Intro

You’re coming off years of low or no student loan payments, only to face 10-20x jumps seemingly overnight. We get into why payments are up so sharply, what to do (and not do) if your budget’s getting squeezed, and how to use tax and filing strategies to lower your monthly student loan bill.

We also share how to navigate marriage, family size, and community property rules when recertifying, so you can keep more options (and cash) in your hands.

Key moments:

(00:00) Payment shock: increases up to 20x after years of forbearance and SAVE

(07:12) How retirement contributions and pre-tax accounts lower student loan payments

(09:27) Married filing separately, and when it drops your payment

(16:09) PAYE goes away July 2028, and who should switch before the deadline

(20:19) Forgiveness is now taxable, and what to plan for if it’s in your future

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe to the newsletter
• Join SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member community

Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?

• Try our free student loan calculator
• Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated
• Book your custom student loan plan
• Get profession-specific financial planning

Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Student Loan newsletter

If you are not already getting our weekly newsletter every Thursday, you are missing out. We break down studio loan news, updates, money tips, all in one helpful newsletter. Sign up for free at https://studentloanplanner.com/newsletter

The SLP YouTube Channel

If you're more of a visual learner or you like seeing charts, breakdowns, and exploring other topics, check out https://youtube.com/studentloanplanner