Student Loan Default Collections Resume. What Does This Mean?

In this episode of the Marriage Kids and Money Podcast, Andy Hill is joined by Robert Farrington and Jordan Biesinger to explore two powerful financial topics: tackling student loan debt and achieving Coast FIRE.

First, Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor, shares urgent updates on the resumption of student loan default collections, what borrowers need to know right now, and smart strategies for managing debt amid confusing government changes.

Then, we switch gears with Jordan Biesinger, a Coast FIRE success story. Jordan and his wife hit Coast FIRE in their 20s and chose to move to China for a simpler, more financially free life. He shares exactly how they did it—and how you can too.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Robert Farrington (Website): https://thecollegeinvestor.com

Jordan Biesinger (YouTube): https://youtube.com/@BiesingerFIREJourney

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro
01:30 - The Return of Student Loan Collections
02:50 - What Happens If You Default on Student Loans
04:20 - Forbearance vs. Default: Key Differences
05:45 - Don’t Count on Future Forgiveness
07:00 - The Trillion-Dollar Student Loan Problem
08:00 - The SAVE Plan: Dead or Alive?
09:40 - Using the Forbearance Window Wisely
10:40 - Alternatives to the SAVE Plan
12:00 - How to Find Out Who You Owe
13:40 - Increasing Income and Cutting Big Expenses
15:45 - Is College Still a Smart Investment?
18:00 - The ROI Reality of a College Degree
19:30 - Where to Find More Help from The College Investor
21:00 - Coast Fire Family: Jordan’s Journey Begins
21:45 - The Coast Fire 5 with Jordan
23:00 - How Real Estate and Frugality Fueled Their FIRE
25:30 - From Student Loans to Coast FIRE
27:00 - Index Funds and Simple Investing
28:30 - Income Growth Through Career and Side Hustles
30:00 - Life and Work Abroad After Coast FIRE
31:30 - Investing Beyond Retirement
32:30 - Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation
33:45 - Why They Chose to Move to China
35:30 - Coast FIRE as a Path to Flexibility and Healing
36:30 - Life in China and Living Simply
37:30 - Final Advice for Achieving Coast FIRE

MKM RESOURCES:

• MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today.

• Coast FIRE Calculator: A free calculator to help you find out when you can slow down or stop investing for retirement.

• Mortgage Payoff Calculator: A free calculator to help you see how fast you can become mortgage free.

• YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (SPONSORS AND AFFILIATES):

• Monarch Money - Best Budget App for Families & Couples

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• Crew - HYSA Banking Built for Families - Get an Extra 0.5% APY with my partner link

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• Trust & Will - Convenient Estate Planning

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CREDITS:

• Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa

• Editor: Johnny Sohl

• Podcast Support: Nev Maraj

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