If you’ve been riding the SAVE Plan forbearance wave, a big shift is headed your way. The Department of Education announced that the SAVE forbearance will officially end on August 1, 2025. That means interest starts ticking again, and borrowers will be pushed to switch repayment plans. Most will be steered toward the old Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, especially with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act set to overhaul everything in July 2026. But you’ve still got options. Find out what the end of...
Jul 15, 2025•17 min•Ep. 383
Some parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are pretty rough for borrowers, but believe it or not, it could’ve been way worse — you can thank the Senate parliamentarian for blocking the worst of it. We’ll walk you through what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what you need to start planning for now. This is your clear, practical guide to understanding how the bill will affect your wallet and the conversations you’ll need to have with your partner, financial planner, or school’s aid offi...
Jul 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 382
“Senate parliamentarian” isn’t exactly a household name, but her latest ruling is huge news for anyone with student debt. Learn what her surprise decision means for the Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could shape repayment plans and forgiveness programs. You’ll find the specifics of what this means if you’re a Parent PLUS borrower, in dental and medical school, or just worried about how these policy shifts could affect your financial future. We’ll take you beyond the political noise and cut th...
Jul 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 381
If you're married, there’s a lot to consider in the latest student loan reform proposals. Discover what the changes being debated in Congress could mean for married borrowers, including the potential loss of “married filing separately” as a repayment strategy and how the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) might affect your monthly payments. If you’re single or engaged, this still matters — we’ll cover what you need to know before tying the knot, plus smart moves you can make now to avoid future...
Jun 24, 2025•28 min•Ep. 380
The Senate just dropped its version of the student loan reform bill, and let’s just say… it’s not great. In fact, it’s worse than expected, especially if you have six-figure student debt, Parent PLUS loans, or are a future student. Learn what’s at stake, how it could completely reshape repayment options, and who (besides private lenders) might come out ahead. More importantly, you’ll learn what you can do now to protect yourself if the bill moves forward. If student debt is part of your financia...
Jun 17, 2025•13 min•Ep. 379
If the GOP reform bill moves forward, lowering your adjusted gross income (AGI) won’t just be helpful, it’ll be more important than ever for student loan borrowers. We explore what could change, who’s most at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your paycheck. From maxing out pre-tax retirement contributions and HSAs to leveraging self-employment and smarter tax planning, we’ll walk you through practical ways to lower your AGI — and why it might be the biggest factor in your student loan...
Jun 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 378
Get real answers to real questions student loan borrowers are asking about PSLF processing delays, confusing buyback calculations, switching repayment plans, and trying to understand how recent legislation might affect their loans. You’ll get the latest updates on what’s happening behind the scenes and what those changes could mean for you. We also cover practical, actionable steps, like how to time your income recertification, what to consider if you’ve had a long forbearance period, and a less...
Jun 03, 2025•40 min•Ep. 377
Student loan reform just cleared the House in what’s officially called the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” If it becomes law, it could overhaul repayment into just two plans: the Old IBR plan and a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) that scales payments between 1% and 10% of income over 30 years. But nothing is final. The next step is the Senate, where the path forward is less certain. We explore what the House bill includes, what changes could mean for current and future borrowers, and the broader...
May 27, 2025•19 min•Ep. 376
The Repayment Assistance Plan, aka RAP, is another student loan overhaul, and people have a lot of questions. Learn what this plan actually is, why it matters right now, and the real chances of it becoming law. If you're wondering when or if you could switch to this plan, we've got you covered. The RAP might completely change how student loan repayment works. We're unpacking all the details and what you might want to keep in mind if you’ve got loans. Key moments: (03:55) If you’re close to forgi...
May 20, 2025•18 min•Ep. 375
The Republican student loan bill is gaining steam and could seriously impact your repayment strategy. Let me break it down for you: undergrads might actually see some benefits here, but if you've got grad school debt? You might want to sit down for this one. Current borrowers won't get hit as hard as future ones, but painful changes could be on the horizon. Get insights into the legislative process, the strategy behind budget reconciliation that's pushing this bill forward, and practical ways to...
May 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 374
Guess what? We are moving this Friday episode over to the new Financially Free Era podcast! It is the next step to your financial planning journey after your student loan plan has been tackled with us here at Student Loan Planner. We hope this new show will answer your questions of: What else do I need to do? What else can I do to optimize my savings? How can I start saving for that goal that I have?" SLP Wealth was born to be that next step. So naturally, we need to start separating from our in...
May 09, 2025•2 min•Ep. 373
Can “save more” be bad advice? We’re pulling back the curtain on something financial advisors rarely discuss: how saving too much can harm your quality of life. We'll unpack the uncomfortable truth about how all professions, including my own, handle potential conflicts of interest. This isn't about vilifying financial planning — it's about making sure the help you get is truly in your best interest, and not just serving someone else’s bottom line. Key moments: (01:31) When financial planners pre...
May 06, 2025•20 min•Ep. 373
Want to keep more money in the family? Hiring family members in your business can translate into some big tax savings — and set your kids up to get ahead with their own savings. Fresh off tax season, we explore the ins and outs of putting kids and spouses on the payroll, weighing the pros and cons, and sharing actionable tips for business owners looking to leverage this strategy. You’ll also learn compliance essentials, common pitfalls, and the legal frameworks you need to keep in mind, whether ...
May 02, 2025•40 min•Ep. 372
House GOP has proposed a new bill that would radically reshape student loans for years to come. But it would also impact existing borrowers too if were to pass.
Apr 30, 2025•17 min
Got student loan questions weighing on you? You're definitely not alone. This week, we're opening up the Student Loan Planner mailbag to tackle some of the most pressing issues borrowers are facing. Should you switch IDR plans? Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback the right move? We also address the very real frustrations with federal loan servicers — the long hold times, the inconsistent information, and the impact of staffing shortages. Beyond that, we'll cover practical tax filin...
Apr 29, 2025•52 min•Ep. 371
Tax season might be in the rearview mirror, but if you're self-employed or earn income outside of a regular paycheck, quarterly estimated taxes are still very much on your radar. We’re showing you how it all fits together — what they are, who needs to pay them, and how to calculate what you owe. Learn key dates to remember, simple ways to estimate your payments, how to use the IRS’s “safe harbor” rule to avoid any unexpected penalties, and simple strategies to avoid underpaying and giving the go...
Apr 25, 2025•27 min•Ep. 370
The Department of Education dropped a bombshell announcement that would've killed a loophole strategy many of you use to keep your student loan payments manageable, only for the agency to quickly walk it back after public outcry. What actually happened? Was this ED deliberately trying to break the law and eliminate the married filing separate option, or was it just an honest mistake? You’ll hear the latest on how advocacy, lawsuits, and a fair bit of confusion among government officials have sha...
Apr 22, 2025•17 min•Ep. 369
Last week, the market went on a wild ride, and it all started with steep tariff hikes — especially on imports from China. The market’s reaction was fast and furious, with sharp drops and an even quicker rebound. So, what’s the deal with tariffs, and why do they send markets into a frenzy? Learn the basics of tariffs, why uncertainty can send investors into a panic, and how fear, headlines, and knee-jerk reactions fuel market chaos. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We also explore practical strat...
Apr 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 368
The Department of Education just dropped a negotiated rulemaking announcement, and while it might sound like dry policy talk, this one’s worth your attention — especially if you’re pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), on Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or using Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Learn what negotiated rulemaking actually means, why it matters, and what kinds of changes could be on the horizon for federal student loan repayment. We’ll also walk through the strategy behind thes...
Apr 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 367
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) don’t always get the spotlight, but they should. They’re one of the most flexible and tax-friendly tools out there — and we’re digging into why. We’re joined by Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, for a practical conversation about how HSAs work. Learn how much you can contribute based on your health plan, how things change once Medicare enters the picture, and how to use an HSA as a long-term savings strategy (not just a place to park cash for doctor’s visits). You’ll walk away ...
Apr 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 366
The Trump administration recently pushed out income-driven repayment (IDR) recertification dates — some all the way to 2027. (I'm not even kidding.) But can you actually count on these extensions? We’re breaking down who should trust these announcements and who might want to proceed with caution. We'll also talk about the bizarre game of musical chairs happening between government departments. One minute it's the Department of Education handling things, then suddenly it's the Small Business Admi...
Apr 08, 2025•23 min•Ep. 365
Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from your job — it’s about building a life you actually enjoy and knowing how your finances will hold up when the paychecks stop. A lot of people think they’re ready… until they realize they’re not. We’re walking through five warning signs that could throw your retirement off track. From skipping over withdrawal strategies to carrying debt into retirement — and maybe the biggest one? Not having a plan for what your days will look like once work is off th...
Apr 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 364
Student loans are a mess. They've been a mess for as long as we’ve been doing this, but right now? It’s like someone took that mess, threw it in a blender, and hit "puree." We’re answering a whole heap of listener questions. This episode is dropping on April Fool’s Day, but no jokes or pranks here — just straight-up answers. Let’s face it: the real joke is how convoluted this whole system has become. But we’re tackling the questions head-on. And if you're one of the folks who sent in questions, ...
Apr 01, 2025•57 min•Ep. 363
Have you ever thought, "wait, is that actually true?" while scrolling financial TikToks at 1 a.m.? We’ve been there, too, and the advice can be hit or miss. We've spent hours sorting through viral money videos to find six trends that actually contain real wealth-building potential — when you know how to apply them correctly. Learn what these popular money concepts really mean, which parts are legit, and most importantly, how to use these concepts to build wealth in your own life. Key moments: (0...
Mar 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 362
The IDR recertification deadline has been pushed back again — this time, to no sooner than February 2026. And while that might sound like good news on the surface, we know it brings up a ton of questions. That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode. If you’re on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or even thinking about it, tune in as we answer listener questions about what the new extension actually means for your monthly payments, whether it makes sense to start paying again now or k...
Mar 25, 2025•27 min•Ep. 361
Tax season is back, and while it’s no one’s favorite time of year, getting ahead of it can save you a ton of stress (and money). We’re breaking down tax planning tips, retirement contributions, and the sneaky mistakes that could cost you. Plus, some unexpected tax trivia — turns out, pro athletes and farmers have some wild tax rules. And because we can’t talk numbers all the time, we’re debating the ultimate question: bar soap or body wash? Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s tackle this tax sea...
Mar 21, 2025•48 min•Ep. 360
Student loans are a mess right now, no doubt about it. But here’s the thing: fear won’t help you. I’m sharing a personal story about my struggles with anxiety, why the news cycle makes everything feel worse, and how calling out worst-case scenarios can actually give you more control. Plus, we’re diving into the latest survey results from our audience — some frustrating, some shocking, but full of insights that could save you money. If you’re feeling stuck, this episode will help you focus on wha...
Mar 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 359
There’s more turmoil surrounding the Department of Education (ED), with recent government layoffs and speculation about the ED’s future making headlines. We’re here to analyze what’s real, what’s political theater, and how these changes could impact student loan borrowers in the coming months. We also discuss the potential fallout from IRS and USAID layoffs, the legal and budget reconciliation updates that could shape repayment options, and student loan services that might be at risk. Plus, we’l...
Mar 14, 2025•32 min•Ep. 358
The Department of Education is facing potential shutdown, and a stop work order has stalled loan processing. If you’re waiting on repayment plan approvals, PSLF progress, or forgiveness updates, this could directly impact you. We’ll break down what’s really happening, how this could affect your student loan strategy, and what to do if your application is stuck. Plus, we’ll dig into the possibility of the Treasury Department taking over student loans and what that might mean for borrowers. If you...
Mar 11, 2025•13 min•Ep. 357
Ever run into a frustrating roadblock with the IRS, the Department of Education, or another federal agency? Most people don’t realize they have a direct line to help. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CSLP®, joins us to break down constituent services — a little-known but powerful way to get help with federal financial issues. Plus, Justin Kim-Hummel from SLP Wealth shares insider know-how from his time working with senators and congresspeople on how to cut through red tape and get results. If ...
Mar 07, 2025•28 min•Ep. 356
