Student Loan Planner

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!

As student loan payments restart after a three-and-a-half-year break, borrowers are facing challenges. Most of the traps revolve around applying for SAVE, linking your IRS data to the Department of Education, and reaching out to your student loan servicer. When navigating these pitfalls, it’s crucial to consider your unique situation instead of blindly following the Department of Education's one-size-fits-all solution. Listen in to learn common mistakes to avoid and what to do when your servicer messes up. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How to avoid payment traps and servicer mistakes as payments start When to set up autopay, and when to turn it off What to consider before applying for the SAVE plan Why you shouldn’t link your IRS data with the Department of Ed Problems with income recertification  When alternative documentation for income is best for borrowers Downsides of calling your servicer with student loan questions How to be strategic to find solutions for servicer issues What to do when your servicer messes up Actions to take to resolve servicer mistakes How to get support to navigate servicer issues Links mentioned:  StudentAid.gov SAVE Repayment Plan Student loan servicers   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!

I’m covering your most pressing questions as we prepare for student loan payments to resume. The forbearance period is ending, and there’s a lot of uncertainty and confusion about how to navigate the repayment landscape. I’ll discuss the recent developments with the PSLF waiver and IDR waiver, shedding some light on how these changes might affect your chances of loan forgiveness. Learn your next steps, whether you’re considering refinancing, changing repayment plans, or just want to understand the new regulations. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The pros and cons of refinancing your student loans, including when it's worth it to switch to a private lender The complexities involved in qualifying for PSLF and the IDR waiver How the IDR waiver can significantly impact your loan forgiveness eligibility When to consider forbearance as a short-term strategy Why you might want to wait until 2024 to make any changes to your repayment plan Why you should be cautious when considering switching to the new SAVE plan How new borrowers as of July 2014 have different options compared to those with older loans The political changes that could impact future loan repayment options How to amend your tax returns to maximize your benefits under PSLF How we’re planning to help you with tax preparation    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!  

Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, hosts two incredible guests, Meredith Jones, DVM, CSLP®, AFC®, and Gabe Rooker, who will share their experiences and insights into the world of student loan planning. Meredith, known for running a debt-free veterinarian Facebook group, sheds light on the common finance-related questions and struggles shared within the group. And Gabe, with a background in engineering, shares his journey of working for Intel and tutoring high school students on his days off to becoming an authority in college planning and student loan guidance. Gabe and Meredith are both part of our dedicated team of student loan advisors, and their expertise and passion for helping others will inspire and empower you in your student loan journey. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The initial shock of realizing scholarships don’t cover as much as you’d think Why it’s crucial to discuss uncomfortable topics like student loans The trickle-down effect of student loan planning into other areas of personal finance Common finance-related questions and struggles shared by fellow veterinarians The new rule change that helps certain physicians qualify for PSLF The breakdown of the student loan planning process and its benefits Strategies for adapting to the constant changes and updates in student loan planning How to overcome the fear and confusion surrounding student loans Thoughts about leaving a stable job to pursue a passion for helping others with student loans How student loan consultants and doctors/veterinarians share similar client interaction and goal-oriented approaches The unique paths that led Gabe and Meredith to become part of the Student Loan Planner consultant team Why student loan planners aren’t afraid of uncomfortable conversations about student loans   Resources mentioned: Virtual Veterinary Financial Summit: https://vetfinancialsummit.com/summit  Book a student loan consult with Meredith  Book a student loan consult with Gabe   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 SAVE plan has become a hot topic for many borrowers, and we’re getting a lot of questions. I will answer the top questions we see, including what it is and when you need to sign up for it. I’ll cover important deadlines and major red flags you need to know about student loans. You’ll learn how the SAVE plan can impact your loans, why it might not be the best option for every borrower, and what to do if you’re unsure about your repayment strategy.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: The pros and cons of the SAVE plan and why it isn’t the right fit for everyone When to choose PAYE over SAVE for a more cost-effective repayment option Final dates for taking advantage of the IDR account adjustment Deadlines for signing up for PAYE and ICR repayment plans If the SAVE plan is better than the new REPAYE plan people have been talking about Why our student loan advice for 2023 is still valid in light of the new SAVE plan When and how to apply for the SAVE plan What Parent PLUS borrowers need to know about consolidations and access to the SAVE plan The real reason why higher education is so expensive Upcoming consultation openings in October More information on SLP Wealth and tax services Links mentioned:   SAVE Repayment Plan Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plan Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Request 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!  

Arm yourself with “quick hits” — essential tips to guide you through the labyrinth of recent student loan updates. As student loan payments restart, Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, share how to maximize opportunities on your student loan repayment journey. Discover the revamped consolidation application designed for better efficiency and ease. Learn the benefits of removing the spousal sign-off requirements and the improved IRS data retrieval tool. Get the lowdown on the double consolidation process for Parent PLUS loans and why you shouldn’t wait to take action. Listen in to stay ahead of the game when managing your student loans. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How changes to the consolidation application can influence your decision to consolidate How your spouse’s information can affect student loan consolidation, regardless of separate finances How to get real-time payment estimates with the IRS data retrieval tool The new option of uploading income certification documentation digitally versus traditional mailing Top pros and cons of the double consolidation legal loophole for Parent PLUS loan borrowers Why parents with student loans need to add the July 2025 deadline to their calendar Common problems borrowers face when consolidating or choosing an income-driven plan Why interest capitalization isn’t as bad as you think The importance of considering your entire financial picture when evaluating your student loan repayment strategy Links mentioned:  Direct Consolidation Loan Application Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Request The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)

If you’re looking for effective ways to manage your student loan debt now that the student loan pause is over, this episode is your ticket to the next steps. Listen in as I explore the nuances of different loan repayment options for various professions. You’ll discover how our powerful student loan calculator can pinpoint repayment amounts and how to use the information to optimize your repayment strategy — your payments could be as low as $0 with the new SAVE plan. I’ll also talk about the importance of keeping cash flow low and whether investing in the stock market outweighs using the extra money to pay down student loans. So, let's get started! In today’s episode, you'll find out: Ways your student loan payment and interest could be as low as $0 a month Subsidized payment options for resident physicians and other borrowers Why keeping cash flow low is crucial, especially if you're not well-compensated The difference in interest rates between 10-year and 20-year loans and why it may not matter If you should invest in the stock market or use the extra money to pay down your student loans How to overcome income uncertainty in the first years of practice How short-term interest rates can impact your student loan repayment journey Why 5-year loans are typically cheaper than 20-year loans How to compare your current payment to the SAVE plan and determine the best course of action When to wait to recertify your income for income-driven repayment The risks in authorizing loan servicers to pull data from the IRS for income recertification 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

Which borrowers need to take urgent action to get refunds before next weeks deadline.

Meet our newest team member, Sam Silberstein, CFP®, CSLP®. A seasoned financial consultant and coach, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Join our host, Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, as she and Sam delve into her journey in the world of finance and her passion for student loan planning. Sam shares her experiences with self-taught learning, her decision to undergo additional training in student loan planning, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned from industry experts. Sam also opens up about her love for musicals, her beloved cat, and the struggles she’s faced managing her own finances. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Sam’s background and passion for helping others manage their finances The importance of customizing financial strategies How Sam and SLP are filling gaps in financial planning How to understand and cope with the anxiety and trauma associated with student loan debt Why it’s Important to work with consultants that provide support How to address concerns about the cost and value of consultations Who may still be eligible for PSLF waivers and student loan forgiveness The diversity of SLP consultants and how to book a consultation   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  Follow on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn   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!