Became a National Catastrophe to reflect on his observations in the higher education space and how the student crisis came to be. Listen in as Josh explains why the process of taking out a loan is more "opaque" than that of every other credit product and the disruptions that need to take place in order for the current system to change for the better — as well as the repercussions of these disruptions to the wider economy. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Josh was drawn to the student loan debt crisis Why student loans are unlike any other credit product Which is the bigger risk to the economy: the undergrad debt problem or the graduate school debt problem? What needs to change to mitigate the student debt crisis—and the consequences of these disruptions to the wider economy The future of lobbying for policy change in higher education Student loan reforms that would minimize or even eradicate inequality 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

Jul 27, 202136 min

Ep 138What Happens When You Move States as a Student Loan Borrower?

Moving is really stressful. I'd know, having just moved my family and me across the country! Now that the economy is starting to reopen, new opportunities mean that more people are moving to different states. In today's episode, I discuss the factors that student loan borrowers should consider when making the decision to move states, whether for a job or to buy a house. In today's episode, you'll find out: What to do if the IRS is slow to process your tax return The EDRP program and when it makes sense Why you shouldn't stick with a job just for PSLF How solopreneurs can stay profitable while paying off their student loan The impact of community property states on student loans How moving to or from a community property state affects your student loan How to move to a new state if your goal is to buy a house Why moving to a new state can save you money on 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

Jul 20, 202140 min

Ep 137Transforming How You View and Manage Money with Jesse Mecham of YNAB

Jesse Mecham is the founder of YNAB (You Need a Budget). Referring to the business as "an education company that masquerades as a software company," Jesse created YNAB as a guide to money and an accountability tool that helps its users improve their spending habits, eliminate debt, and save more money. Listen in as Jesse shares his path to success and lessons learned as an entrepreneur. We'll also talk about his advice on financial planning and buying a house in 2021, saving and building your wealth as parents, and becoming more confident in your spending overall. In today's episode, you'll find out: YNAB's mission and how its software helps improve your spending The most common questions and concerns people have around budgeting and cash flow in a post-pandemic world How to navigate the housing market as prices continue to rise YNAB's Four-Rule Method that transforms how you view and manage money How and when to give yourself permission to splurge on a big purchase, free of guilt Considerations around childcare costs 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

Jul 13, 202143 min

Ep 136Emergency Pod: FedLoan is Fired, Now What?

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FedLoan, one of the government's biggest servicers, is ending its contract with the Department of Education in December 2021. What does this mean for you? Travis gives practical advice to get ahead of the problem. We encourage you to send in your questions so we can answer them on the show: https://studentloanplanner.com/voicemail

Jul 8, 20216 min

Ep 136Investing while in School

As investing becomes increasingly popular and accessible, especially with cryptocurrency and NFTs, young adults and students are becoming more interested in making a passive income. But should you really be investing while in school? If so, what are the best ways to invest as a student? Join Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, and Molly Laughter, MBA CFA, CFP®, to discuss whether or not investing while in college is a good idea, and how to approach investing, saving, and budgeting the right way. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to lower your student loans in medical school Benefits of investing early in life Pros and cons of investing as a college student What you need to know about compounding interest and your "time horizon" Easy and efficient ways to invest and the best investing platforms and apps How roboadvisors work – Should you use a roboadvisor? Why investing and stock trading could decrease your productivity and performance in school Tips for budgeting, saving, and leveraging credit as a student Why you shouldn't use your student loans to fund investments Should you invest in a Roth IRA or stocks while in college? Our candid thoughts on Acorns and similar money-saving apps How to select the best types of investments that suit your goals and lifestyle Links mentioned: Fidelity Reviewed Which Investors Did Best and What They Found Hilarious 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

Jul 6, 202150 min

Ep 135Side Hustles and Their Impact on Student Loans

Side hustles. Why are they getting more popular by the day? Is it worth the extra time, effort, and even money outside your primary job or business to get a side hustle? What's the best way to start one as the economy opens back up? And how can the right side hustle serve as a great vehicle toward paying down your student loan? Listen in as consultants Molly Laughter, MBA CFA, CFP®, and Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, answer these questions and more. In today's episode, you'll find out: What exactly is a "side hustle" and the "gig economy"? The side hustles Molly and Dan have tried and are still doing Different business structures (ex. sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) and determining the most appropriate one for your side gig The pros and cons of doing real estate as a side hustle How your student loan will be impacted if you do decide to get a side hustle How to know if starting a side hustle is right 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 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

Jun 29, 202141 min

Ep 134How to Define and Achieve Your New American Dream

Historically, the American Dream was to simply own your own home. But in this day and age, is getting out of debt the new American Dream? Our consultant takeover continues this week with Meagan Landress and Dan Rooker who unpack that very question. They break down current attitudes—many of which came about as a result of the pandemic—toward purchasing a home, investing, and paying down different kinds of debt. SLP publicist Brittney Lynn makes a guest appearance on the show to discuss how she was able to achieve her own American Dream—paying down $50,000 in debt, leaving the corporate world, and running a location-independent business from a van alongside her husband and two dogs. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why asking, "If all things were possible, what would I do?" will bring you a big step closer to defining your American Dream How to pay down your three "buckets" of debt and become financially secure Pros to renting a home versus buying a home How you can become financially independent while having a mortgage Why you can reach your American Dream while having student loan payments 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

Jun 22, 202138 min

Ep 133Top Advice to Dads for Helping their Kids with Student Loans

With Father's Day just around the corner, Lauryn Williams sits down with Meagan Landress and Rob Bertman to offer advice to dads who are in the process of helping their kids with their student loans—whether by helping to pay them down or taking on the loan in their name altogether. In today's episode, you'll find out: When and how to take on a Parent PLUS loan Why you don't need to pay extra toward your loans if you are going for forgiveness Why it's more productive to look at your kids' loans individually instead of equally Why parents should encourage their kids to take some responsibility for their debts About the impact that our consultants' own dads had on their finances 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

Jun 15, 202144 min

Ep 132What is the PSLF Snowball? [Rebroadcast]

Only a small number of people were approved for PSLF in the first year of eligibility; I expect the 1% acceptance rate for PSLF is the lowest we will ever see and we should look forward to an increase each year. The media has put out quite a few clickbait headlines on PSLF while sharing plenty of inaccurate information. PSLF became a major story in 2018, but I feel despite the backlash that the program is here to stay. Today on the Student Loan Planner® podcast, we will be discussing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and how the approval rate will snowball to a larger percentage in future years. In today's episode, you'll find out: The truth about the high rejection rate for PSLF Whether there is a massive number of PSLF borrowers coming in the future Why many physicians aren't eligible for PSLF anymore PSLF structural flaws that can get ironed out over time Why people were mainly rejected based on these 4 factors: 1. Had loans that didn't qualify 2. Used the wrong repayment plan 3. Failed to include their employer's EIN tax number 4. Failed to check a box on the form saying they were currently employed by a non-profit For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.studentloanplanner.com/podcast-what-is-pslf-snowball 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

Jun 8, 202135 min

Ep 131Frequent Student Loan Fails and FAQs with Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®

Join consultant Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, as she addresses the two most common "frequent fails" around handling student loan debt and answers frequently asked questions from clients and podcast listeners. You'll also learn more about Lauryn, her background, and how she went from Olympic medalist to financial planner. In today's episode, you'll find out: What our consultants can help you with, aside from issues related to student loans Why you don't need to pay extra toward your loans if you are going for forgiveness How to get a student loan refund if you've been paying extra during the payment freeze What it means when interest capitalizes and why it can cost you more in the long run Whether you should still contribute to a 401k if your employer does not match How to contribute to a Roth IRA if you are married filing separately What happens to your current retirement plan if you leave your employer How much you should have saved in your emergency fund Lauryn's pick for the best budgeting tool How to approach getting life insurance after having a baby The power of mindset if you're struggling with student loan debt or monthly bills What to do if you're feeling overwhelmed with your student loan debt 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

Jun 1, 202139 min

Ep 130The Model Minority Myth

In celebration of May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, talk about the "Model Minority" Myth. As they unpack the cultural stereotypes, they dive specifically into how certain long-held beliefs and stigmas among the Asian American community tend to lead to costly education decisions which negatively affect their student loans and career choices, and uncover what we can do as a society to bring awareness to this crucial topic. In today's episode, you'll find out: What the Model Minority myth is Why lumping people together into groups is dangerous territory The impact of stigmas, stereotypes, and cultural beliefs What is "tiger" parenting and how it impacts education choices How the pressure to conform can change your internal identity Why you shouldn't feel resentment when asking for a promotion How to navigate leadership when you have minority-decent employees How the Model Minority myth impacts student loans Why Asian Americans are nudged into certain career paths Who the Model Minority myth affects The importance of sharing our stories and learning from others 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

May 25, 202137 min

Ep 129How to Get Ready to Spend Money Again Post Pandemic

As much as we're all itching to get back to normalcy in our day-to-day lives, we need to think about how we can ease back into spending on a daily basis without sabotaging the financial goals we've set for ourselves throughout the past year, particularly around student loans. In today's episode, Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, sits down with Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, to discuss five steps to getting ready to spend money again in a post-pandemic world. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to transition your finances in a post-pandemic world The changes in saving and spending habits over the last year Strategies financial experts used to manage their finances How to prioritize your expenses as the world begins opening up Practical steps to achieve greater financial stability in the new normal How to make room for the resumption of student loan payments in October How to spend responsibly as your income increases 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

May 18, 202142 min

Ep 128The Looming Legal Fight over Cancellation

Have the chances of student loan debt cancellation increased in recent weeks? Yes. But it isn't that simple. Join me as I discuss the possibility of student loan debt cancellation, what it could mean for your repayment strategy, and why I think the looming legal battle over cancellation would create chaos. In today's episode, you'll find out: Listener question: How your income impacts your IDR plan when filing taxes separately if you're married Listener question: Should you pay extra on your loan if you're on the REPAYE plan? My experience looking for housing in today's market Why student loan refinancing interest rates are still so low Why there's a high probability of student loan debt cancellation The reason I think student loan debt cancellation won't actually happen How student loan cancellation would impact your repayment strategy The legal review going on right now about whether the president has the authority to cancel student loan debt Whether $10k or $50k will be cancelled and how it might happen Why I think student loan debt cancellation is a distraction from the real problem 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

May 11, 202150 min

Ep 127The Challenges Women Face When Up Against Student Loan Debt

It's a consultant takeover! All of the ladies of Student Loan Planner, Lauryn Williams, Meagan Landress, and Molly Laughter, are talking more about the mental health survey. There's more to student debt than managing the numbers, and they're going to unpack the challenges women face when they are up against student loan debt and while navigating life in general. In today's episode, you'll find out: What is the mental health survey The biggest factor in mental wellness when you have student loan debt Why so many women borrowers have suicidal ideation because of student loans How occupational segregation leads to higher debt to income ratios for women How to purchase a home while paying down your student loans Why you don't need to stay in high-paying yet unfulfilling jobs as a borrower Why having student loans shouldn't hold you or your partner back from marriage Why the "fast and furious" approach to paying down your loans is not recommended 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

May 4, 202138 min

Ep 126Putting Your Goals First and Student Loans Last

Want the secret to life with student loans? Join me as I talk with senior consultant Lauryn Williams on seven key life goals that should take priority over your student loans, whatever your circumstances in life. That's not to say you should let your loans go into default while going after your goals, but we don't recommend you sacrifice your dreams because of student loans. There is a better way! In today's episode, you'll find out: Why sacrificing your goals isn't as effective as you might think Why borrowers put their life goals on the back burner The key to finding happiness and success in your career while having student loans How income-driven repayment plans can help you safely take on additional debt to get a second degree Why student loans shouldn't stop you or your partner from getting married How to purchase a home while paying down your student loans How to raise a family and live a comfortable life while navigating your student loans Why it's okay to start your own business or practice as a borrower How to live anywhere in the world even if you have student loans Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Apr 27, 202148 min

Ep 125The Mental Health Burden of Student Loans

Student loan borrowers face enormous mental health challenges. Our mental health survey of student loan borrowers found that 1 out of every 14 borrowers considered suicide because of their student loans. Listen in as Student Loan Advisor and consultant Meagan Landress CSLP® and I tackle the tough topic of mental health burdens that many borrowers experience. We're discussing the results of our survey, sharing our thoughts on the various factors that may be contributing to these issues, and our advice to borrowers who are suffering anxiety and depression due to student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to manage negative thoughts around student loan debt Why student loan debt doesn't make you bad or irresponsible Coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety What we mean when we say, "Student loan debt isn't really 'debt'; it's more of an income tax" Why PSLF isn't broken Who suffers the most under the weight of student loans Our thoughts on the growing problem of the number of borrowers who owe six figures in federal student loan debt Why a passive, long-term approach to debt can mathematically make more sense About the unique impact of student loan stress on women and people of color Common concerns borrowers have about PSLF What we think would need to happen to fix the student loan crisis Our recommended resources for those experiencing mental health issues with regard to their student loans Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Apr 20, 202154 min

Ep 124Can You Settle Your Debt?

Join me and special guest Christie Arkovich who has specialized in helping clients get through financial hardships since 1995. Christie was a champion of the student loan system working for Sallie Mae during the early stages of her career but came to realize that the system is broken. We talk about her work for Sallie Mae and why she "switched sides" to help borrowers navigate the many complexities of the student loan industry. In today's episode, you'll find out: How student loans used to work with government-guaranteed private lenders A brief history of FFEL loans and why they're so profitable for lenders Why Direct Loans are the only ones getting government protection under the CARES Act What a student loan stimulus package might include What to expect on student loan forgiveness within the current administration How loan rehabilitation via the CARES Act could be a historic opportunity How COVID has accelerated total and permanent disability applications for student loans How to spot student loan forgiveness scams Why you need a student loan advocate on your side to navigate forgiveness of student loans Possible negative consequences for graduates of nonprofit schools applying for borrower defense to repayment What you need to know about statute of limitations and private student loans Who could benefit from the services of a student loan attorney like Christie Will forgiveness for income-based repayment programs eventually be tax-free Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Apr 13, 202149 min

Ep 123Will Rising Interest Rates Hurt Me?

If you're someone with a lot of student loan debt, you're probably more familiar with the negatives around interest rates. But borrowing money isn't necessarily a bad thing, and interest rates are a much more interesting and important topic than you might think. I'll break down what interest rates are, why they've been rising steadily in recent months, and give you some guidance on making big decisions that will impact your financial future. In today's episode, you'll find out: How interest rates are set in the economy The different between term premium and credit premium Why borrowing money costs more than paying with cash When it makes sense to borrow instead of saving and paying with cash Why student loans cost more than mortgages How pawn shops and payday lenders prey on the poor Why student loan interest rates are usually lower if you refinance Why interest rates don't matter if you're pursing PSLF or long-term forgiveness Why the government might focus on cancellation vs. lowering student loan interest rates My prediction on student loan interest rates for 2021 and 2022 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Apr 6, 202151 min

Ep 122Beware Hidden Agendas in the Student Loan Industry

With so much conflicting information out there about the student loan crisis, it literally pays to have some healthy skepticism when asking for guidance on your specific situation. Listen in as I share the five types of groups who you should be slow to trust when it comes to their advice on your student debt. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why some businesses don't prioritize finding you the best strategy When it pays to make things a little more complicated When double debt rules and double consolidation makes sense Five types of groups with hidden agendas in the student loan industry The reason servicers don't give accurate or good advice on student loans Why Reddit isn't the best place for student loan advice How to see past misleading talking points made by brands What happens if you refinance and you shouldn't have Why a lot of debt-free advice doesn't apply to student loans Why free information is rarely ever the best information Why you should be beware what even nonprofits and schools tell you about your debt Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Mar 30, 202149 min

Ep 121Student Loan Forgiveness Is Tax-Free Now. Or Is It?

The American Rescue Plan, signed into law on March 11, makes student loan forgiveness tax-free until the end of 2025. That's a big deal for borrowers on long-term forgiveness. I talk about the implications of this game-changing provision and addresses several potential questions and concerns from our listeners. In today's episode, you'll find out: What to know about the American Rescue Plan as it pertains to student loan debt Who is eligible for tax-free student loan forgiveness under this new law? What's behind the misleading headline showing only 32 people qualified for forgiveness What this most likely temporary provision means for borrowers in the long-term The positives of eliminating taxes on student loan forgiveness Whether borrowers should expect tax-free forgiveness When is the right time to refinance your student loan Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Mar 23, 202142 min

Ep 120Is 2021 a Bubble for Investing?

Wondering what's going on with the financial markets? I'm joined by consultants Rob Bertman CFA, CFP® and one of our newest consultants, Molly Laughter MBA, CFA, CFP® to examine whether we're in a bubble. The three of us have a variety of experiences handling billions of investment dollars. We're doing a technical deep dive into what is going on with the financial markets and what the investment landscape in general is currently like. And most importantly, talking about what it all means for investors and student loan borrowers. In today's episode, you'll find out: Are we in a bubble? And if so, why should you be thrilled Why tech have been killing it in the stock market What is a "special purpose acquisition company" (SPAC) How an automatic investment plan is a great antidote to fears of a bubble Is buying bonds dumb right now Our thoughts on robo-investing and Robinhood Day-trading vs long-term investing When you invest in an index fund, what are you actually buying Valuation and why it matters… or doesn't Why deleveraging is always a good plan Should you refinance federal student loans this year? Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Mar 16, 202147 min

Ep 119What You Need to Know About Taxes in 2021

Did someone say "tax party?" I'm joined by Lauryn, Meagan and Dan, one of our newest consultants, on the podcast to discuss taxes. We talk about 2020 taxes and things to keep in mind as 2021 unfolds, including the student loan interest deduction, best practices for your traditional or Roth IRA in 2021, how to make full use of the small business deduction, what you need to know about married filing separately versus married filing jointly and much more. In today's episode, you'll find out: Challenges presented by this year's student loan interest deduction New guidance on how lump sum payments by employers might qualify for certain forgiveness programs What you can do with your traditional or Roth IRA before the end of the year The worst-case scenario if you screw up your taxes How to take advantage of the small business deduction What to know about income-driven repayment plans The strategy behind married filing separately versus married filing jointly How amended returns can potentially save you money Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Mar 9, 202143 min

Ep 118Will President Biden Block Student Loan Cancelation?

When President Biden was asked at his first town hall whether he would forgive at least $50,000 of student loan debt, he quickly responded, "I will not make that happen." The president is in support of canceling $10k for borrowers, but there's a catch. Student Loan Planner Consultant Meagan Landress joins me to unpack why the president said what he did, what it means and what borrowers might expect in the next four years. In today's episode, you'll find out: How President Biden addresses the question of student debt Why President Biden isn't behind canceling $50k of student loan debt How it would cost to cancel $10,000 of student loan debt for every borrower Who would be able to avail of student debt forgiveness under President Biden's terms Why might President Biden support 0% interest rates permanently Why this talk around student loan reform is treating the symptoms and not the root cause Will your student debt be cancelled? Why or why not? What you can expect as an alternative if student loans are not canceled When it makes sense for borrowers to refinance Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Mar 2, 202146 min

Ep 117The Perfect Income for Peak Happiness as a Student Loan Borrower

Do you wonder if you made the right decision to go into the field you did? After investing years of time and effort, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, do you ask yourself "is the grass greener on the other side?" Join me as I take a deep dive into what peak happiness might look like, how to deal with job regret and the perfect income to achieve maximum happiness as a student loan borrower. In today's episode, you'll find out: What is "the grass is greener syndrome" Pros and cons of physician mortgage (or doctor mortgage) loans How to pay down your student loan using gains from stock market training Whether to double-dip on the federal poverty line deduction when filing taxes separately The perfect income you need to earn to reach peak happiness Why your level of engagement at work is a huge factor in attaining your perfect income How to calculate your perfect income depending on your current student debt How to deal with job regret Ways to overcome unhappiness with your profession Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Feb 23, 202159 min

Ep 116Is It Ever a Good Idea to Abandon Student Loan Forgiveness?

A big focus of our podcast is maximizing loan forgiveness when you owe a lot more than you earn in student loans. But what if your income grew to a point where it would cost more if you stuck with forgiveness? Should you abandon student loan forgiveness? Join me as I discuss all you need to consider when making the decision to pay off your loan and abandon forgiveness. In today's episode, you'll find out: How much money you need to make to consider abandoning loan forgiveness Why you should not abandon PSLF if you have accumulated qualifying credit towards forgiveness Why staying on forgiveness might be the best decision even when you can pay off the loan The circumstances that might force you to abandon forgiveness and pay off your loan The revised debt to income ratio for when it makes sense to pay off your loan How to know when forgiveness is no longer a good option Why you shouldn't take a job just because it offers student loan forgiveness What would be the effect of a new PAYE plan with no tax bomb Why you might be unlikely to get student loan forgiveness Why your savings rate is the most important thing when thinking about abandoning forgiveness The reason why you should take the 20-year REPAYE plan if you go for repayment Why Biden's student debt cancellation promise might not happen Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/116 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Feb 16, 202152 min

Ep 115Be a Clydesdale, Not a Pony: Why Borrowers Shouldn't Be Afraid of Taking More Professional Risks

What do student loans have in common with the Budweiser Clydesdales? You know, those massive and powerful bay-colored draught horses that you see in Bud advertisements? Forgive the analogy, but you are a Clydesdale. You have more power than you think to steer your professional and, yes, financial destiny. Join me as I make the case that you may be underestimating your ability to handle the load of student loan debt by discussing why our student loan system is, literally, an income tax you can buy your way out of. In today's episode, you'll find out: When to certify your income for forgiveness Why you should consider amending tax returns if you're married The best time to apply for the PSLF benefit The definition of full-time work for PSLF purposes Why the best time to get student loan help is as soon as possible What to do if married couples with student loans can't afford to file tax returns separately Looking at federal student loans as an income tax that you can buy your way out of Why moving from California to Nevada can practically cancel your student loans Why the student loan payment and interest pause is unnecessary for 95% of grad students Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/115 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Feb 9, 202145 min

Ep 114My Thoughts on What President Biden's Interest and Payment Freeze Means for the Future of Student Loans

President Biden extended the student loan interest and payment freeze for federal student loans on the first day of his presidency. Find out what the freeze means and how you may be affected by it. I'll also talk about the long- and short-term implications of refinancing your student loans in this environment and if you should take advantage of the low interest rates and break down the student loan legislation we might see from the Biden administration in the future. In today's episode, you'll find out: When your next student loan payment might be do How long the student loan interest and payment freeze will last What I think it means for the Biden administration's stance on student loans What the post-election path forward looks like for Republicans The fate of the eviction moratorium Details about President Biden's February infrastructure bill What you need to know about Biden's student loan interest payment suspension Why I don't think Biden will cancel more than $10,000 of student loan debt Which loans got left out of the student loan interest freeze How much the interest freeze will cost When refinancing your student loans makes sense The implications of refinancing student loans in the current environment Student loan legislation and future bills and reform we might see Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/114 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Feb 2, 202157 min

Ep 113Ron Lieber, NY Times Columnist, on Debunking the Complexity of College Education and the Financial Aid System

After navigating the system and successfully applying for financial aid, New York Times columnist, personal finance expert and author, Ron Lieber made it his life's mission to demystify the complexity and help students and their families discover smart ways that they can "beat the system" to get the best value at a reasonable cost. We also discuss his book, The Price You Pay for College, that was released today. In today's episode, you'll find out: How colleges financially take advantage of incoming college students The one hack Lieber says you need to pay less for college How to ask for a financial aid appeal to get more money for college How financial aid is disproportionately disadvantages low-income students and people of color What is merit aid and how did it become so popular at colleges Why state universities have honors colleges Whether an honors college is worth it Why using adjuncts and non-tenured positions don't lower tuition costs What is 'administrative blot' and why it's good for students How college choice impacts the person your marry Why Lieber doesn't think the tax bomb is going to be as big as you think The reason Lieber thinks raising federal borrowing limits can help borrowers Why you should assume your servicer will screw up the reinstatement of your loan payment What Lieber predicts will happen to student loans in a Biden administration Where to get a copy of Lieber's new book, The Price You Pay for College Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/113 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Jan 26, 202143 min

Ep 112Feeling Frustrated About Your Student Debt? Here's the High Cost of Student Loan Complexity

It's no secret that student loan debt affects people's lives — and not in a good way. The ever-increasing student loan debt is a major cause of frustration and stress for many college graduates in America. Why is that? Who benefits from student loan complexity? Join me as I discuss why you need to know the complexity behind student loans and who are the biggest beneficiaries. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why you need to know the complexity behind student loans How student loan complexity can benefit borrowers Why student loans are as complex as they are When the student loan interest rate is irrelevant How borrowers overestimate the accumulated interest Why student loan interest isn't the real problem - and what is How knowing the rules can give you control over your student debt The myth that says you can't control your own future How your student loan balance grows with capitalized interest How forbearance can double your student loan balance every 10 years The one-step plan to making sure your debt doesn't stress you out anymore Why student loan debt cancellation will never happen How dental service organizations profit off the high cost of education The way banks profit off the system by offering private student loans The role of loan servicers in student loan complexity Why student loans don't have to be scary or frustrating and what to do about it Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/112 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Jan 19, 202140 min

Ep 111Get Rich When You Can't Predict 2021

2020 was a strange and unprecedented year for the entire world. But especially for the United States, it seemed like everything that could go wrong went wrong in 2020. And though we have been thoroughly tested, we remain hopeful for a better future. So how can we invest wisely and create wealth despite the commotion in the world around us? In today's episode, you'll find out: If you would have known what would happen, what would you have done differently in 2020? How the Dow Jones performed in lockdown Why successful stock traders often get things wrong What is momentum investing Why past investment performance doesn't predict future results How undervalued stocks impact investing strategies How interest rates can influence the companies you invest in The role of risk in investing How to balance high growth with the potential of high risk Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/111 Links mentioned: Six-Figure Debt to Six-Figure Income Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Jan 12, 202129 min

Ep 110Save for Your Kids Education Using a 529 College Savings Plan

More than half of college attendees in the US take out student loans. Imagine saving your kids from the financial burden of student loans without being super-rich. It's possible with a 529 plan. In this episode, I talk about 529 plans, how they work and why they're a smart way to save for you kids' college education. In today's episode, you'll find out: What a 529 plan is The two types of 529 plans to consider How to save your kids from the burden of student loans How much to save each month to pay for your kids' college What is a UTMA/UGMA account What tax benefits come with saving with a 529 plan Tax penalties to watch out for with a 529 plan What happens to the money if your kid doesn't go to college What is the rule of 72 and how it can double your savings Which states allow you to open a 529 plan anywhere What to do before opening a 529 plan Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/110 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Jan 5, 202134 min

Ep 109Best Student Loan Repayment Strategy Tips by Occupation

We've created over 5,000 custom student loan repayment strategies for clients. In this episode, I'm sharing the best repayment tips by occupation. Find out what most borrowers in your profession do with their student loans and how best to pay them off. In today's episode, you'll find out: The one repayment strategy people don't talk about The best student loan tip for physicians How filing taxes can save you money on student loans Why dentist student loan debt varies so much How to make the most money as a veterinarian What's the best student loan strategy for lawyers Which colleges I think are the most deceptive Why forgiveness makes sense for chiropractors The one forgiveness program teachers shouldn't use Why psychologists should go after forgiveness How physical therapists should repay their loans Student loan tips for optometrists, social workers and more Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/109 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Dec 29, 202042 min

Ep 108Why Your Student Loan Strategy Depends on Where You Live

One of the most critical decisions you have to make as a student loan borrower is where to live and work. Join me as I talk about how the location you choose greatly influences your income, your costs and the opportunities available to you for paying back your student loans. The key is to optimize your loan plan for what you want and design your student loans around your life goals. In today's episode, you'll find out: How location impacts whether you should refinance The best cities for student loan forgiveness Why living in a big city could cap your income potential Common traits of healthcare professionals earning over $600k Costs that impact profit when you open your own practice How rural areas can increase employee loyalty in your practice Why you can charge more when there's little competition Whether you should refinance your loans or pursue forgiveness Factors besides student loans that can influence where you chose to live The key to optimizing your loans for what you want How to design your student loans around your life Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/108 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Dec 22, 202039 min

Ep 107Fighting Debt with Weapons from the Last War

It doesn't matter how good you are with the sword if you are up against an artillery of guns and other munitions. In the same way, you cannot approach your student loan debt the same way your 60-year-old uncle or your parents approached it. Here's how to take advantage of the new weapons in the war on student loan debt. In today's episode, you'll find out: How WWI compares to student loan debt today How to make big money as a professional The argument against "suck it up and pay your student debt" The big jump in dental school tuition that's 55x more than in 1978 Why big incomes aren't worth the sacrifice Why educational leaders hike up graduate tuition How regulation could stabilize higher education When to know if you should refinance How the refinancing ladder works Where to find the best refinancing bonuses Why forgiveness is a great strategy for borrowers with high debt How much to save if you want to have a comfortable retirement The many strategies, or new weapons, to tackle student loans Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/107 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe 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

Dec 15, 202048 min