Student Loan Planner
Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $20,000 to $1 million. If you've ever spent too much time on the phone with your loan servicer, this is the show for you. Every week we share tips on loan forgiveness, investing, crushing debt, and how to get to financial freedom when you owe more than most people's mortgage.
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Tax-Free Forgiveness Strategies
11/25/2025
Tax-Free Forgiveness Strategies
A lot of borrowers are wondering how to get their loans forgiven without getting crushed by taxes later, especially with that 2026 tax-free forgiveness deadline creeping closer. In this episode, I walk through the lesser-known ways forgiveness can be tax-free, how timing affects whether you owe anything, and what thoughtful planning looks like if you’re headed toward taxable IDR forgiveness. You’ll also hear several listener questions that tie directly into PSLF quirks, marriage and income decisions, and whether refinancing really makes sense for high earners. Key moments: (01:35) Employer lump-sum PSLF mess and how to escalate when servicers contradict themselves (08:11) Acupuncturist’s loans, marriage stress, and married-filing-separately trade-offs (16:57) Should high earners refinance or keep federal protections and flexibility (26:03) What happens if PSLF rules get blocked, and who should actually worry (29:11) Tax-free forgiveness strategies, tax bomb planning, and smart moves before 2026 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Future of PAYE, SAVE and RAP with Stanley Tate
11/18/2025
Future of PAYE, SAVE and RAP with Stanley Tate
Listen in as I sit down with my good friend and one of the sharpest legal minds in the student loan world, Stanley Tate. We walk through the latest PSLF battles, what the SAVE-forbearance mess really means for your timeline, and how the coming transition to RAP and old-school IBR could reshape repayment for millions of borrowers. We also get into Parent PLUS landmines, future loan caps, and what all of this means for the next generation of borrowers. You’ll learn where the pitfalls are, how to protect yourself, and why most borrowers still have more options than they think. Key moments: (05:07) How worried should you be about the new PSLF rules (09:20) The weighted-average credit confusion after consolidation (16:32) The risk of choosing between federal and private student loans is quite high (24:28) SAVE forbearance, recertification delays, and the Parent PLUS trap (43:47) What we’re watching in negotiated rulemaking and RAP vs. IBR Resource mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Reflections on 9 Years of Helping Borrowers
11/11/2025
Reflections on 9 Years of Helping Borrowers
We’ve hit 400 episodes. That’s hundreds of hours helping borrowers make sense of one of the most complicated (and emotional) parts of personal finance. In this milestone episode, I sit down with Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, AFC®, one of our longest-serving planners and a key part of SLP since 2018. Together, we look back on how it all started — a spreadsheet that accidentally went viral — and how far we’ve come since then. We talk about the biggest surprises in today’s student loan system, the stories that still move us years later, and where SLP is heading next. Key moments: (02:37) How a viral spreadsheet launched a national business (9:34) From Olympian to planner: Lauryn’s journey to helping borrowers with student loan debt (14:50) The biggest shock about student loans today compared to 2016 (22:00) Client stories that still stick with us (32:15) Why today’s system is simpler—but still not simple enough (38:54) What’s next for SLP: building the SLP Insiders app to bring borrowers together Resources mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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PSLF Employer Bans + New Regulations Coming Out
11/04/2025
PSLF Employer Bans + New Regulations Coming Out
Public Service Loan Forgiveness could look very different if the new proposed rules move forward. The Trump administration is exploring ways to strip PSLF eligibility from employees of organizations the administration doesn’t like. That could mean hospitals, nonprofits, or legal aid groups suddenly losing access to forgiveness — with no way for employees to appeal. We also get into ongoing rulemaking around professional degree borrowing limits and repayment plan updates, plus smart moves for refinancing or managing your mortgage. Key moments: (01:15) The four main categories that could determine loss of PSLF eligibility (08:38) Negotiated rulemaking and new borrowing limits for professional degrees (12:27) When refinancing your student loans or mortgage makes sense (18:14) Your 2025 tax returns will be very important for income-driven repayment Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Who Has To Worry After the AFT Lawsuit Settlement?
10/28/2025
Who Has To Worry After the AFT Lawsuit Settlement?
The AFT lawsuit settlement with the Department of Education is one of the biggest updates in months for borrowers on income-driven repayment. You’ll learn how this settlement unfreezes stalled forgiveness applications, who’s protected under the new rules, and the key deadlines you can’t afford to miss. I also explain why the 2026 “tax bomb” is back and what you can do now to prepare for it. Key moments: (00:57) What the AFT lawsuit forced the Department of Ed to fix (02:43) How PAYE and IBR borrowers can finally get forgiveness processed (05:57) The 2026 tax bomb: what’s coming and how to plan for it (07:02) The urgent deadline for Parent PLUS borrowers before July 2026 (13:27) Upcoming rule changes that could reshape repayment options Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Will PSLF Buyback Actually Last?
10/21/2025
Will PSLF Buyback Actually Last?
Worried PSLF Buyback might vanish before you qualify? Let’s dig into the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback program — how it works, why it exists, whether it’s likely to stick around, and how to position yourself if the rules change. You’ll also hear my take on listener questions covering repayment plans SAVE vs. IBR, joint vs. separate taxes, and why sometimes “die with the debt” really can be a strategy. Key moments: (00:44) How PSLF Buyback works, when you can apply, and why politics could shape its future (06:06) The growing backlog of applications and the risk of counting on Buyback approval (10:28) How to choose between SAVE, PAYE, and IBR repayment plans (14:22) When a “die with the debt” strategy makes sense in retirement (17:50) How to handle income recertification after a job change Resources mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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The 5 Tiers by Profession for Debt to Income Ratio
10/14/2025
The 5 Tiers by Profession for Debt to Income Ratio
When someone asks whether a certain degree is “worth it,” there’s finally some data to answer that. We analyzed debt-to-income ratios across dozens of professions from our survey of over 8,000 high-income professionals, and the results tell a pretty clear story about who’s managing student debt well — and who’s getting squeezed. I’ll also share a few thoughts on what these numbers mean in real life, like how income, housing costs, and lifestyle choices play into long-term financial outcomes. Key moments: (01:56) Professions with the lowest debt-to-income ratios and why practicality beats prestige (05:37) The hidden stress gap between generalists and specialists in healthcare and dentistry (09:05) Why certain degree programs may be setting students up to fail financially (13:06) Who’s building the most wealth relative to income (14:47) Spending patterns that separate comfortable from stressed-out professionals Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Top 10 Fears People Have About the Future of Their Profession
10/07/2025
Top 10 Fears People Have About the Future of Their Profession
Feeling anxious about where your career's headed? You're definitely not alone. We surveyed over 8,000 high-income professionals and asked what's keeping them up at night about their profession in 2025. The answers were eye-opening — but also pretty relatable. We’re covering the top 10 fears that come up again and again. If you're a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or another high-earning professional, chances are you'll see yourself in at least a few of these concerns. Key moments: (01:26) Rising education costs and massive debt loads are crushing high-income professionals (09:15) Rural practice bring in more money due to high competition in urban areas (20:06) Compassion fatigue is burning out professionals at alarming rate (24:59) Clients may not value a professional’s expertise when free AI seems “good enough” Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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What’s the Best Profession for Big Incomes vs. Student Loan Balances? (Survey Results)
09/30/2025
What’s the Best Profession for Big Incomes vs. Student Loan Balances? (Survey Results)
Ever wondered how your income and student debt stack up against others in your field? We’re dropping the results from our biggest survey yet – over 8,000 high-income professionals spilled the tea on their finances, and some of these numbers are pretty eye-opening. Find out which careers are getting crushed by student loans and which ones are actually coming out ahead. Plus, we discuss the coming changes in student loan borrowing limits and what they mean for your career, your wallet, and even the future of professional education. Want to know where you stack up? Tune in. Key moments: (02:24) Naturopathic doctors have the worst debt to income ratio of any profession that we surveyed (04:44) Dental specialists average $414K in income and $500K in student debt, a debt-to-income ratio of 1.2:1 (07:19) CRNAs and physicians have surprisingly similar average salaries according to our data (14:18) Schools can't magically replace lost tuition when borrowing limits block enrollment (19:10) Nonprofit hospitals may struggle to retain doctors under new student loan lending rules Resources mentioned: Ron Lieber's and on college merit aid and discounting Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Behind the Scenes: Live from FinCon 2025
09/23/2025
Behind the Scenes: Live from FinCon 2025
Join us for a special live recording from FinCon as we pull back the curtain on what’s happening with student loans right now. We're talking about the current state of federal programs, what's working, what's not, and where things might be headed — especially for those of you dealing with big debt loads from professional and graduate programs. If you're a doctor, lawyer, or other high-earning professional trying to make sense of all the policy changes and figure out your best repayment strategy, this behind-the-scenes conversation will give you some clarity on what to expect and how to navigate your options moving forward. Key moments: (01:33) Payment counts will likely be wrong, requiring borrowers to self-advocate for corrections (03:53) Without SAVE, deciding when to repay student loans vs. going for forgiveness is more complex (11:52) Confusing times ahead as borrowers navigate between old grandfathered rules and new regulations to figure out which rule sets apply to them Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Will Some Folks Get Stuck with 30-Year IDR?
09/16/2025
Will Some Folks Get Stuck with 30-Year IDR?
The 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 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Will 50% of All Grad Programs Close?
09/09/2025
Will 50% of All Grad Programs Close?
There’s a controversial and urgent topic we have to talk about: the massive upheaval headed for graduate and professional education financing starting in the fall of 2026. With the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” federal borrowing for graduate programs will be drastically limited — meaning schools and students are about to face a world of change. Learn what these new federal borrowing caps could mean for your finances, your career plans, and the future of higher ed. We’ll discuss the risk of many degree programs closing, and share ways borrowers like you can prepare. Key moments: (01:25) Federal loan limits for new med students drop to $50k annual, $200k lifetime (09:36) Which programs are likely going to be the hardest hit from these federal loan caps (17:19) RAP doesn’t provide a path to forgiveness for physicians in the private sector at all (21:26) Lawmakers may rethink the cap when they see the actual economic consequences Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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What is the Student Loan Refi Ladder Strategy?
09/02/2025
What is the Student Loan Refi Ladder Strategy?
The student loan refi ladder is a clever strategy that’ll help you tackle your debt without wrecking your cash flow. We haven’t talked about this much in recent years because of student loan payment and interest pauses, but with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act stripping protections from federal student loan borrowers, now is the time to decide between loan forgiveness and refinancing. This episode will help you decide if refinancing — and the refi ladder — is right for you, or if forgiveness is the better path. Key moments: (07:55) Who should consider refinancing (and who shouldn’t) (15:14) If you’re convinced that paying off your student loans is best, here’s what to do first (17:27) Why the refi ladder strategy helps (25:42) Overly aggressive payments may hurt your chances for a mortgage or other big purchases Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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The Unfortunate Reason Why Your Salary Will Probably Go up a Lot This Decade
08/26/2025
The Unfortunate Reason Why Your Salary Will Probably Go up a Lot This Decade
Big shifts are coming to student loans starting July 2026. If you’re carrying six figures of debt or even thinking about grad school, you’ll definitely want to hear this one. Unlimited loans are out, so pricey grad programs might not be as easy to join. Sounds scary, right? But this shift could actually work in your favor. Fewer students funneled into certain careers could mean bigger salaries and steadier job security for those who do make it through. Learn what these changes could look like for you, your school, and your paychecks down the road. Key moments: (02:49) Loan borrowing caps for students starting grad programs after July 2026 (14:08) We may see grad schools offering discounts, much like undergrad tuition discounting (17:27) Schools dependent on higher federal loan limits may be forced to close their doors (18:24) Parent PLUS borrowers must be careful about borrowing before July 2026 (23:27) Affordable in-state and public programs will see a flood of new applications and competition Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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How Much Do Big Ticket Items Cost When You’re Doing Forgiveness?
08/19/2025
How Much Do Big Ticket Items Cost When You’re Doing Forgiveness?
Ever stop and think about how much that new car, kitchen remodel, or shiny toy really costs you — not just in dollars, but in hours, days, or even months of your life? We’re digging into what big-ticket spending looks like when you’re on an income-driven repayment plan that’s already taking 10–15% of your paycheck. We’ll show you how to reframe those purchases, so instead of just seeing the sticker price, you see the true impact on your time and future. We’ll talk about ways to cut back smartly, snag tax deductions where you can, and still enjoy the things that make you happy… all without derailing your long-term goals. You might love your job or just be pushing through to the next milestone, and either way, this conversation will help you rethink what’s worth it, what’s not, and how to keep more peace (and cash) in your pocket. Key moments: (03:07) Buying stuff to numb the pain of a job you don't like only steals more of your time (04:52) Sometimes big renovations are a band-aid for deeper stress or emptiness (06:24) Control housing and car costs, and most financial stress will melt away Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Mega Listener Mailbag Q&A
08/12/2025
Mega Listener Mailbag Q&A
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been collecting your questions, and wow… you did not hold back. We’re answering as many as we can fit in one episode, covering topics like forgiveness deadlines, confusing recertification rules, and loan servicers who seem to speak in riddles. You’ll hear from people on the brink of PSLF forgiveness, parents in the middle of tricky Parent PLUS double consolidations, and grads wondering if they should act now or wait. If you’ve been wondering what to do next with your loans, there’s a good chance we’ll hit on something that helps you figure it out. Key moments: (09:25) Will the Big Beautiful Bill impact incoming students in August 2025, or only those who begin in the academic year 2026? (16:18) Why is my interest growing when MOHELA said it would be 0%? (28:01) Borrowing after July 2026 locks you into the RAP plan, but you could still qualify for PSLF (37:44) What happens when your employer refuses to certify qualifying PSLF work (46:36) The one scenario where paying extra on student loans makes sense (51:08) How to push your case forward after long delays from your servicer Resources mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Existing Borrowers are Okay. Future Ones I’m Worried About
08/05/2025
Existing Borrowers are Okay. Future Ones I’m Worried About
After months of student loan chaos, there’s clarity: If you’re already borrowing, you’ll probably be okay, though keep an eye out for some plan changes. But for anyone planning to borrow after July 2026, the picture gets a lot murkier. Higher payments, tighter loan limits, and longer repayment terms could reshape graduate and professional education in ways we haven’t seen before. Learn why most current borrowers can breathe a little easier, what changes are coming for Parent PLUS and grad school loans, and why future students may need to rethink their strategies altogether. We also explore how schools themselves might have to adapt, and what this could mean for high-cost programs in dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and law. Key moments: (5:19) Active students can continue borrowing until 2026 and for three more years beyond (09:20) Parent PLUS loans borrowed after July 2026 won’t qualify for any affordable IDR plan (13:27) Universities may see faculty cuts tied to falling enrollment once borrowing limits change (17:19) Borrowing limit changes likely won’t be revisited until mid-2027 at the earliest (23:13) There’s nothing to worry about right away — no loan rule changes take effect before July 2026 Resource mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Reflections on the SAVE Forbearance Ending
07/29/2025
Reflections on the SAVE Forbearance Ending
The SAVE plan’s payment forbearance is supposed to stick around through 2028, but that’s looking unlikely. Here’s why we think the clock’s ticking on SAVE, what the latest lawsuit could mean for the plan’s future, and how new legislation is tightening the rules on forbearance across the board. You’ll find out what this shift means if you’re currently on SAVE, what counts (and what doesn’t) during this forbearance period, and what you need to know now to help you avoid surprises later. It’s a confusing time for borrowers, but this episode gives you a clearer path forward. Key moments: (04:54) Why almost nobody should stay in SAVE forbearance after August 1st (10:08) Don’t panic about the “Big Beautiful Bill” changes — it isn’t great, but it’s not a total disaster either (12:33) Parent PLUS borrowers may lose access to affordable repayment options after July 2026 (15:35) Why tax-smart income strategies matter more than ever Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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What We Think Comes Next for Borrowers (with Special Guest Stanley Tate)
07/22/2025
What We Think Comes Next for Borrowers (with Special Guest Stanley Tate)
Student loan lawyer Stanley Tate joins us to tackle the big question we’re all asking: what’s actually happening with student loans right now? We’re exploring the latest legislative changes, what they mean for your repayment strategy, and why Parent PLUS borrowers are especially freaking out. We talk through everything from the COVID payment chaos we all lived through to the potential collapse of graduate programs and the emotional toll of student debt policy. What you’ll walk away with is information you can use, not just more anxiety. Whether you’re strategizing payments or just trying to stay sane, this episode helps you navigate what’s coming next. Key moments: (04:52) Future borrowers will see hard caps on how much they can borrow (09:11) Parent PLUS borrowers must get on an income-driven repayment plan by July 2026 (13:55) Should SAVE borrowers hold on or switch? We share our strategies (25:47) Resources to manage student debt exist, but you have to choose action over ignoring the problem (31:47) Our predictions for what happens to graduate programs moving forward (39:20) Student loans aren't a "set it and forget it" type of debt Resources mentioned: Connect with Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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End of the SAVE Forbearance
07/15/2025
End of the SAVE Forbearance
If you’ve been riding the SAVE Plan forbearance wave, a big shift is headed your way. The Department of Education announced that the SAVE forbearance will officially end on August 1, 2025. That means interest starts ticking again, and borrowers will be pushed to switch repayment plans. Most will be steered toward the old Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, especially with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act set to overhaul everything in July 2026. But you’ve still got options. Find out what the end of SAVE forbearance means for your loans, what the government is recommending (and why), and how you can make the smartest move for your student loans. Key moments: (04:01) Choosing between IBR and RAP depends on PSLF status, years in repayment, and forgiveness goals (07:46) PSLF isn’t dead: why potential policy reversals don’t mean your forgiveness plan is doomed (09:41) When paying off your loans might actually make more sense (and how to get a lower interest rate) (14:50) After years of chaos, borrowers just want stable rules so they can actually plan their lives Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for You
07/08/2025
What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for You
Some parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are pretty rough for borrowers, but believe it or not, it could’ve been way worse — you can thank the Senate parliamentarian for blocking the worst of it. We’ll walk you through what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what you need to start planning for now. This is your clear, practical guide to understanding how the bill will affect your wallet and the conversations you’ll need to have with your partner, financial planner, or school’s aid office. Key moments: (03:40) The math of student loans becomes very complicated for borrowers starting fall 2026 (11:39) Grad school closures and layoffs could mean higher salaries for remaining professionals (14:22) Families face tough choices as expensive colleges become harder to finance (18:56) How you file taxes continues to shape your student loan payment strategy under new rules Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Senate Parliamentarian Drops a Bombshell Ruling
07/01/2025
Senate Parliamentarian Drops a Bombshell Ruling
“Senate parliamentarian” isn’t exactly a household name, but her latest ruling is huge news for anyone with student debt. Learn what her surprise decision means for the Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could shape repayment plans and forgiveness programs. You’ll find the specifics of what this means if you’re a Parent PLUS borrower, in dental and medical school, or just worried about how these policy shifts could affect your financial future. We’ll take you beyond the political noise and cut through the confusion to give you actionable info you can use. Key moments: (02:32) The current bill would essentially kick a lot of people who need to borrow after July 2026 onto the RAP plan (05:21) Future students deserve clear repayment rules upfront, not changes mid-degree like the Senate is proposing (08:45) Anybody who's ever had a parent plus loan needs to apply for the ICR plan (11:20) PAYE borrowers must be prepared to get switched to the old IBR or possibly the RAP plan (15:48) Different borrowers should take different approaches while legislation is pending Resource mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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What Does the Reform Bill Mean for Married Borrowers?
06/24/2025
What Does the Reform Bill Mean for Married Borrowers?
If you're married, there’s a lot to consider in the latest student loan reform proposals. Discover what the changes being debated in Congress could mean for married borrowers, including the potential loss of “married filing separately” as a repayment strategy and how the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) might affect your monthly payments. If you’re single or engaged, this still matters — we’ll cover what you need to know before tying the knot, plus smart moves you can make now to avoid future headaches. Key moments: (03:07) New rules could make marriage costly for borrowers with high student debt (10:54) RAP plan offers fewer deductions than IBR, especially for families with multiple children (16:36) Capping federal loan limits could push students toward private lenders with strict requirements (25:02) Borrowers with high debt-to-income ratios may benefit from sticking with forgiveness, despite uncertainty Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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The Senate Student Loan Bill Is Much Worse Than Expected
06/17/2025
The Senate Student Loan Bill Is Much Worse Than Expected
The Senate just dropped its version of the student loan reform bill, and let’s just say… it’s not great. In fact, it’s worse than expected, especially if you have six-figure student debt, Parent PLUS loans, or are a future student. Learn what’s at stake, how it could completely reshape repayment options, and who (besides private lenders) might come out ahead. More importantly, you’ll learn what you can do now to protect yourself if the bill moves forward. If student debt is part of your financial life, don’t miss this one. Key moments: (00:52) SAVE and new IBR borrowers could be forced into old IBR under the Senate bill (02:18) New rules could turn marriage into a major cost for student loan borrowers (02:48) Parent PLUS borrowers face the harshest penalties under this proposed legislation (07:14) Future borrowers need a plan before taking loans after July 2026 under the new rules (09:18) There's still a whole lot that you can do if you're an existing borrower Links mentioned: - The official federal site for consolidating student loans Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Why Lowering AGI Is More Important Than Ever
06/10/2025
Why Lowering AGI Is More Important Than Ever
If the GOP reform bill moves forward, lowering your adjusted gross income (AGI) won’t just be helpful, it’ll be more important than ever for student loan borrowers. We explore what could change, who’s most at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your paycheck. From maxing out pre-tax retirement contributions and HSAs to leveraging self-employment and smarter tax planning, we’ll walk you through practical ways to lower your AGI — and why it might be the biggest factor in your student loan repayment. Key moments: (04:18) Business owners may gain an edge with deductions if the GOP bill becomes law (07:53) Many haven’t felt the full weight of student loan payments in a while — that may soon change (13:55) If this bill passes, 1099 or self-employed work might offer major financial advantages (16:05) Expect to lose 50–60% of your income to loans and taxes unless you lower your AGI Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Listener Q&A: What Could This New Bill Mean?
06/03/2025
Listener Q&A: What Could This New Bill Mean?
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 buyback uses the lower payment: before or after forbearance, whichever is smaller (13:30) Forgiveness is likely best when student debt is double your income or more (19:59) SAVE plan delays create confusion; should you switch IDR plans or wait it out? (31:29) Moving abroad may lower your AGI and help secure smaller payments toward forgiveness (35:45) FMLA and income recertification: what to know before submitting updated income documentation Links mentioned: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Future of Student Loans Now Depends on the Senate
05/27/2025
Future of Student Loans Now Depends on the Senate
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 details, potential legal challenges, and what you should watch as the conversation continues in the weeks ahead. Key moments: (05:41) If courts strike down SAVE, it could force a rewrite of the student loan section of the bill (07:55) Changing voter turnout patterns could reshape midterm election outcomes in unexpected ways (11:35) Future students may lose PSLF eligibility for residency programs (14:44) Proposed changes could hit universities hard, leading to major job losses across higher education (17:16) Estimate your RAP payment to see what’s affordable and compare your repayment options Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Who Would Switch to the “RAP” Plan?
05/20/2025
Who Would Switch to the “RAP” Plan?
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 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 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Scenarios for the Republican Student Loan Bill
05/13/2025
Scenarios for the Republican Student Loan Bill
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 through reconciliation with a simple majority vote (06:45) A look at the proposals currently being considered in the bill (09:13) The bill slightly helps undergrads while potentially devastating graduate borrowers (14:48) Loan limits could restrict first-generation students from accessing medical, dental, and veterinary programs (18:30) This "Big Beautiful Bill" will likely reach the President by September Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on , or Leave an honest review on Subscribe to the Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our Check out our we negotiated Book your Get profession-specific Do you have a question about student loans? or email us at and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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Endings, Beginnings, and the Next Chapter for SLP Wealth
05/09/2025
Endings, Beginnings, and the Next Chapter for SLP Wealth
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: Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth. Follow and Subscribe for free to the new show! Follow on , , , , or
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