Student loans are a mess. They've been a mess for as long as we’ve been doing this, but right now? It’s like someone took that mess, threw it in a blender, and hit "puree." We’re answering a whole heap of listener questions. This episode is dropping on April Fool’s Day, but no jokes or pranks here — just straight-up answers. Let’s face it: the real joke is how convoluted this whole system has become. But we’re tackling the questions head-on. And if you're one of the folks who sent in questions, thanks for trusting us with your financial headaches. We've got your back. Key moments: (04:34) The trap that will mean big trouble for borrowers if ICR gets repealed (12:06) No “processing shortcuts” exist — everyone’s in the same slow-moving line (21:20) Inexperienced customer service representatives giving you the wrong answers (34:06) Why you might want to file a tax extension to see how student loan policies might shift (45:24) Financial windfall? Where to direct your cash for maximum impact Links mentioned: StudentAid.gov IDR plan request Certify employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

Have you ever thought, "wait, is that actually true?" while scrolling financial TikToks at 1 a.m.? We’ve been there, too, and the advice can be hit or miss. We've spent hours sorting through viral money videos to find six trends that actually contain real wealth-building potential — when you know how to apply them correctly. Learn what these popular money concepts really mean, which parts are legit, and most importantly, how to use these concepts to build wealth in your own life. Key moments: (01:31) Trend 1: Automate investing and use tax-advantaged accounts instead of basic savings (04:41) Trend 2: Buy back your time — paying others can actually make you more money (10:28) Trend 3: Stop wasting money on depreciating assets (14:10) Trend 4: The daily mindset practice to stay focused on financial growth (16:22) Trend 5: Protect your money with the right insurance coverage and estate planning (19:38) Trend 6: Never stop learning — budget for books, courses, and coaching   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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

The IDR recertification deadline has been pushed back again — this time, to no sooner than February 2026. And while that might sound like good news on the surface, we know it brings up a ton of questions. That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode.   If you’re on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or even thinking about it, tune in as we answer listener questions about what the new extension actually means for your monthly payments, whether it makes sense to start paying again now or keep riding the pause, and how this might (or might not) affect forgiveness programs down the road. Get insights and practical strategies to stay on top of your plan without going into a tailspin.   Key moments:   (00:31) Why it’s important to be extra careful filing taxes this year (02:57) Paper vs. online IDR applications and why some are mailing backups (11:24) If you’re in the Sweet v. Cardona group, is IBR worth it? (13:15) PSLF questions around buyback, forbearance, and filing a tax extension (19:35) What we know about the ongoing IDR application processing delays   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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

Tax season is back, and while it’s no one’s favorite time of year, getting ahead of it can save you a ton of stress (and money). We’re breaking down tax planning tips, retirement contributions, and the sneaky mistakes that could cost you. Plus, some unexpected tax trivia — turns out, pro athletes and farmers have some wild tax rules. And because we can’t talk numbers all the time, we’re debating the ultimate question: bar soap or body wash? Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s tackle this tax season together. Key moments: (03:33) A midyear tax check helps avoid surprise bills from bonuses, side gigs, or investments (15:07) Roth IRA mistakes happen when you ignore next year’s tax situation — think ahead (21:37) Smart estate planning keeps more wealth with your heirs or charities, not the IRS (26:02) Home office deductions have strict rules — don’t push your luck with the IRS (34:24) Maxing out retirement accounts is great for taxes and asset protection, especially for physicians (34:57) Tax loss harvesting can lower your bill, so don’t miss market downturn opportunities (42:24) A tax extension can help student loan borrowers keep flexibility for income recertification 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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

Student loans are a mess right now, no doubt about it. But here’s the thing: fear won’t help you. I’m sharing a personal story about my struggles with anxiety, why the news cycle makes everything feel worse, and how calling out worst-case scenarios can actually give you more control. Plus, we’re diving into the latest survey results from our audience — some frustrating, some shocking, but full of insights that could save you money. If you’re feeling stuck, this episode will help you focus on what really matters. Let’s talk strategy, not stress. Key moments: (01:39) Eye-opening survey results reveal major concerns from our audience (04:50) Many borrowers could drastically lower payments by filing taxes separately (09:12) PSLF’s low success rate was intentional, here’s why (19:30) Lawsuits and legal challenges mean the worst headlines aren’t the final word (26:40) Student loans are frustrating, but they’ve also opened doors — don’t lose sight of what you’ve gained   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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

There’s more turmoil surrounding the Department of Education (ED), with recent government layoffs and speculation about the ED’s future making headlines. We’re here to analyze what’s real, what’s political theater, and how these changes could impact student loan borrowers in the coming months. We also discuss the potential fallout from IRS and USAID layoffs, the legal and budget reconciliation updates that could shape repayment options, and student loan services that might be at risk. Plus, we’ll share some personal reflections on staying sane in all this chaos. Key moments: (00:46) ED shutdown rumors may have been a strategic leak to test public reaction (03:36) PSLF and loan support teams have been gutted, making it harder to get help (07:22) Travis became a meme after a late-night Instagram Live on the ED stop-work order (13:02) Courts, Congress, and the executive branch are creating student loan policy chaos (20:20) Why we’re more careful about sharing loopholes — and where to find exclusive insights   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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

A potential shutdown of the Department of Education has put loan processing on hold, causing concern for borrowers awaiting repayment plan approvals and forgiveness updates. The discussion dives into the implications of this disruption on student loan strategies. It also highlights the historical push to close the department since 1979 and emphasizes the importance of borrower awareness during this chaotic time. Listeners are advised on how to navigate their applications amidst this uncertainty, encouraging a cautious approach.

Ever run into a frustrating roadblock with the IRS, the Department of Education, or another federal agency? Most people don’t realize they have a direct line to help. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CSLP®, joins us to break down constituent services — a little-known but powerful way to get help with federal financial issues. Plus, Justin Kim-Hummel from SLP Wealth shares insider know-how from his time working with senators and congresspeople on how to cut through red tape and get results. If you’ve ever felt stuck dealing with a federal agency, this episode is a must-listen. Key moments: (05:04) How to request help from constituent services when federal agencies drop the ball (08:17) Why you should always go through the largest state office — and how to get the best response (15:51) The secret to getting action: share deadlines and urgency to move things forward (19:15) Should you go to your House rep or straight to your Senator? How to choose the right office (23:06) How long does it take to get answers? What to expect from the process Links mentioned:   Consumer Financial Protection Bureau FSA (Federal Student Aid) Ombudsman Office Congressional Research Service   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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

The IDR and loan consolidation applications are down, repayment plans are shifting, and court rulings are throwing everything into question. If you're feeling stuck, you're not alone. Learn why the Department of Education is reworking the IDR and PSLF applications, what this means for your loan strategy, and how to make smart decisions despite the chaos. We'll also tackle listener questions about PSLF timing, repayment plan changes, and what potential policy shifts could mean for your forgiveness path. Key moments: (04:38) What the court ruling means for PSLF and ICR borrowers (07:16) Will my loans be forgiven? I’m two payments away from forgiveness and not IBR eligible (14:51) Is my income too high to qualify for financial hardship? (19:24) Do my Parent PLUS loans qualify for PSLF forgiveness? (23:06) What is the student loan “tax bomb” and will I have to pay it? Link mentioned:   Request an income-driven repayment plan   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 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

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 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter 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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!