Student Loan Planner

Whether navigating the post-graduation grace period, exploring new repayment options, or looking to supercharge your loan payoff, this episode is jam-packed with practical advice to help you take charge of your financial journey.  Hosts James Mwombela, CFP®, CSLP®, Rebecca Baldauf, Jake Courtney and Sam Silberstein deliver a wealth of insights for effectively managing student loans. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and the latest strategies to confidently tackle your student loan debt.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: The financial benefits of paying during the grace period to minimize interest accumulation How consolidating loans after graduation can be smart, especially if your past income was more 'ramen diet' than 'caviar dreams' The value of a student loan planner in creating personalized repayment strategies that align with your career ambitions and financial situation How returning to school could enhance career prospects and open doors to loan forgiveness Potential upcoming improvements in income-driven repayment plans Insights on managing student loans with strategic considerations for prioritizing private student loans  The date Parent PLUS loans need to know for access to lower monthly payments How claiming student loan interest deductions affects your AGI Why avoiding forbearance is crucial when aiming for loan forgiveness The role of the debt avalanche method and current considerations for refinancing student loans How targeting high-interest student loans first can be a strategic move for repayment The ins and outs of the 12-month ramp-up period for borrowers struggling to make payments The benefits of an income-driven repayment plan as an alternative to default Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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  

Time is running out for the IDR Account Adjustment. The so-called “IDR Waiver” is the biggest backdoor student loan forgiveness program in history, and it’s ending in less than 30 days. Learn exactly what the IDR Waiver is, the steps you need to take to take advantage of it, and how it could give you immediate forgiveness even if you didn’t know you were eligible for it. I’ll clarify some common misconceptions about the Waiver and shed some light on potential regrets for those who miss the deadline. Then, we’ll explore how student loan repayment will change after the IDR Waiver ends, what borrowers are getting wrong about the SAVE plan, and why getting expert guidance is even more critical in a post-IDR Waiver world.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: The IDR waiver's historic significance in student loan forgiveness How to get credit for forbearance and repayment plans before the deadline slips away Eligibility criteria to maximize benefits of forgiveness How the IDR Waiver transforms older loans into forgiveness superheroes Forgiveness eligibility of the IDR Waiver vs. the PSLF Waiver When the forgiveness date tracker will be available from the Department of Education Potential discrepancies in forgiveness payment count accuracy from the Department of Education How long you’ll have to wait for a payment count adjustment after the IDR Waiver What to do if you’re on the SAVE and PAYE income-driven repayment plan Misconceptions about the SAVE plan’s interest payments The best strategies for post-IDR Waiver student loan repayment  Common borrower challenges, including filing taxes separately, navigating PAYE repayment plans and consolidation issues for Parent PLUS loans Links mentioned:  Payment Count Adjustments SAVE Repayment Plan Biden-Harris Administration IDR Announcement   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!

College funding isn’t everyone’s favorite topic. However, the reality of higher education costs requires a proactive approach. If you’ve been diligently saving for years or are realizing the urgency to start now, valuable insight awaits you in this episode. Join our host, Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, as she sits down with Student Loan Advisors Derenda King, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rebecca Baldauf, CPA, CCFC. Together, they share proven strategies and insider tips to bridge the gap between savings and college expenses. Listen in to get the expert guidance you need to navigate the choppy waters of college funding.   In today’s episode, you'll find out:   The rising education costs and its ripple effects on families and finances The ins and outs of student loan consolidation, plus little-known forgiveness strategies How a 529 savings plan offers flexible college funding without sacrificing other financial goals Tax benefits and implications of using retirement accounts to save for college expenses How the Student Aid Index factors into how much you’ll pay for college Whether it’s legal and ethical to adjust assets to influence the financial aid equation Potential pitfalls and considerations before taking out Parent PLUS loans How to make the most of the time you have left to save for college   Links mentioned:    Collegiate Financial Coach Higher Ed Hustle 529 College Savings Plans What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!

Navigating the maze of family finances isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when student loans are part of your story. Get ready to reshape your financial future with insights tailored specifically for parents. Our expert Student Loan Advisors Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, bring their expertise directly to you, offering practical, actionable advice that goes beyond the basics. This episode is packed with essential knowledge of FMLA, disability benefits, and savvy tax strategies, all designed to elevate your money management skills as a parent. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How to navigate the complexities of parental leave deferment for Stafford loans pre-July 1993 Empowering tips for expectant and new moms about support and creating cherished moments The essentials of FMLA and short term disability for new parents Innovative strategies for using 529 plans and managing Parent PLUS loans for your child's education Tips for managing family size changes and parental leave The best place to stash your emergency fund How to optimize your parental leave by staggering benefits How to decode tax implications and access credits for new parents The connection between maternity leave, disability, and effective student loan    Links mentioned: Family Medical Leave Act Ally Bank high-yield savings Capital One high-yield savings   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!  

This is a groundbreaking episode where I’m unveiling something that will revolutionize your financial world. Joining me is Rebecca Baldauf, CPA, CCFC, and together, we’re rolling out our new tax planning service. Tailored to anyone who would love to streamline financial, student loan, and tax planning strategies, SLP Tax Planning brings together a seamless in-house team of experts marching forward together “in lockstep.”    You’ll discover a few tax strategies that have specific impacts on borrowers managing student loan repayment and tips for business owners to consider. We’ll also cover why we’re rolling out a tax component (hint: wealth planning and tax optimization go hand-in-hand) and how our suite of services is uniquely designed with you in mind. So, skip the headache of juggling the many moving parts of a cohesive financial plan and don’t miss the debut of this exciting new tax planning service.   In today’s episode, you'll find out:   Why mastering student loan management is crucial for effective tax planning Creative ways to optimize charitable deductions for better tax outcomes Strategies for maximizing mortgage interest deductions in today's market How to smartly use capital losses to lower your adjusted gross income The benefits of renting your home to your business and how to do it right The importance of tracking carry-forward losses to maximize tax savings How business owners can use Section 179 for significant tax deductions About navigating the nuances of deducting business meals and entertainment Structuring your business for the best tax advantages Leveraging tax filing extensions to benefit your income-driven repayment plan How to decide the best filing status in light of your student loan situation The benefits of income splitting in community property states Key steps to engage with SLP’s tax planning service A special offer for podcast listeners to join SLP Wealth with a bonus Links mentioned:    Learn more about SLP Wealth’s tax planning service Become a client of SLP Wealth Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!  

Get ready for a tax revolution that could save you a fortune. Today, I'm diving into how smart tax planning, when combined with savvy student loan repayment strategies, can shield you from giving Uncle Sam more than his due. Discover why having a trusted advisor who understands the nuances of your profession, earnings, and debt is vital, the influence of the new SAVE plan on married couples' filing status, and the ramifications of the IRS and Department of Education's data sharing for your wallet. With complex rules and your financial future in the balance, we're blending tax advice with wealth management to bolster your loan repayment plans — and for a short period, we're dropping the sign-up fee. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How our survey on the SAVE plan and data sharing reveals crucial tax insights many don't know Why the new SAVE plan is swaying more couples to file taxes separately Must-know tax planning tips for student loan holders to sidestep future financial pitfalls Whether filing a tax extension could be a smart income move Best practices for claiming dependents in complex tax situations Tax structuring secrets for married borrowers in community property states What the latest IRS rules and your debt situation mean for loan forgiveness options The urgent call for coordinated tax planning in light of automated IRS-Education Department data sharing The often-overlooked long-term expense of DIY tax software like TurboTax The financial logic behind our bundled financial and tax planning services launching now A sneak peek at next-level tax strategies we'll explore in upcoming episodes Links mentioned:  Find out more about SLP Wealth Book an onboarding call with SLP Wealth   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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 world of student loans is not just about debt. It's an intricate dance of financial decisions, potential pitfalls, and unexpected opportunities. But financial decisions for a student loan borrower are anything but simple. A lot is lurking in the shadows, and today, I’m joined by Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, to shine a light on it. We’re sharing why we’re doing financial planning and how we redesigned what clients should pay to save you time, money, and stress in your financial lives. As an added perk, today’s listeners get an exclusive offer on a reduced fee. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Why a financial plan is essential for student loan borrowers and how it can lead to significant savings Key investment techniques involving taxes and tax loss harvesting The shortcomings of automated financial advisors  Why financial advice must take a big picture approach of your situation and goals Why we made it our mission to make services accessible for all income levels Exciting new service offerings we plan to roll out soon How our fees compare with other financial advisers in the industry The breadth of professional groups we cater to and our areas of expertise Real-world examples of potential financial missteps 
 Link mentioned:  SLP Wealth   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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 weight of student loans can be a significant challenge. Many borrowers have felt powerless, fearing that their student debt would control their life decisions for ten or twenty years or more. However, it doesn’t have to dictate your financial journey. Senior Student Loan Advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, is joined by Student Loan Advisors Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, and Marcel Miu, CFA, CFP®, to help you find a balance between student loans and enjoying life.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: How PSLF’s reputation steered borrowers away from forgiveness options Why borrowers with high student loan balances gave up on repayment How the new SAVE plan could redefine your approach to loan repayment Unexpected pitfalls of refinancing federal student loans during the pandemic The unique student loan struggles millennials are grappling with today What the Fresh Start program is and how it can be a game-changer for borrowers Why current conditions may deter borrowers from refinancing student loans Ways to squeeze joy out of life despite student loan debt and financial challenges Link mentioned:  A Fresh Start for federal student loan borrowers Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!

New repayment plans are opening the door to new loopholes for borrowers, including a new subsidy strategy. I’m sitting down with Senior Student Loan Advisor Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, to share an exciting new tactic with the SAVE plan that can help you subsidize all of your grad school loans. Learn about weighted average of balances and its impact on loan repayment options, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness. You’ll also hear eye-opening insights into the Department of Education’s calculation errors that have affected hundreds of thousands of borrowers.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: The new subsidy strategy that’s a loophole for grad school borrowers Why taxpayers file separately to lower student loan payments How to recoup lost tax credits by amending past tax returns Whether potential caps on Parent PLUS loans are fair The impact of calculation errors and issues with administrative forbearance How weighted average works and how it affects loan repayment About the mental toll and anxiety of borrowing student loans Predictions for the future of student loan policies and forgiveness programs Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!  

In this action-packed episode, financial experts and student loan consultants Jared Costigan, CFP®, Logan Murray, CFP®, CSLP®, EA, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, explore the profound impact of student loans on everyday life. You’ll hear stories of consultations where clients discovered surprising opportunities for loan forgiveness, leading to emotional reactions and newfound hope; the macroeconomic implications of the impending restart of student loan payments and how it presents a valuable planning opportunity for borrowers; and how retirement planning and aggressive repayment strategies fit into your student loan repayment strategy. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How retirement planning intersects student loans Financial opportunities for borrowers as student loan payments resume How income-driven repayment can make your monthly payments more manageable The benefits of integrating student loans into your overall financial roadmap Why you shouldn’t wait to ask for help with student loan payments How student loan planning is different from traditional finance and why it’s often overlooked What drives our experts in a sneak peek behind the scenes with the SLP team The story of a client who unlocked a staggering $150,000 in loan forgiveness during a consultation Financial planning opportunities for borrowers who haven’t included student loan payments in their budget The importance of income-driven payment plans and payment reduction   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!