Student Loan Planner

Join our very own seasoned experts, Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, for an in-depth discussion of student loans. They explore the pitfalls of private student loans, the advantages of refinancing, and the importance of thorough research to avoid scams. You’ll be inspired by success stories from our clients, including one borrower who saved $80,000 of student loan debt and turned it into a down payment on a home. You’ll get the latest updates as Meagan and Lauryn discuss the new repayment plan that's on the brink of approval, how it could impact borrowers, and why rushing to consolidate loans before a refund could be a mistake. If you’re dealing with student loan debt, you don’t want to miss this episode! In today’s episode, you'll find out: About the risks and potential high-interest rates with private student loans for undergraduates The process and benefits of refinancing private student loans after graduation The importance of researching to find reputable refinancing companies How retirement planning and HSAs can help manage student loan debt An inspiring story of a client who saved $80,000 on student loan debt How consolidating loans can provide a lot of flexibility and potentially be a game-changer in managing student loan debt When and why to consider refinancing private student loans When to start the consolidation process and why you should wait if expecting a refund The challenges of securing refunds from student loan servicers Potential drawbacks and "loopholes" of the new repayment plan proposal How advice around refinancing may change due to the new repayment plan How Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) could potentially alter your loan repayment scenario   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, 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!

The student loan pause is coming to an end. It’s been more than three years since borrowers had to make payments, but the debt ceiling bill included a provision that President Biden couldn’t extend the pause past August. I’ll discuss the politics behind this decision and how it may affect voters in key states. Additionally, I’ll explore the potential benefits of the upcoming Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan and provide insight into navigating student loan repayment and evaluating refinancing options once interest resumes. In today’s episode, you'll find out: When the student loan pause is ending The provision in the debt ceiling bill that prevents President Biden from extending the student loan pause past August When the Department of Education will instruct student loan servicers to resume repayments The importance of the activist group on student loan debt within the Democratic Party Why Biden needs young progressive voters to turn out in the next election What Biden got in exchange for giving up the end of the pause on student loan payments that Republicans missed out on What borrowers can do to prepare for the end of the student loan pause Whether or not you should refinance your loans when the interest resumes Details about the new Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, including low payments and 20-year forgiveness for borrowers with modest balances When to expect the release of final regulations for the new repayment plan    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, 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!  

The topic of life insurance has so many nuances that even people who already own policies find it confusing. Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, discuss the complexities of life insurance and how it can be misused to exploit people. You’ll hear anecdotes of people who have invested in whole life insurance policies with high fees and low returns, sometimes being sold on the idea of building wealth by unscrupulous salespeople. The dynamic duo also shares how reputable financial advisors and investment options are more accessible and affordable than ever before. Finally, you’ll learn the importance of life insurance as a necessary product for catastrophic loss and ongoing support to safeguard your dependents. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The myths surrounding whole life insurance The problem with commissions in whole life insurance investments Why people with lower income levels are often taken advantage of through financial schemes Why knowing if you’re being sold something will help you build wealth or prevent you from building wealth is crucial How lack of knowledge about insurance policies can be harmful Rob’s analysis of whole life policies and permanent insurance policies The fallacy in the way whole life insurance is sold Better ways to invest money than whole life insurance, especially in your 20s when you're in your prime wealth-building years Why you need a “full financial picture advisor” instead of an insurance salesperson The continued need for life insurance, especially when you're young   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, 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!  

This episode is packed with essential information to help you stay on top of your student loan game. Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, are here to discuss everything from navigating forbearance and disputing inaccuracies in your payment history to the double consolidation loophole and updates on the PSLF tracker. You'll hear tips on maximizing loan forgiveness and which channels to use to contact MOHELA and Nelnet. Plus, you’ll get updates on the Student Aid portal and a client’s experience disputing administrative forbearance.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: What is the period for recertification and how often does it occur How common it is to be put into forbearance during the recertification process Can borrowers dispute administrative forbearance The best way to dispute forbearance with your loan servicer How payment history before consolidation counts toward your forgiveness timeline How the account adjustment of the IDR Waiver can help you find extra payment credits The best way to contact MOHELA to ask about payment history and forgiveness How to use the reconsideration request form to get faster processing How to dispute inaccuracies in your payment history When the PSLF tracker will be available Links mentioned:  StudentAid.gov Reconsideration request form PSLF Help Tool   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, 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!  

The U.S. has a massive student loan debt problem, with $144 billion eligible for forgiveness. The new numbers show that $42 billion have already been forgiven, but Republicans are seeking to block further student loan forgiveness and a new repayment plan due to the raging debt ceiling battle — ultimately putting borrowers at risk. I also discuss the potential impact of Biden’s record-low approval rating, how he can secure support from younger voters on issues like student loan forgiveness, and the role of the Supreme Court case in reaching a compromise on the debt ceiling. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The impact of the debt ceiling on student loan borrowers New numbers related to PSLF and income-driven repayment How Biden's record low approval rating and opposition within the Democratic party affect his strategy The increase in forgiven debt due to forbearance and deferment, and its potential to benefit public servants The benefits of the IDR waiver for borrowers How consolidating loans unnecessarily can cost you more in the long run The role of progressive activists and controversial social media memes in shaping the student loan debate The Republican Party's lack of understanding of progressive student loan policies Why the potential delay in the debt ceiling impacts student loan borrowers as Biden awaits the Supreme Court's decision The resilience of forgiveness programs against lawsuits from opponents Why you need to understand different deferment types to ensure eligibility for waivers before consolidating debt Why getting help or scheduling a follow-up consultation is crucial for borrowers with significant student loan debt The outcome of the Supreme Court decision and its implications Links mentioned: Send Student Loan Planner a voicemail   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, 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!  

With millions of individuals burdened by student loan debt for two decades or more, the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) waiver has the potential to offer much-needed relief. However, it may also morph into a significant political issue as a substantial number of older voters struggle with loan repayments. In this discussion, I examine the questionable financial choices made by colleges, such as allocating large budgets for non-essential expenses, and delve into the increasingly lavish nature of higher education costs, such as the growing focus on luxury amenities rather than educational quality. I also explore the amount of long-term student loan debt and the profound impact it has on the lives of many Americans. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How the IDR waiver can potentially reform bankruptcy regulations for student loan debt The probability of a student loan tax bomb impacting borrowers in 2030 Factors contributing to rising college costs The shift towards upscale amenities and programs in higher education to attract students The government's role in student loan debt and its evolution as a political issue The societal impact of the Grad PLUS program Predominant methods Americans use to finance higher education The average age of student loan borrowers The amount of student loan debt held by borrowers and why they hold it for so long    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, 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!  

Are you struggling with student loan repayments and how it fits into your financial goals? Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, have joined forces to share valuable insights on how to avoid common student loan repayment mistakes in long-term financial planning.  They discuss how many people are unknowingly on the wrong repayment plan, and why income-based repayment might not actually be the best option for you. They also share practical tips for finding savings beyond student loans, strategies for investing, and their take on the $30,000 and $3 mindset.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: What is the $3 mentality and how it impacts long-term financial goals The importance of choosing the right repayment plan for your circumstances What is the best way to select a repayment plan for student loans How married couples can save money on student loans and taxes Tips on paying down credit card debt efficiently When it makes sense to seek financial consultation Why many borrowers shouldn’t have ignored student loans during COVID Why the double consolidation loophole shouldn’t exist What is the $30,000 mindset for finances Financial implications of renting vs. buying a home What are some basic investment strategies Resource mentioned PSLF Help Tool 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, 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!  

After what feels like an eternity of waiting, the IDR waiver FAQ has finally arrived. The Department of Education finally released answers to the questions plaguing borrowers’ minds since the program was first announced. It’s way more complex than the now-expired PSLF waiver, so there’s a lot to cover. I’ll take you through all the important details, including what counts towards time in repayment, the benefits and potential drawbacks of consolidation, and how the IDR waiver can impact your eligibility for forgiveness. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The difference between the IDR and PSLF waiver, and which one is more complex Why the Department of Education is prone to making mistakes Why consolidating loans can be risky Whether President Biden would veto any legislation aimed at blocking the IDR waiver How the IDR waiver impacts borrowers based on time in repayment, deferment, forbearance, and repayment plans The potential cost of the IDR waiver to the Biden administration Why you should be cautious with consolidating loans if you have PSLF repayment The impact of Senator Warren's letter on loan forgiveness for millions of borrowers President Biden's stance on the IDR waiver and the potential FFEL legal concerns How consolidating loans can help PSLF borrowers get even more credit How ongoing developments may affect consultant availability for the IDR waiver FAQ   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, 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!

Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, are here to help you navigate the latest changes and updates to student loans. They start with an inspiring story of a father who shouldered his children's education debts with a Parent Plus loan, only to discover that recent changes now allow forgiveness. Plus, they reveal how the COVID forbearance measure has made Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) even more advantageous, with a three-year credit towards loan forgiveness. The two share expert tips on repayment plan combinations, navigating community property state laws, and leveraging the latest PSLF Help Tool developments.  You’ll also see how Parent Plus loan borrowers can pursue loan forgiveness, even if you thought it was impossible.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: There is no clear language on the technical implementation of the IDR waiver yet A case study on whether to consolidate an undergrad loan to get closer to PSLF forgiveness  How the standard ten-year plan compares to PSLF for Parent Plus loans How the new IDR waiver allows credit for unconsolidated Parent Plus loans towards PSLF A big update on how to submit an employment certification form for payment count  How spouses can maximize income-driven forgiveness by filing taxes separately The importance of using different repayment plans in different situations A case study strategy to lower payments using the double debt loophole The impact of state community property laws on student loan repayment How the new REPAYE plan could change repayment strategies for couples Which loans are (and are not) eligible for refunds Resource mentioned:  PSLF Help Tool 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, 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!  

The Supreme Court's decision on the student loan cancellation case will have a profound impact on the Biden administration and on the implementation of the new REPAYE plan. I’m exploring that and giving updates on recent developments, such as a federal judge dismissing a case alleging racial motive for student debt cancellation and the introduction of a congressional resolution to stop cancellation and waiver programs. Additionally, I explore issues with the Department of Education's implementation and communication, the increasing resemblance of student loans to income tax, and the importance of considering federal loans when financing education.  In today’s episode, you'll find out: Potential outcomes of the Supreme Court ruling on student loan cancellation How a lack of final rules and staff may delay the new REPAYE plan How case alleging discriminatory motivations for student debt cancellation was dismissed A warning to Biden administration about legal strategies to justify debt cancellation How to get disability insurance and discounts from Student Loan Planner Updates to congressional resolution to stop cancellation and waiver programs for student debt The possibility of debt reinstatement through joint resolution Political implications of student loan forgiveness and the IDR waiver How the Department of Education's policies and communication are flawed Details and potential challenges of the upcoming end to the student loan pause Importance of considering federal loans when financing education 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, 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!