First Look at "Beautiful Bill" Regulations
Student Loan Planner
We're taking an early look at the new student loan rules released in January 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Find out why borrowers, especially Parent PLUS families, need to pay close attention. We'll explain which degrees are most affected, how professional and graduate programs are changing for loan purposes, how the RAP plan will impact repayment, and whether private lenders can keep up with demand. Key moments: (02:18) Why these regulations were rushed and what’s coming next (04:40) Parent PLUS borrowers face confusing deadlines and inconsistent official guidance (11:57) Who...
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All the Regs That Need to Happen Very Soon
Student Loan Planner
If you feel like student loan policy is stuck in limbo right now, you’re not wrong. In this episode, I walk through the mountain of regulations the Department of Education still has to publish very soon if the new repayment system is going to function by July 1. We talk about why schools are scrambling, why borrowers are stuck waiting and how political timing is making everything messier. If you’re trying to plan your finances while the rules are still being written, this episode explains what’s missing and what’s coming. Key moments: (03:06) Degree borrowing limits are creating chaos...
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Parent PLUS Loan Changes for 2026
Student Loan Planner
Parent PLUS loans are about to get a lot more complicated, and most families have no idea what’s coming. In this episode, senior student loan advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, AFC®, sits down with student loan expert Janna McKay, AFC®, CSLP®, to break down the biggest changes affecting Parent PLUS borrowers. You’ll learn about the end of double consolidation, new repayment access rules, and what the July 2026 deadline really means for forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). If you’re a parent helping kids through college, this episode could save you from a costly...
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Your Goals Are Too Polite
Student Loan Planner
Most financial goals sound reasonable, but “socially acceptable” goals are often too polite, and they can quietly sabotage the life you actually want. We dig into how to uncover honest, motivating goals, why Coast FIRE sneaks up on more people than they realize, and how student loans don’t have to delay living a meaningful life. If your goals feel safe but uninspiring, this one’s for you. Key moments: (03:53) The hidden signs you might already be at Coast FIRE (07:57) What you’d really change if money stress disappeared tomorrow (08:44) Identifying coping habits that block the life...
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Can Retiring Too Late Kill You?
Student Loan Planner
Is working until 65 actually bad for your health? In this episode, we dig into what the research really says about the link between retirement age and mortality. I share my journey from being obsessed with early retirement to recognizing the deeper value of time freedom, purpose, and creativity in financial planning. We explore how most professionals are actually on track to be wealthier than they realize, how you can use flexible financial strategies to live better now, and how to stop optimizing for being the richest person in the cemetery. Key moments: (02:40) What the NIH research actually...
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What's New With Student Loans In 2026 + Listener Q&A
Student Loan Planner
2026 may be the most confusing year for student loans yet. Find out what’s actually changing with repayment plans, forgiveness, and Parent PLUS loans — and learn what you should be paying attention to right now. We’ll also hear real listener questions about PSLF during a government shutdown, IDR recertification delays, getting out of SAVE forbearance, and whether PSLF buyback is worth counting on. If you’re feeling anxious heading into 2026, this episode can help you make smart decisions without overreacting. Key moments: (00:44) Does government shutdown time count for PSLF? (08:26)...
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Married Filing Separately: What Student Loan Borrowers Need to Re-Check at Tax Time
Student Loan Planner
Filing taxes married filing separately can be one of the most powerful tools for lowering income-driven student loan payments. But it’s also one of the easiest ways to make costly mistakes if you’re not careful. Meagan McGuire, CFP®, ChFC®, CSLP®, walks through what borrowers need to double-check before tax season hits. You’ll learn when filing separately actually saves money, when it backfires, and how community property states completely change the math. Key moments: (05:32) Why married filing separately can dramatically lower IDR payments (09:58) Real numbers: comparing tax cost...
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Holiday Encouragement for Borrowers
Student Loan Planner
The holidays can stir up a lot of stress, especially when student loans are still hanging over your head. In this episode, I want to slow things down and offer some perspective. We talk about why extreme frugality isn’t required to build wealth, why “rich enough” beats “obscenely rich,” and how your education and earning power already put you in a strong position. This is a reminder that student loans don’t get to steal your peace or your joy. Key moments: (01:57) The difference between being rich and being rich enough (05:32) The real spending decisions that actually delay...
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SAVE Lawsuit Settlement and What It Means
Student Loan Planner
The SAVE plan is officially dead. Learn what the SAVE lawsuit settlement actually says (not the rumors), who really needs to pay attention right now, and what you should do next. We walk through why millions of people are still stuck in SAVE forbearance, what repayment plans are actually available going forward, and how upcoming rulemaking could reshape income-driven repayment yet again. If you’re waiting things out, this is your nudge to get proactive before the Department of Education decides for you. Key moments: (01:07) The lawsuit that officially ended the SAVE plan (05:01) Why...
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IBR Problems and How to Fix Them
Student Loan Planner
Income-Based Repayment has turned into a maze for a lot of borrowers, from unexpected forbearances to confusing “partial financial hardship” determinations that don’t add up. Learn why so many borrowers are stuck in SAVE forbearance, what’s really going on with IBR denials, and what the Department of Education says it’s going to fix by early 2026. We’ll also talk about new proposed borrowing limits, how they could reshape entire professions, and what that might mean for your salary, PSLF strategy, and long-term plan. Key moments: (02:17) What “partial financial hardship”...
info_outlineThe new 30-year Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) could be the only option for federal student loans after July 2026 — but even current borrowers aren’t safe if they don’t take action. Discover what moves to make to avoid getting stuck with decades of payments. Also, learn about new rules affecting Parent and Grad PLUS loans. If facing 30 years of student loan payments sounds brutal, this episode is for you.
Key moments:
(02:54) The new $200k loan cap means high earners will likely pay off loans before getting forgiveness
(05:44) Education has become a defining fault line between the two political parties
(14:55) Grad schools might start using undergrad-style aid talks for tuition and discounts.
(18:08) A wave of confusion is on the horizon for borrowers, peaking in April 2026
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