Student Loan Planner

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

Lots of topics to cover in this episode - I answer reader questions about student loan repayment and the best strategies for dental specialists. We also dive into what I think about the chance of Biden forgiving student loan debt and what that could mean for your taxes, and we have an interview with Justin Sloan, CFA, CFP, about asset allocation and the best way to save for retirement. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why dental specialists have higher student loan debt than other borrowers How to handle student loan repayment during residency What to do if you didn't file a tax return because you had $0 income How to make a $0 monthly payment on your student loans during residency Whether REPAYE or PAYE makes more sense for repayment What to do about accrued interest on your student loans When paying extra on your student loans is like throwing money away Why it doesn't make sense to pay extra toward accrued interest Will Biden cancel some student loan debt Can student debt cancellation be done legislatively What happens if Biden issues an executive order canceling student loan debt Why canceled student loan debt could cost you more money How to best save for retirement The importance of asset allocation and diversifying your savings vehicles Why your 401k isn't enough How to get financial flexibility when preparing for retirement Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/106 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

Your student loan balance at the end of your program can balloon more than you thought you'd end up with. Find out how that happens, why I think America's first $700,000 dental degree is worth it and why your student loan debt doesn't matter as much as you think. In today's episode, you'll find out: The hidden cost of higher education How tuition inflation impacts students How much accrued interest adds to your loan Why your loans balloon so much while you're in school How to calculate tuition inflation using the Wayback Machine Lies admissions counselors tell you to convince you to enroll How NYU can charge $700,000 for a 4-year DDS degree Why expensive law schools, medical schools, dental schools and other professional degree programs cost so much How your student loan payment can be the same for $700k and $200k of debt When to look at student loan debt as a tax instead of a debt Why I think the tax bomb will disappear in a few years Loopholes to maximize IDR plans and pay 5% of your income Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/105 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

If you're facing a potential salary decrease due to decreasing insurance reimbursement rates, you can start to worry about paying your student loans. In this episode, I talk about steps to take to mitigate the impact and what you can do if you're in this situation. I also cover lessons you can learn about managing your student loans from Trump's finances. Find out how to lower your tax liability and save money on your student loans using lessons from Trump's tax records. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Medicare reimbursement decreases can impact salaries in healthcare The ripple effect of reimbursement cuts on student loan payments How to deal with salary cuts when you have student loan debt Why I think the tax bomb won't be a problem because it won't be collectible How healthcare business owners might be impacted by reimbursement decreases Lessons from Trump's finances as reported by the New York Times How to reduce your tax liability when the tax bomb comes due Why real estate is a great strategy to lower your tax liability How to get out of paying taxes on the forgiven balance of your student loans The benefits of tax-loss harvesting How to use retirement contributions to lower your tax bill Strategies business-owners can use to decrease their tax liability Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/104 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

Each state is working to certify the official election results, but we have an apparent winner in President-Elect Joe Biden. Given the history of Obama-Biden student loan policies, it's likely that we'll see some progressive changes that could affect the future of student loans. Here are seven things that a Biden administration may try to achieve, and my thoughts on how that could affect the treatment of student loan debt going forward. In today's episode, you'll find out: What a Biden administration could mean for the future student loans Why Biden might make applying for bankruptcy for student loans easier, and why it doesn't matter What forgiveness might look like under Biden's plan for borrowers What a compromised forgiveness expansion might look like Why reducing IDR payments could be bad for everybody How the REPAYE program was born and what that could mean for student loan reform How increasing Pell Grants could be a big win for working class or lower-income families Why eliminating the tax bomb likely won't happen in the next 4 years How making college free would cause the cost of tuition to skyrocket Why I think Biden's team grossly underestimated the cost of their student loan plan Will Trump extend the student loan interest and payment freeze When you should refinance your federal loans Whether you should refinance even if your interest is 0% Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/103 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

People love retirement accounts. If I had a dollar for every time someone got excited about contributing to their backdoor Roth IRA, I would probably be a millionaire. While it's great energy to have, it's not that important to your long-term financial future. In this episode, I share my thoughts on why your retirement accounts don't matter nearly as much as you think. In today's episode, you'll find out: Reader question: Are student loan repayment grants worth it? Reader question: Two key differences in employer student loan programs Reader question: Can you prepay or make lump sum payments for PSLF? Why backdoor Roth IRAs aren't as great as you think My shocking confession about backdoor Roth IRAs When retirement accounts actually DO matter Why age 50 is a key milestone in your retirement plans Why retirement accounts can't help you if you want (or need) to retire early How to use a brokerage account as a financial safety net What to do if you want to be financially independent How low-income individuals can reach early retirement Why you shouldn't optimize every financial decision Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/102 Links mentioned: StudentAid.gov PSLF guidelines Physician on Fire guide to backdoor Roth IRAs 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

With the election looming, we're all anxious about what might happen. And with that, a public service announcement: If you haven't voted, please go vote! Regardless of who wins, there are risks to your finances post-election. I'm sharing the five biggest risks that you should pay attention to - and how to overcome them - once the election season is over. In today's episode, you'll find out: How candidate policy changes could impact your finances Why you shouldn't worry about finishing your education How going back to school can help you financially How professional credentials can boost your career Why getting more education is key to financial success Why inflation might not be a bad thing How to know if now is a good time to buy a house How to use low inflation to your advantage as a renter What might be coming down the pipe for student loan reform Why I think the tax bomb will go away in the next four years When to refinance no matter what happens with the election Why financial setbacks won't matter that much in 2021 How to make better decisions to minimize the financial impact of political leaders Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/101 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

For this milestone 100th episode, I'm joined by all four consultants. Because we're just one week away from the election, I'm talking with them about the election and what we expect could happen to your student loans regardless of who wins the 2020 presidential election. In this episode, you'll find out: A recap of Travis' paternity leave Travis' preferred brand of diapers for his new baby The difference between a "trip" and "vacation" when you're a parent The probability of there being a "blue sweep" How the Biden plan could impact student loans going forward Bipartisan support that we've seen during stimulus discussions How long we think the payment and interest freeze can last Will the consultants get a COVID vaccine when it's released The impact of inflation of your financial life and spending plans The role of gambling and trading cards in the pandemic Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/100 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

Justin Harvey, CFP®, and Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, explore income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, how each can affect your financial future, and strategies to help you maximize your student loan repayment and keep more money in your pocket. In today's episode, you'll find out: What the IDR payment cap is and what plans have one Which IDR plans are best for physicians and other high-earning professionals How the Standard Repayment Plan can factor into your IDR plan Which plan is best if you expect a big jump in income The two main strategies you need to pay off student loans When it makes sense to refinance When it's okay for your student loan balance to grow over time When you should - and shouldn't - pay extra on your loans What percentage of income each IDR plan uses for their monthly payment How long taxable forgiveness takes The impact of spousal income on student loan payments Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/99 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

Is there anything scarier than student loans? With Halloween just around the corner, student loan experts Lauryn Williams and Meagan Landress share scary updates from 2020 and terrifying student loan stories. In today's episode, you'll find out: An update on student loan changes so far this year If student loan payments will be suspended after December 31 Should you recertify your income-driven plan before the end of the year Why recertifying your income now could be a smart strategy What to do if your mortgage broker won't qualify you for a mortgage How to handle student loans if you think bankruptcy is your only choice What happens if you pass away with a student loan balance Can disabled veterans have student debt discharged What to do if you have FFEL loans and want to qualify for PSLF How to figure out how long you've been in an income-driven plan Full show notes at http://studentloanplanner.com/98 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

We have seen a lot of changes to the student loan system over the last few months. The Student Loan Planner team of consultants - Meagan Landress, Lauryn Williams, Justin Harvey, and Rob Bertman - are following the changes to keep you up to date. In this episode, they're answering your questions to give you the low-down on student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: How your payments are calculated if your income goes up How a partial financial hardship factors into your payments Can your servicer kick you off an income-driven repayment plan Pros and cons of employer student loan benefit packages Whether student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy How to take advantage of student loan relief Should you consolidate your FFEL loans How to lower your student loan payments if you're struggling to pay Will schools lower tuition because of virtual classes Full show notes at http://studentloanplanner.com/97 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

Student Loan Planner consultants Rob Bertman and Meagan Landress share their best tips to find balance with budgeting, saving, investing, and paying off debt without sacrificing your quality of life. In today's episode, you'll find out: The right balance between paying off debt and saving for the future The one thing you need to set yourself up for financial independence Why Landress thinks zero-based budgeting is exhausting and what she does instead Bertman's 3-step process to setting up the perfect budget Strategies to realistically reduce how much you spend each month Why experimenting with budgeting methods can help you long-term How to find balance with your finances as a couple Should you take savings out of the bank to pay off your credit card debt How to prioritize your private student loans with income-driven repayment options Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/96 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

Physicians often ignore their student loan debt because so much of their brain space and emotional energy is dedicated to their vocation of medicine. In this episode, Student Loan Planner consultants Lauryn Williams and Justin Harvey explore unique student loan considerations and strategies for physicians. In today's episode, you'll find out: An inside look at Justin and Lauryn's personal lives How Justin and Lauryn each met their spouses Mental health challenges and compartmentalization physicians face Why it's bad advice to ignore student loan debt during residency Specific strategies to get in front of student loan debt during residency How a student loan consult during residency saved one physician $80k Considerations anesthesiologists must face when choosing employment When working at a hospital might not qualify an anesthesiologist for PSLF Why it might make sense to refinance your physician student loans Why mental health matters in your student loan repayment plan The importance of "following the money" for financial advice Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/95 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

With Travis on paternity leave, the consultants are taking over the Student Loan Planner Podcast. All four consultants come together to share the good, the bad, and the ugly about student loans and your personal finances. In today's episode, you'll find out: Who are the Student Loan Planner consultants How to make a career change when you have student loans How bad advice from a friend cheated a client out of qualifying for PSLF Sometimes letting your balance grow over time makes sense How to pivot your student loan plan as your life changes The importance of keeping your options open Why every married couple in a community property state needs a consult Why you need to invest in yourself to accomplish financial goals How living abroad can erase your monthly student loan payment Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/94 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

If you're frustrated with your job and dreaming about making a change, this episode is for you. I'll show you the 3 traits you need to learn to love your job. And if you can't? That's okay because we'll talk about the steps you can take to leave your job and do something you love. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to boost your happiness long term instead of just temporarily How to find gratitude despite student loan debt Why comparison is the thief of joy Why you shouldn't worry about imposter syndrome How to feel capable of achieving your goals despite your loans Why I left my job in corporate America Steps you need to take to make a change in your career Why you need money even though it can't make you happy Why it's okay to go back to school and get a different degree Why you can pursue your passion when you have student loan debt Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/93 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

The pandemic has brought a significant amount of stress into our lives. For borrowers already feeling pressure because of high student debt balances, this might be the breaking point. Which professions regret their career the most? And is it because of the pandemic or because of student loan debt? I reveal what our listeners say are the best and worst jobs during the pandemic. In today's episode, you'll find out: "Career regret" survey results from 3,000 professionals Why 3x as many people regret their career because of student loan debt Who has the biggest career regret because of coronavirus The best jobs to have during the pandemic Which profession wishes they could get a "do over" because of student loans The key factors that make careers more pleasant during the pandemic The best profession for not worrying about student debt Religious workers can now qualify for PSLF Real quotes from listeners about job satisfaction Why PTs aren't respected as being a doctor The 2 clear paths to student loan repayment for physicians What to do if you're unhappy in your career Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/92 Links mentioned: Leave me a voicemail and your question could be featured on our show Faith leaders now eligible for PSLF 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

From the perspective of what you'll have to pay on your student loans, the worst that can happen isn't any different than being a resident of California or New York City. Student loans aren't a debt sentence. If you have a plan in place, life can be pretty good with student loans. I explain why student loans are like a tax, and also answer a few listener questions about student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: Listener question: Should you take out the max student loans this year? Listener question: How to refinance as an international student? The wage gap between college graduates and non-college graduates Why college demand has gone up in the last 10 years How the federal government is driving up the cost of education How the cost of living in California and NYC is the same as paying on student loans Why I think the tax bomb will be eliminated someday How someone with $250,000 in student loans is better off than someone who's mom or dad paid for their education completely Why your student loan debt is like a tax and not a debt Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/91 Links mentioned: Refinance your student loan Submit your question to Student Loan Planner 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

In addition to Joe Biden announcing Kamala Harris as his running mate, President Trump issued a student loan order. Trump's order extended some of the relief of the CARES Act but it also comes with some confusion. In this episode, I'm giving a rundown of the impact it could have and what the order means for you. In today's episode, you'll find out: Overview of recent events in Washington, DC What Kamala Harris thinks about student loans Which programs Harris thinks should be expanded What I think will happen to student loans if Biden wins Why Trump's student loan order might not be legal Why economic hardship deferment matters when the CARES Act ends The truth about whether payments will resume in October How the suspended payments work under Trump's student loan order Whether the months after September 30th count toward forgiveness What happens to borrowers in default My advice on what you should do based on Trump's student loan order Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/90 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

Knowing how to handle your student loans is only part of the equation. You must also know how to invest so that, one day, you'll have so much net worth that having student loans is irrelevant. Join me as I go through several listener-submitted questions about how to invest with student loans, and how the pandemic recession might impact your strategy. In today's episode, you'll find out: What to do if you don't have access to a 401k or 403b When I don't recommend becoming a landlord My advice for a side hustle for extra income What to do if you get a big windfall The most important metric to consider before investing How to read a mutual fund fact sheet Why the investment returns don't matter The best way to invest for your child's education How pandemic recession investing compares to investing during the Spanish Flu and the Great Depression Why does the stock market not reflect the current economy Can dentists rely on their private practice as their retirement plan? How to manage your investments when the tax bomb comes due Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/89 Links mentioned: Buckingham Wealth Management Student Loan Planner Financial Resources Interview with Tom Bodin, CFA, CFP® Betterment 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

Changing jobs can lead to more than changes in your income. It could disqualify you from PSLF. But what if you're in a job that makes you unhappy? Should you stay? In this episode, I answer those questions and more to help you decide if moving to the private sector is worth it. In today's episode, you'll find out: What to do if you feel trapped in your public sector job When is staying with a not-for-profit the best choice How to decide if abandoning PSLF is a financially sound decision The value of a 401k match, paid time off, and health insurance in your decision How much more you need to earn to make up for the loss of PSLF Whether you can switch back to the public sector and return to PSLF The difference in value for PSLF between low- and high-income earners Should you stay with a not-for-profit or open up your own private practice The rule of thumb I use to compare the value of PSLF in your career What to do if you're on the fence about switching from PSLF to taxable forgiveness Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/88 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

Investing is a crucial part of building long-term financial stability. Even if you have student loan debt that tops $500,000 or more, here's a look at how our flagship course, Six Figure Debt to Six Figure Net Worth, can teach you to invest and transform your life. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why you should be investing even with student loan debt What you'll learn in our Six Figure Debt to Six Figure Net Worth course Why the stock market crashed 30% when the pandemic hit What the Fed did to help the market rebound so quickly Why the stock market is strong despite the growing pandemic What's the best thing to invest in for long-term growth How to choose which fund to put your money in The story behind market capitalization weighted investing How tax loss harvesting can save you big money Why the order of your actions matters for building wealth Why it doesn't matter if student loan forgiveness happens or not How to define your goal of financial security How to sign up for the Six Figure Debt to Six Figure Net Worth course Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/87 Links mentioned: Six Figure Debt to Six Figure Net Worth 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

Dr. Carrie Jurney joins me in this episode to talk about mental health challenges of veterinary professionals. She is the board president of Not One More Vet, Inc, which is the largest profession-specific mental health advocacy organization that I'm aware of, and helps to foster a community of over 25,000 veterinarians, support staff, and vet students to promote better mental health and self care. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why compassion fatigue is a real issue How Not One More Vet got its start Why being a vet is more than playing with dogs and cats all day The importance of community among veterinary professionals Why "working harder" won't fix compassion fatigue or burnout How to recognize if someone you love is struggling mentally The role of student loans in psychologic distress Why younger vets are at higher risk of decreased well-being What drives the cost of veterinary care up How cyberbullying starts among vet professionals How to find mental health support as a veterinary professional Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/86 Links mentioned: Not One More Vet The Social DVM American Medical Veterinary Association BetterHelp 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

Big changes are coming to student loan servicers and I'm talking about what it means for your bottom line, your life, and your anxiety levels. I'll give you a rundown of who the new servicers are and my predictions on what will happen when they take over. I also answer listener questions about PSLF payment caps, 1099 vs W2 earnings, and what happens to your credit score after student loan forgiveness. In today's episode, you'll find out: The federal student loan program pre-2010 How the direct student loan system works now Why the government outsources student loan servicing My thoughts on the effectiveness of current student loan servicers A rundown of the five new student loan servicers Why I think hiring new servicers will be a disaster What's contributing to the 'perfect storm' in student loans Why I think the CARES Act payment suspension will be extended What to do to prepare for a servicer switch if you're pursuing PSLF How to prepare if you're not pursuing PSLF Why having a student loan plan in place now will make the transition easier My advice on why you shouldn't panic Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/85 Links mentioned: Get a student loan plan Book a follow-up consult for existing clients 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

Nicole Hatcher is a physician assistant and the personal finance expert behind Frugal Chic Life. She shares her story of becoming a PA and her experiences with racism and bias as a professional. We also talk about degree creep as a hurdle for Black people getting a college education and how to make healthcare professions more accessible to minorities. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why Nicole chose to go into the medical field Why she decided to become a PA instead of a doctor The ways being a PA is more flexible than being a doctor Where the PA profession got its start How much PA school costs The average student debt of a PA The earning potential of a PA right out of school How systemic racism shows up in healthcare Nicole's experiences with racism as a professional How degree creep is widening the racial wealth gap How Nicole is promoting financial literacy Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/84 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn. 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 student loan interest freeze is set to expire on September 30. Even if Congress passes a bill to extend the relief, you'll have to start repaying your loans eventually. But there's an election coming that could change the future of student loan refinancing. Join me as I talk about what refinancing might look like after the pandemic and how the election could impact your decision to refinance your federal loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why common student loan repayment strategy is bad advice 3 criteria you must meet before refinancing your student loans My thoughts on whether Congress will extend the student loan payment freeze Why you should wait to refinance federal loans How to get the best interest rate now if you want to refinance later The impact of Biden's plan vs. Trump's plan on student loan refinancing Why your student loan debt is not a death sentence Plus, answers to listener's questions about student loan repayment Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/83 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

Lauryn Williams, CFP, CSLP, shares why investing in real estate might be more work than you think, how to grow passive income streams with alternative investments and tips for student loan borrowers that want to invest in real estate. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Lauryn became an accidental landlord What she learned about owning a rental property Costs people forget to include in the rental price Lauryn's bad experience with selling her rental home What return Lauryn got in 16 years of being a landlord Why people are drawn to investing in real estate The best way to grow your net worth according to Lauryn Whether student loan borrowers should invest in real estate Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/82 Links mentioned: • Coach Carson • Bigger Pockets • Passive Income M.D. • Semi-Retired M.D. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn. 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 owner of Financial Coach Meagan, shares the best way to plan for the cost of undergrad and grad school, the importance of understanding how the federal student loan system works, and why you don't have to feel embarrassed or sad about how much you borrow. In today's episode, you'll find out: Meagan's advice to find the true cost of attendance What loans you can get for undergraduate school How your dependency status impacts your borrowing limit Meagan's thoughts about when to take out a private student loan Where to go to find scholarships to help pay for college How your parents can retire 2 years earlier How paying for grad school is different from an undergrad degree How your payment can be the same no matter how much you borrow Why a pre-debt plan can save you 5 and 6 figures Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/81 Links mentioned: The Scholarship System Pre-Debt Student Loan Consultation Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn. 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®, is one of our student loan consultants and the owner of financial planning firm Worth Winning. In this episode, we talk about the racial wealth gap, the impact it has on communities of color, and how black people are disproportionately impacted by student loan debt. Williams also shares her thoughts about how to make the financial industry more welcoming to black communities. In today's episode, you'll find out: Who Lauryn Williams is How Williams became aware of race and gender What it's like to be a black woman in the financial industry What the racial wealth gap is Why there's a gap in student loan borrowing between races Williams advice on how to closing the racial wealth gap What you can do to be more welcoming to people of color Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/80 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn. 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

Many student loan borrowers struggle with their mental health. If you've ever felt stress, anxiety or worry about your student loan debt, you're not alone. Student loan debt shouldn't stop you from living your best life. I can't wave a magic wand and make it all go away but, in this episode, I share some tools to help. In today's episode, you'll find out: Results of our recent student loan mental health study Why 90% of our listeners have severe student loan anxiety The top 6 things borrowers worry about because of their student loans Why borrowers are more stressed about student loans than COVID-19 How to change your outlook on student loans to reach financial milestones Why student loan interest doesn't matter Why I don't think forgiveness will go away How to buy a house with student loan debt Why you shouldn't wait to have kids because of student loans My thoughts on what the next stimulus bill will include Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/79 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn. 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

One of the weirdest student loan repayment loopholes that I know of is the double debt loophole. It only works for married couples, but it can change the way you think about your student loan debt. In this episode, I talk about that and 7 other loopholes we use to save you money on your student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: What is the double debt loophole and how does it work Why the loophole doesn't work with all repayment plans Examples of the double debt loophole in action The #1 thing I tell our consultants about student loan planning Why federal student loan interest will be so low for fall 2020 and spring 2021 The 7 other loopholes our consultants use to lower your monthly payment How to know if you need a professional to analyze your student loans Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/78 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn 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

As practice owners struggle to get through this tough time, I sat down with Tom Bodin, CFA, CFP®, and a Practice Integration Advisor for Buckingham Strategic Wealth. He shares how business owners can best address financial planning amid the pandemic. In this episode, you'll find out: How Bodin's background in legislative analysis helps his financial planning clients Roadblocks dentists, optometrists, veterinarians, and lawyers are facing because of COVID-19 Best ways to maximize tax savings to lower your AGI How practice owners can put away six-figures for retirement annually The importance of a cash balance plan in practice ownership Cash preservation techniques for business owners How wealth planning can help even if you're just thinking about a practice purchase Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/77 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or TuneIn. 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 financial experts are telling you to pay extra on your student loans right now because of the 0% interest rate through the end of September. But I think that's terrible advice! Find out why and what I think the unintended consequences will be of Congress trying to rescue borrowers amid the coronavirus outbreak. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why you should pay nothing on your student loans How you could be a victim of a strategic layoff How to lower your payment if you have private student loans Why it's okay to borrow the max amount of student loans What Congress did to make me think the tax bomb will disappear Some good news about student loan interest rates for next year What matters the most when it comes to student loan repayment Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/76

To help combat the doom and gloom that is the coronavirus, I'm bringing you some positive energy. Today, I talk with Meagan Landress, Certified Student Loan Professional™ and founder of Financial Coach Meagan, about some good news regarding student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Landress has been handling social distancing The repayment plan that cut a couple's payment in half The trick to free up cash flow on student loans A strategy for student loans specifically for people nearing retirement age Why federal student loans aren't like any other type of debt How a recent grad saved $1,000 per month on her monthly payment Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/75

I did a second survey of our 20,000-plus email subscribers to find out how the pandemic and economic shut down is affecting different professions. The results aren't what I expected. Today, I'm sharing survey findings, quarantine stories from our subscribers, and an update on the CARES Act and how it might impact the future of student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why the $350 million funding for PPP loans was a disaster Who I think should apply for a PPP loan if there's more funding How professions are being impacted by the economic shutdown How long survey respondents said the economy should stay closed The impact of coronavirus on dentists vs. physicians Quarantine stories from survey respondents What big changes might be coming to the CARES Act Why universities want lower interest for student loans Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/74

You might not know what to do if you're facing default or having trouble paying your student loans. Or maybe you're curious about what happens to your student loans when you stop paying. To find out that and more, I turn to two experienced student loan attorneys: Adam Minsky and Jay Fleischman. They share their best tips for dealing with student loan default and how to get help. In today's episode, you'll find out: What to do if you default on your student loans The two options you have for federal student loan default How to settle private student loan debt If the Department of Education will settle for less than you owe Whether rehabilitation or consolidation is better How default affects your credit report now and in the future How student loan default impacts forgiveness Whether bankruptcy is an option to get rid of your student loans Where to get more help if your loans are in default Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/73

Diana Care is a veterinarian for the federal government who is passionate about taking advantage of PSLF. She shares how to best take advantage of forgiveness with a job in the non-profit or government sector, why employer-paid student loan benefits are a bad idea, and reasons you might not want to pursue a career as a vet. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why vet school debt keeps growing Why veterinarian student loan debt studies are deceitful How 20% of vet school graduates don't have any student loans at all Whether a Caribbean vet school is worth the high price tag The reason to just say no to employer student loan benefits How to reach Diana if you're interested in a vet job with the federal government Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/72

In this episode, I'm getting to the truth behind the Stimulus Bill that was just passed and what it means for your student loans. Spoiler alert: It's more than a suspension of payments and interest. I'll help you cut through the noise so you can save money during this crazy time. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to take advantage of student loan payment suspension Whether you should buy stocks right now or save What the student loan payment suspension means if you're still in school Why congress is worried about pausing student loan payments The starting date for suspended payments to count toward PSLF How much cash you need in your savings account How to get a refund of your payment from your loan servicer Full show notes at https://www.studentloanplanner.com/71

Stephanie Bousley talks about how to get rid of student loan debt to live your best life in her new book Buy the Avocado Toast. This week, I talk with Stephanie about how she accumulated $300k of student loan debt while going to film school in one of the most expensive cities in the world, and how she's paying it off while living a comfortable life. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why you can't work your way out of student loan debt How having six-figures of debt doesn't make you irresponsible Stephanie's struggle with shame and secrecy about her debt Why Stephanie has refinanced her student loans 5+ times What I would have advised Stephanie if she were my client Stephanie's advice about rewarding yourself even when you have debt Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/70

A lot of people have had significant changes to their incomes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. If you've had a drop in pay, you could get some relief by lowering your student loan payment. I sat down with our very own Meagan Landress, CSLP®, to walk you through how to recalculate your student loan payments during an economic disaster. In today's episode, you'll find out: How to lower your student loan payment without making a single phone call Which application to use to recalculate your payment immediately The documentation you need to change your student loan payment Why deferment or forbearance is a bad idea What to do if you're in default on your payments right now Whether you should refinance if you have private student loans How to get free student loan advice from Student Loan Planner Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/69

With the stock market and global economy in a state of flux, I've been getting some questions about investing and coronavirus. People are asking about the possibility of a recession. Coronavirus is a very serious concern. I'm going to help you assess whether you should invest from a rational perspective, starting with asking yourself "what does this mean for me and my family." In today's episode, you'll find out: What I think about the possibility of a recession How coronavirus compares to the Spanish flu Why the stock market fell 15% during the Spanish flu How the stock market rebounded during the 1918 pandemic What is really killing the markets right now How to protect your investments during coronavirus outbreak Whether or not you should be investing right now Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/68

Even though I can think of about 600,000 things I'd rather talk about than taxes, it's something we can't ignore. I see people all the time paying way more in taxes than they should be. Today, I'm going to help you understand what you're actually paying and why. Then we'll jump into long-term tax planning strategies and some tips on what you can do right now to lower your tax bill as a student loan borrower. In today's episode, you'll find out: What adjusted gross income (AGI) is and why it matters The difference in tax brackets if you're single vs. married How to pay $0 in taxes on investment income Ways to reduce your taxable income How business owners can add even more to their retirement savings What the breadwinner loophole is and how it can save you money Why you might consider amending old tax returns How to get more help if you need it Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/67

If you're overwhelmed by the idea of student loan interest raging out of control, this episode is for you. I sat down with our senior student loan consultant, Rob Bertman, CFP®, CFA to dig into the details about why student loan interest isn't as bad as you think. Bertman has over 15 years' experience as a financial planner and is the mastermind behind Family Budget Expert. Here's what he has to say about how interest can impact your student loans. In today's episode, you'll find out: • Why student loan interest isn't as bad as you think it is • How student loan interest works • The repayment plan that gets the government to cover some of your interest • Why forbearance is such a terrible idea • How to use an old tax return to lower your student loan payment • Why it's best to stick with an IDR plan in residency • Why consolidating right after you graduate can be a winning strategy • How the "fighting spouses loophole" can help if you live in a community property state Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/66

Jantz Hoffman is the founder of the Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®) designation that helps financial advisors incorporate student loan repayment planning in their practice. I invited him on the show to get his thoughts on student loan fraud and all the fake experts out there. Brief intro to episode In today's episode, you'll find out: What gave Jantz the idea for CSLP Why there's no value in falsifying student loan documents Reasons Jantz says not to be nervous about PSLF going away Problems Jantz has had with student loan services How applying for PSLF is like going to Olive Garden Why statistics in the media are wrong Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/65

Student loan reform is a hot topic with the upcoming election. I asked Student Loan Planner Consultant Lauryn Williams to weigh-in on some of what the proposed plans might mean for your student loan payment. Join me as we walk you through what the future of student loans might look like. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Bernie's "let's forgive all the debt" plan could boost the economy If a Wall Street tax would help or hurt the middle class How Warren's needs-based plan could lower your debt balance Why refinancing all student loans won't solve the problem Just how big the racial wealth divide is The huge problem with our current student loan system What you can expect to happen in the future with student loans Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/64

Student loans are complicated enough on their own. When you add student loan scams to the mix, they can be almost unbearable. That's why I'm going to cover the top 7 student loan "Travis"-ties, so you can avoid getting caught up in a mess. In today's episode, you'll find out: The most common student scams you need to watch out for The student loan scam that cost one reader over $50,000 Why parents shouldn't pay for their kids' college Questions to ask a financial advisor to test their student loan knowledge Why most school exit counseling is so terrible Why you shouldn't panic if you no longer qualify for a partial financial hardship Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/63

Free money from your employer to help pay off your loans is a great idea, right? Wrong! It could be one of the worst employee benefits ever. I'll break down how this can affect your finances and show you how employer student loan benefits are a bad idea. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why taking money from your employer for student loans is a trap How a free $100,000 can end up costing you $50,000 The tax consequences of employer-paid student loan payments The effect of employer student loan benefits on PSLF The problem with old-school thought patterns about debt Why "getting your debt to zero" isn't the best strategy How to get ahead by negotiating employer benefits Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/62

As part of our series on introducing you to new members of the Student Loan Planner team, I want to take a moment to talk with Meagan Landress. She is a Certified Student Loan Professional™ and today she's sharing her best student loan loopholes and strategies to help you conquer your student loan debt. In today's episode, you'll find out: What led Meagan to student loan consulting How "married filing separately" can lower your payment How to double-dip with the poverty line deduction What double consolidation can do for Parent PLUS borrowers The legal loophole to open up Parent PLUS loans to IDR plans Why you need a student loan plan if you live in one of these 9 states How to book a consult with Meagan to crush your student loans Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/61

We've added a new face to our Student Loan Planner team. Listen in as I interview Ben Nanney, CPA and CFP®, about the nitty-gritty on taxes and student loans. He'll give us the inside scoop on basic tax terms and dive into some more complex tax strategies for student loan borrowers. In today's episode, you'll find out: What drove Ben to launch his own financial planning firm Why AGI isn't as confusing as you think What is an above the line deduction The difference between a SEP IRA and Solo 401(k) Why Ben is a great addition to the consultant team How filing separate tax returns can benefit married couples What is the breadwinner loophole How to amend previous tax returns to get money back How to contact the best tax experts for student loan borrowers Why a community property state can lower your student loan payment The best tax strategies for high-income borrowers Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/60

Since it's the final day to purchase the Six-Figure Debt to Six-Figure Net Worth course, I want to share some tips from the course to give you some insight into my investing philosophy. I'll show you how you can manage your own investments and reach millionaire status with a strategy that only takes a few hours of your time each year. In today's episode, you'll find out: How the Student Loan Planner course can save you money Tips to give you a taste of my investing philosophy What to do instead of paying a financial advisor How tax-loss harvesting can save you $10,000 or more in taxes Why a new car every two years can cost an extra $500,000 The 3 keys to successful investing Why most people don't need a financial advisor How to manage your own investments with a couple of hours a year How my background as a CFA and bond trader led me to create this course Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/59

The Six Figure to Six Figure Net Worth Course is here! If you have a goal of growing your net worth and not letting your student loans run your life, you need to know more about this course. Join me in today's episode as I go into detail about how you can reach financial abundance in less than a decade. In today's episode, you'll find out: Why the Student Loan Planner Course is the best investment this year How to replace your reliance on labor for income to live The impact of different risk profiles of investment combinations How investing can shave 10 to 20 years off your working career When you should (and shouldn't) use a financial advisor Why working part time with $400,000 in student loans is okay Three tips to get the most out of real estate investing Hassle-free rules to maximize your retirement investing Full show notes at: http://studentloanplanner.com/58