Student Loan Planner

Flying by the seat of your pants isn’t a great strategy for your own finances, and it’s downright risky when it comes to your aging parent’s money situation. Many of us millennials and Gen Xers are suddenly realizing our boomer parents might need help, but where do we even start? We have a practical checklist for tackling those awkward money conversations with your parents. We’ll guide you through insurance basics, tax considerations, and planning for future care needs so you don’t get stuck making life-altering decisions in a crisis — have the conversation early so you’re not scrambling when it might be too late. Key moments: (06:06) One conversation might not be enough and who to include in financial planning talks (11:20) Insurance policies and legal documents every family should review together (22:14) Housing decision factors: staying put, downsizing, and future-proofing their living space (30:23) The family balancing act: dividing financial and caregiving responsibilities between siblings Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

The legal battle over the SAVE plan just took another turn. With the injunction now made permanent, what happens next? Learn how this latest court decision affects your repayment plan, the impact on student loan forgiveness, and what it means for current and future borrowers. We’ll also cover the legal and legislative angles, what to watch for in the coming months, and how to adjust your student loan strategy. If you’re wondering whether student loan forgiveness is still in play or how this affects your next steps, tune in to this episode. Key moments: (02:48) The ICR statute doesn't explicitly promise forgiveness after 25 years (04:44) What the SAVE injunction means in plain terms (07:31) How this ruling could throw a wrench into House Republicans’ tax cut plans (12:09) What to consider if you’re in the SAVE forbearance or going for PSLF Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

If you’ve been setting goals but not seeing results, this might be the missing piece. The simple act of writing down your financial goals increases your chances of seeing them through by 33% to 42% compared to those who just keep them in their heads. Learn why writing your goals makes such a difference, and discover simple strategies to make your financial dreams a reality. From the psychology of goal-setting to small habits that lead to big wins, we’re covering what it takes to turn your "someday" goals into real progress. Key moments: (03:37) Vague goals get vague results, but writing them down makes all the difference (09:57) Tracking progress keeps you motivated (18:39) A goal-based plan helps you adapt when life changes (23:56) Automation can help you reach your goals without constant effort Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

The student loan landscape is a mess — uncertainty, delays, conflicting headlines, and a whole lot of anxiety. Should you switch repayment plans? Are you eligible for PAYE? And how could political changes impact Grad PLUS loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)? We’re answering real borrower questions and sharing practical steps you can take right now so you don’t get caught off guard by sudden changes. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure of your next step, this episode is for you. Key moments: (06:08) Should you switch to a new IDR plan or stick with SAVE? (13:19) Could an executive order eliminate Grad PLUS loans? (19:32) Can DOGE change access to PSLF or IDR forgiveness? (25:23) Taking time off for kids? Here’s how to manage student loan repayment during career breaks (32:43) What to expect with student loans and income recertification Link mentioned: Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan request Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

This Valentine’s Day, we’re putting a fun twist on one of the most important (and tricky) parts of any relationship — money. We’re playing a game of “Swipe Right or Left” to tackle common financial questions and relationship dynamics, deciding what’s worth keeping and what needs to go. From engagement rings and budgeting to investing and prenups, we’re sharing personal stories, financial red and green flags, and the key to open, honest money conversations with your partner. Expect a playful yet insightful discussion that will leave you with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and maybe even a few laughs. Because when it comes to love and money, making the right match matters. Key moments: (06:48) Is the stock market a risky move for young couples? (09:59) Engagement rings: How much to spend, and should proposals be a surprise (16:47) Estate planning essentials every couple should know (32:48) When spouses don’t share the same financial goals Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

A lot of borrowers are concerned about what would happen if the Department of Education gets eliminated. We’ll walk through exactly what can and can’t change based on the law, from Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans to the impact on your student loans. Plus, I’ll give you clear guidance and action steps to prepare your finances. If you’re worried about recertifying your income or wondering if you should refinance, this episode will help calm your nerves and give you practical steps to protect yourself. Key moments: (03:20) Your IDR payments could spike if you don’t plan for how you’ll file your tax return (04:54) Potential PSLF and IDR program changes that could affect your forgiveness (10:24) What a Department of Ed shakeup could mean for your student loans (14:33) The debt-to-income formula that determines your best loan strategy (19:41) The reconciliation bill could reshape IDR programs Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

Most people treat insurance as a set-it-and-forget-it expense — but that approach could be costing you. We’re going beyond the basics with industry experts Bobby Jackson and Taylor Walker from Rhodes Advisors to unpack the forces driving rising property and casualty (P&C) insurance costs. Y ou’ll learn why premiums are climbing, how natural disasters and market trends play a role, and what brokers bring to the table. We’ll also explore strategic claim filing, the importance of your insurance score, and why personal cyber coverage is becoming essential. If you’re a high-income professional looking to protect your assets and make smarter insurance decisions, this episode is a must-listen. Key moments: (06:56) Market trends and why insurance costs are rising while coverage gets tougher (18:45) Key factors to consider before switching insurance providers (28:35) How strategic claim filing and your insurance score impact premiums (36:14) The role of personal cyber coverage in protecting your credit and finances Link mentioned: Visit Rhodes Advisors Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

Confirmation battles are heating up, and student loan policy hangs in the balance. Linda McMahon is set to take over the Department of Education, but will her past come back to haunt her? More importantly, who will actually be in charge of student loan decisions? We address why student loans have been on the back burner, what could change, and how much power the Trump administration really has over repayment plans, IDR adjustments, and recertifications. Plus, we tackle must-hear listener questions to help you navigate shifting student loan policies, avoid costly missteps, and make the best decisions for your repayment strategy. Key moments: (00:43) Linda McMahon’s confirmation is all but certain, despite past allegations (05:56) Who will shape Trump’s student loan policy? With confirmation battles ahead, there’s no clear leader yet(06:46) Student loans aren’t a priority for Trump’s education team — where does that leave borrowers? (15:00) Over 300 qualifying payments and still waiting… should you switch repayment plans, or does it even matter? (20:46) Could Trump erase the IDR account adjustment? Yes, but it isn’t likely (32:14) IDR recertification is in Trump’s hands, and borrowers need to be ready with the right tax returns Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

Personal finance is a journey, and we’ve spent years guiding clients through its twists and turns. Now, we’re sharing the top 10 lessons we’ve learned — insights that can help you tackle student loans, achieve financial goals, and navigate the emotional side of money. Learn how simplicity can transform your financial plan, why celebrating small wins keeps you on track, and how to stop lifestyle creep before it derails your progress. We’ll also cover the smartest way to automate your finances, strategies for handling life’s curveballs, and the power of saying no when it really counts. Key moments: (05:23) Money isn’t just numbers, financial success is balancing math with behavior (11:11) Building an emergency fund isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential (18:10) Why financial planners ask so many questions (24:48) Automating your finances lightens the mental load and leads to big results (29:55) Learn to say no to purchases, bad investments, or family requests — even when it’s uncomfortable Links mentioned: Monarch Money Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

The first week of a new administration always brings a flurry of activity, but despite a wave of executive orders, the Trump administration hasn’t touched student loans… yet. What does this mean for borrowers? Let’s unpack the silence and uncover what this lack of immediate action says about the administration’s priorities. If you’re curious about policy changes or want to stay ahead of the curve, we break it down in plain terms to help you understand what’s happening — and what could be next. Key moments: (01:42) Promises made under the Biden administration might not carry over in a Trump administration (06:59) Borrowers could be asked to restart payments soon, potentially as early as this spring (08:27) Should you get an extension to file your tax return? (10:52) The big legislative focus is what’s happening with the reconciliation bill (16:35) We’re still waiting for rulings from the 8th Circuit Court. Will they act, or will Trump’s team make the call? Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

The age-old question of renting versus buying takes center stage in this episode as we explore whether the American dream of homeownership lives up to the hype. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth dental team, joins us for a lively debate as we dig into the financial and lifestyle factors that go into this decision, bust some common myths, and help you weigh what’s right for your situation. In the end, we’ll help you decide if buying a home is truly all it’s cracked up to be. Key moments: (07:07) The costs of homeownership go beyond the mortgage and include “phantom” expenses you might not expect (13:30) Using the price-to-rent ratio to decide if buying or renting is the smarter financial move (17:08) Why renting isn’t always “throwing money away” — key factors to consider before deciding (26:21) Renting might be your best option if you’ve just bought a business or can’t yet qualify for a mortgage Links mentioned: Rent vs. Buy Calculator for Residency/Fellowship Financially Free Dentists podcast Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

With a new Trump administration taking office, the next 100 days could shape the future of student loans in America. We’re breaking down what we’re watching and what these potential changes could mean for borrowers. Key moments: (01:06) The GOP’s budget reconciliation bill and how it could impact borrowers nationwide (03:46) A closer look at the proposal to end time-based forgiveness and require full repayment of principal plus interest (05:03) How student loans factor into the GOP’s proposed spending cuts and what might happen next (10:16) Will the Biden administration’s IDR account adjustments survive under GOP leadership? Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

What’s next for student loan borrowers in a world of shifting repayment plans and interest rates? Financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down the potential repeal of the SAVE plan and how it could reshape repayment strategies. We explore why PAYE or IBR might take center stage, when refinancing could make sense, and why it’s always a case-by-case decision. If you’re PSLF-eligible or unsure how these changes impact your financial future, this episode has the answers you need. Key moments: (01:51) PAYE might be the go-to repayment plan if SAVE is repealed (and we think it will be) (07:04) Refinancing your loans could make sense, but it isn’t for everyone (16:08) The trade-offs of refinancing, including losing federal protections (22:30) Why refinancing is a no-go if you’re PSLF-eligible Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

If you’ve been wondering how to level up your finances in 2025, we’ve got you covered. Discover our top 10 strategies to help grow your wealth, including smart investment moves, must-know insurance tips, and how to recession-proof your finances without losing sleep. But it’s not just about numbers. We’ll talk about how mental health and money intersect, share some personal stories, and give you real-world advice you can use. If growing your wealth and simplifying your financial life are on your radar for 2025, this episode is a must-listen. Key moments: (04:17) Tracking your spending reveals the true story of your finances (10:20) Protect your mental health by embracing where you are, without the pressure to be more (16:50) Avoid costly tax mistakes by understanding cost basis (23:43) Plan for the worst while appreciating the best (balancing gratitude with preparation) (32:47) Understanding your finances is the first step to building a life with purpose and balance Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

What’s the real difference between being a 1099 contractor and a W2 employee? And who actually decides which one you are — your employer or state law? Financial planner Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, CSLP®, CBDA, joins us to unpack the distinctions between these classifications and what they mean for your career, finances, and legal obligations. You’ll learn the IRS guidelines that determine your status, the pros and cons of each, and how being 1099 or W-2 impacts your retirement savings, tax planning, and benefits like Social Security and Medicare. Plus, we’ll discuss unique situations like earning both W-2 and 1099 income from locum tenens work. Key moments: (04:43) Key differences between 1099 contractor income and W-2 employee income (11:16) How IRS rules determine if you’re a 1099 contractor or should be classified as W-2 (17:21) The pros and cons of 1099 vs. W-2 status and how they impact your taxes, retirement, and benefits (30:56) What happens when you earn both W-2 and 1099 income as a locum tenens worker? Link mentioned: Worker Classification 101: employee or independent contractor

We’ll look ahead at major changes in student loan repayments under the new Trump administration, with potential IDR recertification deadlines and implications of the 8th Circuit's decisions. Plus, I’ll share a personal story about an investment mistake that cost me thousands and tips so that it doesn’t happen to you. Key moments: (01:28) Student loan collections are restarting: what it means for your credit and forbearance (03:49) What cost basis is (and a personal story about how ignoring it cost me thousands) (09:49) Are AUM fees worth it? Breaking down the math (15:06) Understanding technical investing strategies can give you an edge in wealth-building Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

Is it possible to buy a home without a credit score? We’re joined by special guest Steve Stewart, podcast editor, who shares how he moved his family to Colorado and secured a mortgage without a traditional credit score. Steve, who hasn’t opened a credit account since 2008, reveals tools and strategies for documenting payment history, navigating homeownership as a single-income household, and overcoming challenges as a self-employed borrower. We also discuss why the credit scoring system prioritizes debt, how professionals with unconventional financial profiles can still secure a mortgage, and how to handle tax reporting, 1099 forms, and business structuring for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Key moments: (05:29) The myth that a credit card is safer than a debit card (09:19) Strategies to get a mortgage without a traditional credit score or manual underwriting (21:36) What living without credit means for missing out on card perks (27:13) Simplifying 1099 income reporting and third-party processor confusion Links mentioned: eCredable Experian Boost Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

Student loan repayment plans are in chaos. From the PAYE and ICR confusion to the ongoing servicer challenges, borrowers face an overwhelming mess. We break down what’s happening, what changes might be coming, and how to stay ahead in an unpredictable system. On the investing side, we’re tackling the dominance of U.S. stocks since 2008, asking whether their reign is coming to an end. We’ll explore the rise of cryptocurrencies, the risks of betting too heavily on any one market, and why diversification remains critical to long-term financial success. Key moments: (01:23) How reopening the ICR plan lets high-income borrowers qualify for forgiveness and PSLF (03:16) U.S. stocks have outperformed international markets by 3.5x since 2008 (07:23) Bitcoin’s wild swings, why it mirrors U.S. stocks but amplifies market moves (11:45) Why investors tend to chase risky stocks and overlook safer opportunities (15:40) The importance of a diversified portfolio for professionals, no matter your student loan debt (16:49) Key investment strategies to prioritize as 2025 approaches Links mentioned: Department of Education Announces Borrowers Can Now Apply for Additional Income-Driven Repayment Plans WSJ: Young Men Are Making Risky Bets on Crypto and Politics—and Raking It In Right Now Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

The clock is ticking on the double consolidation loophole for Parent PLUS Loans, which closes in July 2025. Learn what this change means, why borrowers must act quickly, and how to make the most of the remaining time. We’ll tackle the big questions: Should you file taxes jointly or separately? How do Medicare penalties and student loan repayments overlap? And what strategies can help you maximize income-driven repayment (IDR) plans before the loophole disappears? Jared Costigan, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth team, shares expert advice on preserving retirement savings, aligning Social Security with loan repayment, and leveraging Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Key moments: (05:16) Parent PLUS debt surged 63% from 2015 to 2022 as the cost of college climbs (9:19) The double consolidation loophole could save you from paying 20% of your retirement income (19:38) Who benefits most from a double consolidation? Borrowers with balances nearing or exceeding their income (27:56) Income planning ties Social Security and loans to retirement timing — don’t overlook it (37:32) Filing taxes separately can lower loan payments but may raise Medicare costs Links mentioned: Financially Free Physicians podcast Department of Education Parent PLUS Loans Parent PLUS Double Consolidation Loophole Guide for 2025 Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

This episode is packed with answers to listener questions about student loans. From Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules to spousal consolidation loans, we’re covering real-life scenarios that borrowers face every day. Wondering how family size changes affect payments or what to make of new repayment plans? We’ve got you. Tune in for practical advice, expert tips, and answers to the questions you didn’t even know you had. Let’s get into it! Key moments: (04:07) Tackling spousal consolidation loan headaches and finding a way forward (06:44) Why claiming dependents can impact your loan forgiveness taxes (15:41) Nearing forgiveness? Here’s what to know about IBR qualification (18:37) Forbearance confusion: Does processing or administrative forbearance count for PSLF? Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorAmazon MusicLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan planGet profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!