Student Loan Planner

Income-Based Repayment has turned into a maze for a lot of borrowers, from unexpected forbearances to confusing "partial financial hardship" determinations that don't add up. Learn why so many borrowers are stuck in SAVE forbearance, what's really going on with IBR denials, and what the Department of Education says it's going to fix by early 2026. We'll also talk about new proposed borrowing limits, how they could reshape entire professions, and what that might mean for your salary, PSLF strategy, and long-term plan. Key moments: (02:17) What "partial financial hardship" actually means — and when it shouldn't block IBR (05:29) The out-of-cycle rulemaking session and why 2026 could bring sweeping IDR changes (06:36) Why proposed borrowing caps could upend grad and professional programs (11:31) The ripple effects on earnings, PSLF planning, and long-term loan strategy (14:02) What might trigger Congress to rewrite the rules again before 2028 Resource mentioned: Apply for or recertify income-driven repayment 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!

We've been working on something big behind the scenes, and today I finally get to share it. We launched the SLP Insiders app, a dedicated community built for borrowers who want clarity, connection, and a calm place to ask questions without getting pulled into the noise of social media. Learn why we built it, who it's for, and how it can help you stay on track through the constant waves of servicer issues, PSLF updates, and IDR rule changes. If you've ever wished you had "your people" to talk loans with, this is the moment. Key moments: (01:54) The flood of borrower emails and how a community fills the gap (04:41) Profession-specific channels for physicians, dentists, lawyers, and more (10:10) RAP plan timing, huge interest subsidies, and why flexibility matters early on Resource mentioned: The Student Loan Planner app 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!

Explore the nuances of tax-free loan forgiveness strategies before the 2026 deadline. Discover how timing can save you money, and learn about clever tax bomb planning. Listeners share stories of PSLF challenges, marriage-related filing dilemmas, and the pros and cons of refinancing high earners. You’ll also find insights on navigating servicer disputes and avoiding risky tax maneuvers. This episode emphasizes making life choices over loan strategies, urging borrowers to prioritize their futures.

In this engaging discussion, Stanley Tate, a consumer bankruptcy attorney and student loan expert, dives into the complexities of student loan repayment. He unpacks the latest Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) changes and why borrowers shouldn't panic. Notably, Tate highlights the confusion around SAVE forbearance and the tricky Parent PLUS loans. The conversation also covers the implications of new loan caps and what they mean for future borrowers, ensuring listeners are well-informed on how to navigate their options effectively.

In this engaging discussion, guest Lauryn Williams, a former Olympian turned student loan consultant, shares her transition from elite athletics to financial planning. Lauryn and the host reflect on the viral spreadsheet that sparked a nationwide movement to help borrowers. They dive into surprising changes in the student loan landscape since 2016, unforgettable client stories that inspire them, and the emotional weight of their work. Excitingly, they unveil future plans for the SLP Insiders app to enhance community support among borrowers.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness could look very different if the new proposed rules move forward. The Trump administration is exploring ways to strip PSLF eligibility from employees of organizations the administration doesn't like. That could mean hospitals, nonprofits, or legal aid groups suddenly losing access to forgiveness — with no way for employees to appeal. We also get into ongoing rulemaking around professional degree borrowing limits and repayment plan updates, plus smart moves for refinancing or managing your mortgage. Key moments: (01:15) The four main categories that could determine loss of PSLF eligibility (08:38) Negotiated rulemaking and new borrowing limits for professional degrees (12:27) When refinancing your student loans or mortgage makes sense (18:14) Your 2025 tax returns will be very important for income-driven repayment 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 AFT lawsuit settlement with the Department of Education is one of the biggest updates in months for borrowers on income-driven repayment. You'll learn how this settlement unfreezes stalled forgiveness applications, who's protected under the new rules, and the key deadlines you can't afford to miss. I also explain why the 2026 "tax bomb" is back and what you can do now to prepare for it. Key moments: (00:57) What the AFT lawsuit forced the Department of Ed to fix (02:43) How PAYE and IBR borrowers can finally get forgiveness processed (05:57) The 2026 tax bomb: what's coming and how to plan for it (07:02) The urgent deadline for Parent PLUS borrowers before July 2026 (13:27) Upcoming rule changes that could reshape repayment options 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!

Worried PSLF Buyback might vanish before you qualify? Let's dig into the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback program — how it works, why it exists, whether it's likely to stick around, and how to position yourself if the rules change. You'll also hear my take on listener questions covering repayment plans SAVE vs. IBR, joint vs. separate taxes, and why sometimes "die with the debt" really can be a strategy. Key moments: (00:44) How PSLF Buyback works, when you can apply, and why politics could shape its future (06:06) The growing backlog of applications and the risk of counting on Buyback approval (10:28) How to choose between SAVE, PAYE, and IBR repayment plans (14:22) When a "die with the debt" strategy makes sense in retirement (17:50) How to handle income recertification after a job change Resources mentioned: Certify your PSLF employment Recertify or update income-driven repayment 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!

When someone asks whether a certain degree is "worth it," there's finally some data to answer that. We analyzed debt-to-income ratios across dozens of professions from our survey of over 8,000 high-income professionals, and the results tell a pretty clear story about who's managing student debt well — and who's getting squeezed. I'll also share a few thoughts on what these numbers mean in real life, like how income, housing costs, and lifestyle choices play into long-term financial outcomes. Key moments: (01:56) Professions with the lowest debt-to-income ratios and why practicality beats prestige (05:37) The hidden stress gap between generalists and specialists in healthcare and dentistry (09:05) Why certain degree programs may be setting students up to fail financially (13:06) Who's building the most wealth relative to income (14:47) Spending patterns that separate comfortable from stressed-out professionals 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!

Feeling anxious about where your career's headed? You're definitely not alone. We surveyed over 8,000 high-income professionals and asked what's keeping them up at night about their profession in 2025. The answers were eye-opening — but also pretty relatable. We're covering the top 10 fears that come up again and again. If you're a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or another high-earning professional, chances are you'll see yourself in at least a few of these concerns. Key moments: (01:26) Rising education costs and massive debt loads are crushing high-income professionals (09:15) Rural practice bring in more money due to high competition in urban areas (20:06) Compassion fatigue is burning out professionals at alarming rate (24:59) Clients may not value a professional's expertise when free AI seems "good enough" 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!