Listener Q&A: What Could This New Bill Mean?
Student Loan Planner
Get real answers to real questions student loan borrowers are asking about PSLF processing delays, confusing buyback calculations, switching repayment plans, and trying to understand how recent legislation might affect their loans. You’ll get the latest updates on what’s happening behind the scenes and what those changes could mean for you. We also cover practical, actionable steps, like how to time your income recertification, what to consider if you’ve had a long forbearance period, and a lesser-known deferment option for borrowers undergoing cancer treatment. Key moments: (02:58) PSLF...
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Future of Student Loans Now Depends on the Senate
Student Loan Planner
Student loan reform just cleared the House in what’s officially called the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” If it becomes law, it could overhaul repayment into just two plans: the Old IBR plan and a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) that scales payments between 1% and 10% of income over 30 years. But nothing is final. The next step is the Senate, where the path forward is less certain. We explore what the House bill includes, what changes could mean for current and future borrowers, and the broader implications for repayment, forgiveness, and access to education. Learn about key policy...
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Who Would Switch to the “RAP” Plan?
Student Loan Planner
The Repayment Assistance Plan, aka RAP, is another student loan overhaul, and people have a lot of questions. Learn what this plan actually is, why it matters right now, and the real chances of it becoming law. If you're wondering when or if you could switch to this plan, we've got you covered. The RAP might completely change how student loan repayment works. We're unpacking all the details and what you might want to keep in mind if you’ve got loans. Key moments: (03:55) If you’re close to forgiveness, sticking with IBR will probably make more sense (05:16) This administration is rushing...
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Scenarios for the Republican Student Loan Bill
Student Loan Planner
The Republican student loan bill is gaining steam and could seriously impact your repayment strategy. Let me break it down for you: undergrads might actually see some benefits here, but if you've got grad school debt? You might want to sit down for this one. Current borrowers won't get hit as hard as future ones, but painful changes could be on the horizon. Get insights into the legislative process, the strategy behind budget reconciliation that's pushing this bill forward, and practical ways to think ahead while the details are still in flux. Key moments: (05:30) PSLF could be eliminated...
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Endings, Beginnings, and the Next Chapter for SLP Wealth
Student Loan Planner
Guess what? We are moving this Friday episode over to the new Financially Free Era podcast! It is the next step to your financial planning journey after your student loan plan has been tackled with us here at Student Loan Planner. We hope this new show will answer your questions of: What else do I need to do? What else can I do to optimize my savings? How can I start saving for that goal that I have?" SLP Wealth was born to be that next step. So naturally, we need to start separating from our initial starting point, which is Student Loan Planner. So we have created a whole new show:...
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Why Your Savings Rate Is Probably Too High
Student Loan Planner
Can “save more” be bad advice? We’re pulling back the curtain on something financial advisors rarely discuss: how saving too much can harm your quality of life. We'll unpack the uncomfortable truth about how all professions, including my own, handle potential conflicts of interest. This isn't about vilifying financial planning — it's about making sure the help you get is truly in your best interest, and not just serving someone else’s bottom line. Key moments: (01:31) When financial planners pressure clients to invest bonuses rather than enjoy them (04:36) Fee structure matters less...
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Put the Fam On Payroll: Tax Hacks For Business Owners
Student Loan Planner
Want to keep more money in the family? Hiring family members in your business can translate into some big tax savings — and set your kids up to get ahead with their own savings. Fresh off tax season, we explore the ins and outs of putting kids and spouses on the payroll, weighing the pros and cons, and sharing actionable tips for business owners looking to leverage this strategy. You’ll also learn compliance essentials, common pitfalls, and the legal frameworks you need to keep in mind, whether you're running a dental practice, a family restaurant, or thinking about getting started as an...
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Emergency Pod: New IBR and PAYE Under Threat in New GOP Bill
Student Loan Planner
House GOP has proposed a new bill that would radically reshape student loans for years to come. But it would also impact existing borrowers too if were to pass.
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Listener Q’s About SAVE, Buyback, Debt Payoff and More
Student Loan Planner
Got student loan questions weighing on you? You're definitely not alone. This week, we're opening up the Student Loan Planner mailbag to tackle some of the most pressing issues borrowers are facing. Should you switch IDR plans? Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback the right move? We also address the very real frustrations with federal loan servicers — the long hold times, the inconsistent information, and the impact of staffing shortages. Beyond that, we'll cover practical tax filing strategies that could lead to significant savings, how to identify potential calculation errors...
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Quarterly Taxes for High Earners: What, Why and How To Plan Ahead
Student Loan Planner
Tax season might be in the rearview mirror, but if you're self-employed or earn income outside of a regular paycheck, quarterly estimated taxes are still very much on your radar. We’re showing you how it all fits together — what they are, who needs to pay them, and how to calculate what you owe. Learn key dates to remember, simple ways to estimate your payments, how to use the IRS’s “safe harbor” rule to avoid any unexpected penalties, and simple strategies to avoid underpaying and giving the government an interest-free loan. It’s all about staying ahead without stressing out —...
info_outlineThe Repayment Assistance Plan, aka RAP, is another student loan overhaul, and people have a lot of questions. Learn what this plan actually is, why it matters right now, and the real chances of it becoming law. If you're wondering when or if you could switch to this plan, we've got you covered. The RAP might completely change how student loan repayment works. We're unpacking all the details and what you might want to keep in mind if you’ve got loans.
Key moments:
(03:55) If you’re close to forgiveness, sticking with IBR will probably make more sense
(05:16) This administration is rushing student loan changes before finalizing regulatory details
(09:59) There’s still a long way to go, and some Senators just want to bring back REPAYE
(13:08) Graduate professions would lose diversity if only students from wealthy families could afford them
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