Student Loan Planner

This Valentine’s Day, we’re putting a fun twist on one of the most important (and tricky) parts of any relationship — money.   We’re playing a game of “Swipe Right or Left” to tackle common financial questions and relationship dynamics, deciding what’s worth keeping and what needs to go.   From engagement rings and budgeting to investing and prenups, we’re sharing personal stories, financial red and green flags, and the key to open, honest money conversations with your partner. Expect a playful yet insightful discussion that will leave you with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and maybe even a few laughs. Because when it comes to love and money, making the right match matters.   Key moments:   (06:48) Is the stock market a risky move for young couples? (09:59) Engagement rings: How much to spend, and should proposals be a surprise (16:47) Estate planning essentials every couple should know (32:48) When spouses don’t share the same financial goals   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!  

Could the disappearance of the Department of Education shake up your student loans? Discover how changes to programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Income-Driven Repayment could impact borrowers. Get pro tips on managing your finances in uncertain times, including strategies for tax filing and when to consider refinancing. The discussion also touches on how political shifts might reshape loan policies and the importance of understanding debt-to-income ratios.

Most people treat insurance as a set-it-and-forget-it expense — but that approach could be costing you. We’re going beyond the basics with industry experts Bobby Jackson and Taylor Walker from Rhodes Advisors to unpack the forces driving rising property and casualty (P&C) insurance costs. Y ou’ll learn why premiums are climbing, how natural disasters and market trends play a role, and what brokers bring to the table. We’ll also explore strategic claim filing, the importance of your insurance score, and why personal cyber coverage is becoming essential. If you’re a high-income professional looking to protect your assets and make smarter insurance decisions, this episode is a must-listen. Key moments: (06:56) Market trends and why insurance costs are rising while coverage gets tougher (18:45) Key factors to consider before switching insurance providers (28:35) How strategic claim filing and your insurance score impact premiums (36:14) The role of personal cyber coverage in protecting your credit and finances Link mentioned:  Visit Rhodes Advisors   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!  

Confirmation battles are heating up, and student loan policy hangs in the balance. Linda McMahon is set to take over the Department of Education, but will her past come back to haunt her? More importantly, who will actually be in charge of student loan decisions? We address why student loans have been on the back burner, what could change, and how much power the Trump administration really has over repayment plans, IDR adjustments, and recertifications. Plus, we tackle must-hear listener questions to help you navigate shifting student loan policies, avoid costly missteps, and make the best decisions for your repayment strategy. Key moments: (00:43) Linda McMahon’s confirmation is all but certain, despite past allegations (05:56) Who will shape Trump’s student loan policy? With confirmation battles ahead, there’s no clear leader yet(06:46) Student loans aren’t a priority for Trump’s education team — where does that leave borrowers? (15:00) Over 300 qualifying payments and still waiting… should you switch repayment plans, or does it even matter? (20:46) Could Trump erase the IDR account adjustment? Yes, but it isn’t likely (32:14) IDR recertification is in Trump’s hands, and borrowers need to be ready with the right tax returns 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 emotional side of finance with ten valuable lessons learned from years of advising. Discover how simplicity can enhance your financial journey and the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. Learn strategies to automate your finances and create a robust emergency fund. The discussion emphasizes balancing numbers with behavior, the significance of saying no to avoid unnecessary pressures, and why financial planners ask probing questions to better understand clients' needs.

The first week of a new administration always brings a flurry of activity, but despite a wave of executive orders, the Trump administration hasn’t touched student loans… yet. What does this mean for borrowers? Let’s unpack the silence and uncover what this lack of immediate action says about the administration’s priorities. If you’re curious about policy changes or want to stay ahead of the curve, we break it down in plain terms to help you understand what’s happening — and what could be next. Key moments: (01:42) Promises made under the Biden administration might not carry over in a Trump administration (06:59) Borrowers could be asked to restart payments soon, potentially as early as this spring (08:27) Should you get an extension to file your tax return?  (10:52) The big legislative focus is what’s happening with the reconciliation bill (16:35) We’re still waiting for rulings from the 8th Circuit Court. Will they act, or will Trump’s team make the call?   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 age-old question of renting versus buying takes center stage in this episode as we explore whether the American dream of homeownership lives up to the hype. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth dental team, joins us for a lively debate as we dig into the financial and lifestyle factors that go into this decision, bust some common myths, and help you weigh what’s right for your situation. In the end, we’ll help you decide if buying a home is truly all it’s cracked up to be. Key moments: (07:07) The costs of homeownership go beyond the mortgage and include “phantom” expenses you might not expect (13:30) Using the price-to-rent ratio to decide if buying or renting is the smarter financial move (17:08) Why renting isn’t always “throwing money away” — key factors to consider before deciding (26:21) Renting might be your best option if you’ve just bought a business or can’t yet qualify for a mortgage Links mentioned: Rent vs. Buy Calculator for Residency/Fellowship Financially Free Dentists podcast   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!  

With a new administration on the rise, the future of student loans hangs in the balance. The GOP’s budget reconciliation bill could significantly affect borrowers nationwide. There's a proposal to end time-based forgiveness, pushing for full repayment of both principal and interest. Coupled with potential spending cuts, the landscape of student debt is set for a shakeup. Key uncertainties linger around whether the Biden administration’s income-driven repayment adjustments can withstand this political shift.

What’s next for student loan borrowers in a world of shifting repayment plans and interest rates? Financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down the potential repeal of the SAVE plan and how it could reshape repayment strategies. We explore why PAYE or IBR might take center stage, when refinancing could make sense, and why it’s always a case-by-case decision. If you’re PSLF-eligible or unsure how these changes impact your financial future, this episode has the answers you need. Key moments: (01:51) PAYE might be the go-to repayment plan if SAVE is repealed (and we think it will be) (07:04) Refinancing your loans could make sense, but it isn’t for everyone (16:08) The trade-offs of refinancing, including losing federal protections (22:30) Why refinancing is a no-go if you’re PSLF-eligible 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!  

Looking to boost your finances in 2025? Discover top strategies for growing your wealth, from smart investments to essential insurance tips. Get insights on tracking spending to uncover financial truths and understand cost basis to avoid tax pitfalls. Learn how to balance gratitude with preparation in tough times. Plus, explore the intersection of mental health and money, emphasizing well-being while managing finances. This discussion is packed with practical advice to simplify your financial life and enhance future prosperity.