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Student Loan Planner

Education Podcasts

Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $50,000 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.

Location:

United States

Description:

Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $50,000 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.

Language:

English

Contact:

8505728911


Episodes

Demystifying Life Insurance Myths with Rob Bertman and Lauryn Williams

5/30/2023
The topic of life insurance has so many nuances that even people who already own policies find it confusing. Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, discuss the complexities of life insurance and how it can be misused to exploit people. You’ll hear anecdotes of people who have invested in whole life insurance policies with high fees and low returns, sometimes being sold on the idea of building wealth by unscrupulous salespeople. The dynamic duo also shares how reputable financial advisors and investment options are more accessible and affordable than ever before. Finally, you’ll learn the importance of life insurance as a necessary product for catastrophic loss and ongoing support to safeguard your dependents. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:38:14

Navigating the Maze: Insights into Student Loan Forbearance, Recertification, and Forgiveness

5/23/2023
This episode is packed with essential information to help you stay on top of your student loan game. Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, are here to discuss everything from navigating forbearance and disputing inaccuracies in your payment history to the double consolidation loophole and updates on the PSLF tracker. You'll hear tips on maximizing loan forgiveness and which channels to use to contact MOHELA and Nelnet. Plus, you’ll get updates on the Student Aid portal and a client’s experience disputing administrative forbearance. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Links mentioned: StudentAid.gov Reconsideration request form PSLF Help Tool Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:44:37

The Debt Ceiling Could Pose Big Risks to Borrowers

5/16/2023
The U.S. has a massive student loan debt problem, with $144 billion eligible for forgiveness. The new numbers show that $42 billion have already been forgiven, but Republicans are seeking to block further student loan forgiveness and a new repayment plan due to the raging debt ceiling battle — ultimately putting borrowers at risk. I also discuss the potential impact of Biden’s record-low approval rating, how he can secure support from younger voters on issues like student loan forgiveness, and the role of the Supreme Court case in reaching a compromise on the debt ceiling. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Links mentioned: Send Student Loan Planner a voicemail Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:13:54

Student Debt Across the Generations

5/9/2023
With millions of individuals burdened by student loan debt for two decades or more, the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) waiver has the potential to offer much-needed relief. However, it may also morph into a significant political issue as a substantial number of older voters struggle with loan repayments. In this discussion, I examine the questionable financial choices made by colleges, such as allocating large budgets for non-essential expenses, and delve into the increasingly lavish nature of higher education costs, such as the growing focus on luxury amenities rather than educational quality. I also explore the amount of long-term student loan debt and the profound impact it has on the lives of many Americans. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:28:50

The $3 Mentality and Long-Term Financial Planning

5/2/2023
Are you struggling with student loan repayments and how it fits into your financial goals? Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, have joined forces to share valuable insights on how to avoid common student loan repayment mistakes in long-term financial planning. They discuss how many people are unknowingly on the wrong repayment plan, and why income-based repayment might not actually be the best option for you. They also share practical tips for finding savings beyond student loans, strategies for investing, and their take on the $30,000 and $3 mindset. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Resource mentioned PSLF Help Tool Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:46:58

The IDR Waiver FAQ is Here!

4/25/2023
After what feels like an eternity of waiting, the IDR waiver FAQ has finally arrived. The Department of Education finally released answers to the questions plaguing borrowers’ minds since the program was first announced. It’s way more complex than the now-expired PSLF waiver, so there’s a lot to cover. I’ll take you through all the important details, including what counts towards time in repayment, the benefits and potential drawbacks of consolidation, and how the IDR waiver can impact your eligibility for forgiveness. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:20:00

Navigating Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Cases, Nuances, and Updates

4/18/2023
Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, are here to help you navigate the latest changes and updates to student loans. They start with an inspiring story of a father who shouldered his children's education debts with a Parent Plus loan, only to discover that recent changes now allow forgiveness. Plus, they reveal how the COVID forbearance measure has made Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) even more advantageous, with a three-year credit towards loan forgiveness. The two share expert tips on repayment plan combinations, navigating community property state laws, and leveraging the latest PSLF Help Tool developments. You’ll also see how Parent Plus loan borrowers can pursue loan forgiveness, even if you thought it was impossible. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Resource mentioned: PSLF Help Tool Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:38:57

Could Forgiven Debt Get Reinstated?

4/11/2023
The Supreme Court's decision on the student loan cancellation case will have a profound impact on the Biden administration and on the implementation of the new REPAYE plan. I’m exploring that and giving updates on recent developments, such as a federal judge dismissing a case alleging racial motive for student debt cancellation and the introduction of a congressional resolution to stop cancellation and waiver programs. Additionally, I explore issues with the Department of Education's implementation and communication, the increasing resemblance of student loans to income tax, and the importance of considering federal loans when financing education. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:17:59

How Congress Could End the Student Loan Pause and Cancellation

4/4/2023
In this episode, I’m diving into some PSLF regulations that specifically affect physicians in California and Texas. Many of them work for for-profit companies that serve nonprofit hospitals, and the new rules coming out in July 2023 could have a big impact on PSLF eligibility. Next up is another listener's situation regarding consolidating Parent Plus Loans with graduate school debt. We'll also be covering some Parent Plus strategies that can be beneficial for parents. I’ll also be jumping into the exciting world of Congress and their possible plan to repeal the student loan pause and cancellation. Don't worry, I'll break down what this means for borrowers and what happens when President Biden blocks it. Plus, we'll explore the Congressional Review Act and some juicy details of the ongoing student loan lawsuits. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Links mentioned: Consolidate your federal student loans

Duration:00:28:55

How is the PSLF waiver going?

3/28/2023
Join me in this episode as we delve into the PSLF waiver report card. While I'm thrilled to see a growing number of individuals in our community receive forgiveness through the PSLF waiver, the low 20% success rate highlights the confusion borrowers face in determining where to apply and which loans to consolidate. I'll then draw a comparison between the PSLF waiver and the student loan forgiveness initiative, which boasted a much higher 60% take-up rate and a simplified application process. Finally, we'll assess the successes and disappointments of the Biden administration's student loan relief initiatives to date. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:18:06

How the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Impacts Student Loans

3/21/2023
Hold onto your hats folks, because we're diving headfirst into the Silicon Valley Bank failure. I will explain why the government intervened when they did and what they did to combat the rising panic in the banking industry. I’ll also explore the potential implications of this failure on interest rates for mortgages and student loans, and why it’s important for you to stay informed. Additionally, I will share my analysis of the government's potential strategy on student loan forgiveness, and the reasons behind the denial of some Parent PLUS consolidation applications. So sit back, relax, and join me as we dive in. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:23:42

Sofi Sues To End The Student Loan Pause

3/14/2023
On Friday, March 3rd 2023, private student loan company SoFi filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, hoping to overturn the most recent payment pause extension. SoFi, a private student loan company known for its partnership with the LA Rams stadium, has seen a drastic 90% drop in revenue due to the COVID pause, and they’ve decided to take action against it now. What does this mean for you? Check out this episode as I discuss this controversial topic and what you can do now to prepare for the upcoming weeks. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:21:43

Avoid the Siren Songs of Student Loans

3/7/2023
Student loans are a huge source of anxiety for many borrowers. Wondering how you’ll pay them off can feel like a weight that you have to carry around, which has led to lots of folks making unsound or unnecessary financial decisions. It’s what I call the “siren songs of student loans.” When you think back to Greek mythology, there were sirens that lured sailors to their death with their beautiful songs. Student loans can also have “siren songs” that can lure us into making big mistakes that impact our future wealth growth. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about how you can avoid the seven most common siren songs of the student loan world and why student loans shouldn't stop you from living your best life. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:27:36

Emergency Pod on the Supreme Court Case

3/2/2023
Breaking news on the Supreme Court Case

Duration:00:23:48

What Comes After the Student Loan Cancellation Lawsuit

2/28/2023
Listen in as Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, share the results of the Supreme Court case on cancellation… just kidding. While we'd love to dive into how the case plays out, we recorded this episode prior to the verdict. But don't worry, we've got plenty of other valuable insights to share. We’re taking a closer look at the new Revised Pay As You Earn plan, commonly referred to as the "new REPAYE," and assessing whether it's a good fit for you. Plus, over the past few years, student loan freezes have influenced how people file taxes. How does the situation you’re in now impact how you should file for 2022? Things will continue to change with the results of the most recent Supreme Court case coming out, but there are still plenty of ways to plan how you’re going to file for this year. Then, we’ll discuss some of the nuances that are affecting student loan borrowers right now, loan consolidation, and as always, we'll be sharing some intriguing stories from our email inbox. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:46:00

Intentional Budgeting: Spend Sustainably Without Sacrificing Your Dream Life

2/21/2023
Student loans payments will likely kick back in sometime in 2023, so now is the time to reevaluate your spending and saving habits. Are you truly living the life you want to live? How do YOU define your own success? Today, Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, discuss how to change your budget so that it’s working for you. And no, they aren’t going to tell you to quit eating at restaurants or supporting your local coffee shop! This episode is all about how you can adjust your life right now to spend your money on the things that actually matter and bring you joy. No matter what your goals are, it’s always the right time to invest in you. So let’s dive in! In today’s episode, you'll find out: Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:40:57

Free College for Everyone with New IDR

2/14/2023
Keeping up with how student debt is changing in this country can be a headache. That’s why I want to help you figure out how to use the existing system to your benefit right now in ways that could be life-changing. Today, I’m answering quite a few listener questions — lots of our listeners had Parent PLUS Loans on their minds, and maybe you do, too. Then, I dive into the Biden Plan for “free public college,” which may not be exactly what it sounds like, but you could still massively benefit if you set up a plan that uses your current situation to your benefit. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Links mentioned: Got a student loan question? Leave me a voicemail Parent PLUS Loan double consolidation loophole Get a student loan plan StudentAid.gov Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:44:37

Grab Bag Q&A: Navigating the Student Loan Repayment Maze

2/7/2023
Join student loan consultants Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, as they answer questions from clients about student loans. Learn about the revamped REPAYE plan, forgiveness timeline for undergraduate and graduate loans, and discretionary income guidelines for repayment. They also dive into the tax implications of loan forgiveness, the difference between FFEL and Direct Loans, when the long-term benefits of federally held loans outweigh the advantages of refinancing, and more. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Link mentioned: StudentAid.gov Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:43:52

Optimizing Your Finances: Do's and Don'ts for Reaching Financial Goals

1/31/2023
You can optimize your finances in many ways. To reach your goals, there are some things you need to do, but others you should avoid. If you don’t want to look back at the end of the year and say, “I wish I would have done that…”, this podcast is for you. Join Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, as they talk about how to ditch misconceptions that can mess up your whole year, the right moves to overcome challenges and how to make 2023 your best financial year. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Link mentioned: Find a doctor mortgage lender Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:55:10

New REPAYE Plan: What it Means and Why it's a Game Changer for Borrowers

1/24/2023
Exciting news for student loan borrowers! The new REPAYE plan proposed by President Biden aims to simplify the existing plan and offer more benefits to borrowers. It’s an earth-shattering moment in higher education. A few highlights include being able to file separately for taxes (if you’re married), qualifying for interest subsidies of 100%, and getting a 225% poverty line deduction to lower student loan payments. I’m diving into the nitty gritty details to help you understand how this plan may impact you. In today’s episode, you'll find out: What is the new repayment plan The ins and outs of the family size deduction Who can access the new income-based repayment plan Why the new repayment plan is vital for borrowers Why you need to figure out if PAYE is right for you right now How the Biden Administration modifies the income-driven plan The impact of the changes on student loan borrowers How many borrowers could pay $100 or less on their student loans How we’ll serve this new group of borrowers who needs our advice Will the IDR plan be implemented What to do if you need to apply for a student loan forgiveness waiver What to expect next from student loans Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow onApple Podcasts,SpotifyorGoogle PodcastsLeave an honest review onApple Podcasts Follow onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedIn Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try ourfree student loan calculatorCheck out ourrefinancing bonuseswe negotiatedBook yourcustom student loan plan 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!

Duration:00:24:03