The holidays are a great time to think about the gift of education. For all the parents who have borrowed on behalf of their children to ensure they had an education, we want to give you a round of applause. Parent PLUS loans can add a layer of financial stress. Senior Student Loan Advisors Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire (Landress), CSLP®, dedicate this episode to the 3.4 million borrowers of Parent PLUS loans. Whether you’re a parent with Parent PLUS loans or you’re a student ...
Dec 20, 2022•50 min•Ep. 212
Student loans have been anything but predictable over the past three years. The changes have raised many questions, but we have the answers! Join top student loan experts Meagan McGuire (Landress), CSLP®, and Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, as they take a deep dive into the questions they’re seeing right now. Their combined insight and expertise can help you get the most out of the payment pause, refunds, payment count updates, forgiveness, and changes coming down the line. In today’s episode, you...
Dec 13, 2022•45 min•Ep. 211
Reviewing and assessing your progress over the last year can help to keep you on track to reach your goals. But what exactly should you do? Finish the year strong and set yourself up for success in 2023 with these key money moves from Senior Student Loan Advisors Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire (Landress), CSLP®. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How to fix your Roth IRA if you’ve been filing taxes separately Why you can’t have outstanding pre-tax accounts in your Roth IRA (o...
Dec 06, 2022•49 min•Ep. 210
Why the PSLF waiver (that expired last month) isn’t really over and the confusing extension to the student loan payment pause are just two recent developments that continue to unfold around student loans. Senior Student Loan Advisors Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, and Meagan McGuire (Landress), CSLP®, as well as Student Loan Advisor Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, will walk you through the latest updates that can make or break your student loan repayment plan. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Why the...
Nov 29, 2022•47 min•Ep. 209
Since March 2020, the student loan pause started a trend of more generosity for borrowers — more generous programs, IDR plans, waivers, PSLF rules and more. But the past couple of weeks have seen judges strike back against many of the student loan initiatives. Learn how a federal judge in Texas struck down the entire student loan cancellation program, how borrowers can benefit from some of the options still out there for student loans, and student loan changes we might see in 2023. In today’s ep...
Nov 22, 2022•19 min•Ep. 208
A Texas judge blocked student loan cancellation, effectively stopping it in its tracks. Plus, the midterm elections will have an enormous impact on student loans going forward. Between these two events, you could feel the effects even if you wouldn’t benefit from cancellation specifically. I’m diving into the student loan lawsuits, the temporary pause on student loan cancellation, and what will happen when student loan payments resume. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Why the Texas lawsuit t...
Nov 15, 2022•39 min•Ep. 207
The new IBR plan is supposed to be available by July 2023, but it might not happen as promised. I’m diving into what’s causing the delay that could push it out until late 2023 or even July 2024. There are also hot developments going on with student loan cancellation, and I’m sharing new strategies coming down the pipeline based on recent announcements. Plus, I’m taking some listener questions. We’ve got a lot to cover… are you ready? In today’s episode, you'll find out: Why commercially-held FFE...
Nov 08, 2022•46 min•Ep. 206
A brand-new set of rules came out, and I’m diving into these urgent student loan updates to give you the inside track of how it can benefit you. It impacts a narrow group of people, but if you’re affected, these most recent changes could be life changing. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The new rules for the PSLF program that benefits contractors working for PSLF-eligible organizations How Kaiser Permanente physicians can qualify for PSLF What hold-harmless provisions mean for getting credi...
Nov 01, 2022•26 min•Ep. 205
You only have until October 31, 2022 to take advantage of the PSLF waiver before it expires. But it isn’t too late to apply and get credit! Senior Student Loan Advisor Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and I did a webinar very recently on last-minute application tips for the PSLF waiver, and hundreds of borrowers were there with us. In this episode, we’re sharing the top tips from the webinar to help as many borrowers as possible get credit added to their PSLF payment count up until the last possible mome...
Oct 24, 2022•55 min•Ep. 204
The student loan lawsuits, specifically the State of Nebraska v. Biden et al. suit against the Department of Education, are poised to slow down or stop student loan cancellation. I will cover what might happen and why it matters for many student loan borrowers out there. I also have a few random business updates to share, including how to join one of our Facebook groups and where to find resources on our site that go beyond student loan planning. In today’s episode, you'll find out: The lawsuit ...
Oct 18, 2022•27 min•Ep. 203
Meet Conor Mahlmann, CSLP®, one of our newest consultants as he joins Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and Ben Lacomis, CSLP®. Conor joined the Student Loan Planner team back in May and just hit his 300th consult. The team is covering many topics this week — from the changes we’ve seen, the PSLF waiver, cancellations, and what we hear directly from clients. We’re also jumping into student loan updates, so there’s a lot of ground to cover. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How Conor got into financial ...
Oct 11, 2022•44 min•Ep. 202
Student loan decision fatigue is real. With so many options, programs changes, temporary waivers, and more, there’s a lot of deadlines to keep track of. What should you be paying attention to? What are you eligible for? Where do you even start? Join me, Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan Landress, CSLP®, as we review what you should be thinking about right now. We also share how some borrowers are paying it forward and the best self-care ideas to rejuvenate your mind and body. In today’s e...
Oct 04, 2022•28 min•Ep. 201
Emergency Episode #2 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!
Oct 03, 2022•13 min•Ep. 200
6 Republican led states just filed a lawsuit to block student Ioan cancellation, but this could be much bigger and imperil the IDR waiver, the payment pause, and more.
Sep 29, 2022•15 min•Ep. 200
Forgiveness, cancellation, and repayment plans have seen many changes in recent months. But there’s more coming — I’m following what the Democrats and the Republicans are proposing for the future of student loans, which could have a big impact on student loans in 2023 and 2024. Listen in as I dive into proposals and a particular bill that is likely to pass in Congress that could help out a small, but important category of student loan borrowers. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Listener ques...
Sep 27, 2022•35 min•Ep. 200
Some people simply aren’t suited for PSLF, and that’s okay. Student loan repayment is all about making decisions that are right for you and your family, and that’s what we’re talking about today. Join Senior Student Loan Advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, as she sits down with Miranda, a physical therapist and real, life student loan borrower who qualified for PSLF but chose to go a different route. In today’s episode, you'll find out: Why Miranda gave up loan forgiveness with only two years ...
Sep 20, 2022•43 min•Ep. 199
We like to prepare student loan borrowers for whatever life throws at you. But even the best laid plans can throw a curve ball. Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, and James Mwombela, CFP®, two of our newest student loan advisors, recently found themselves taking one of those unplanned detours: Challenges along the way to having a baby. Join Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, as she talks to the team about breaking the all-too-common silence around fertility and related issues since joining, as Sim puts it...
Sep 13, 2022•38 min•Ep. 198
The Biden Administration announced student loan cancellation, and it’s a pretty big deal. But a report was released this past week about potential lawsuits filed against the cancellation. It’s a lot to take in, but the outcome could have a huge impact on student loan borrowers. So, I’m breaking down the impact of the cancellation, what could happen if there’s a lawsuit, and how it fits together with the PSLF Waiver and IDR Waiver. In today’s episode, you'll find out: If the student loan cancella...
Sep 06, 2022•40 min•Ep. 197
As PSLF timing issues arise and the deadline approaches for Operation Fresh Start, it’s time to get clear on a few things... Join Meagan Landress, CSLP®, our Senior Student Loan Advisor, as she welcomes our newest Student Loan Planner consultant, Ben Lacomis, CSLP®, to the team. Let’s get to know Ben and what makes him a unique and valuable asset to the SLP community, then we’ll break down the most recent issues and questions regarding the PSLF Program and Operation Fresh Start. In today’s episo...
Aug 30, 2022•47 min•Ep. 196
Read “Biden’s Student Loan Cancellation and Forgiveness Plan (Fully Updated)” on our blog at https://www.studentloanplanner.com/joe-biden-student-loan-plan
Aug 25, 2022•14 min•Ep. 195
Our very own Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, are tackling case studies of real student loan borrowers. They’re factoring in student loan balance, income, expenses, and other factors going on in their lives, giving you an inside look at how best to manage specific scenarios. The dynamic duo also answer frequently asked questions to help you better navigate your student loans. In today’s episode, you'll find out: What to consider when you or your spouse wants to sta...
Aug 23, 2022•43 min•Ep. 195
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...
Aug 16, 2022•30 min•Ep. 194
Student Loan Planner’s very own Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, sit down to discuss the differences between financial planners, financial coaches, and sales representatives. This is an important conversation that will give you more confidence and clarity when it comes to choosing the right professional to trust with your finances! In today’s episode, you'll find out: How planners, coaches, and sales reps overlap, and where their roles differ What to consider when you’re...
Aug 09, 2022•42 min•Ep. 193
An earth-shattering report about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program came out a few weeks ago by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). I’m diving in and breaking it down, so you can see just how powerful the PSLF Waiver and IDR Waiver could be if more people knew about it. I’m also sitting down with Taylor, a special guest from the SLP community. As a borrower herself, Taylor’s case study illustrates who may or may not benefit from the PSLF or IDR waiver. In today’s epi...
Aug 02, 2022•54 min•Ep. 192
Ken Ruggiero, CEO and Co-founder of Ascent, joins me and we look at his unique journey to founding Ascent, a fintech company that applies a holistic lens to the student loan industry. It’s the kind of discussion that’s full of diverse insight into governmental policy, first-hand knowledge of the student loan industry’s long history and the reflections on the outsized power that higher education lobby wields. Learn how Ascent has been honored by the American Bankers Association for its data- and ...
Jul 26, 2022•42 min•Ep. 191
Pretty much everything regarding student loan debt is in flux right now, so it’s a perfect time to get the facts straight and bust some misconceptions. Hopefully, this will ease your mind a bit and empower you to get the assistance you need to go after the debt relief you deserve. Join me in this episode as I break down some popular misconceptions about the PSLF Waiver and IDR Waiver programs, as well as a few other pertinent issues and updates around student loan debt relief, interest capitaliz...
Jul 19, 2022•36 min•Ep. 190
Biden’s Student Loan Changes & What They Mean for Your Student Loan Debt The Biden Administration recently came out with a variety of sweeping proposals which are going to impact your student loans in a BIG way. These changes aren’t slated to go into effect until July 2023, but they might start even earlier than that. Join me as I break down the new changes to student loans that the Biden Administration proposed and what other changes we can expect from the Department of Education in the nea...
Jul 12, 2022•37 min•Ep. 189
Washington may be headed into summer vacation doldrums, but for student loan borrowers now – more than ever – is a time to stay alert and informed! I’ll start with a deep dive into a proposed settlement in the Borrower Defense to Repayment lawsuit (known as Sweet v. Cardona), outlining the origins of the class action and who stands to receive forgiveness from for-profit schools that marketed through fraudulent means. I’ll also give you the latest updates on where PSLF and IDR waivers stand, and ...
Jul 05, 2022•40 min•Ep. 188
Join me in this episode where I answer many of your most popular questions about Income-Driven Repayment waivers, grace periods, reducing your loan repayment amounts, disability and term life insurance, our NEW Student Loan Planner Insurance, and so much more! It’s an info-packed episode you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re a medical professional! In today’s episode, you'll find out: Will relief come for spousal joint consolidation loans How PSLFs are changing after the Income-Driven Rep...
Jun 28, 2022•42 min•Ep. 187
Senior Student Loan Advisor Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and one of our newest Student Loan Advisors, Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, discuss a number of relevant topics to student loan borrowers today. Listen as they answer listener questions from the inbox, technicalities about loan repayment (particularly around recertifying for your existing income-based repayment plan) and info about the Limited PSLF Waiver and consolidating your loans for PSLF. In today’s episode, you'll find out: How Aidvantage ...
Jun 21, 2022•44 min•Ep. 186
