Get a sneak peek into what lies ahead in the world of student loans in 2024 as I discuss upcoming changes, potential scenarios and strategies you need to know. You’ll learn about administrative forbearance, income-driven recertification, the influence of the 2024 presidential election, and policy changes that could significantly impact you as a student loan borrower. There are many ways to save money right now on payments. So, if you want to stay ahead of the game, buckle up and get ready for an...
Jan 16, 2024•21 min•Ep. 268
Want to build up your savings or cut costs in 2024? From filing taxes and saving on insurance to buying a car and saving for travel, I’m bringing you 10 ways you can save at least $1,000 this year. And some of these can potentially save you $10,000 or more. The best part? These are strategies you can learn and do on your own. Of course, you can enlist the help of a financial expert if you want more support on your journey. Just know that you have the ability to stash away a good chunk of money t...
Jan 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 267
We recently conducted a survey where thousands of our listeners generously shared their financial dreams for 2024. Listen in as I explore the top 10 financial goals straight from our audience. We’ll tackle debt management challenges, explore various paths to financial independence, early retirement, and personal fulfillment. You’ll get practical, actionable tips to fast-track your financial success. Whether your dream aligns with those shared by our audience or you’re pursuing your own unique go...
Jan 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 266
As 2023 comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to think about smart student loan moves you should make in 2024. First, I answer listener questions about administrative forbearance, consolidating loans, tactics for keeping student loan payments low, in-school deferment waivers and more. I’m not just helping you prepare for the upcoming shifts in student loan repayment plans, I’m also looping you in on tax advantages, smart deferment methods and common payment pitfalls that might have slipped unde...
Dec 26, 2023•38 min•Ep. 265
Listen in to a panel of student loan experts recorded live at FinCon 2023. FinCon is the world’s largest financial content expo. You’ll hear first-hand strategies and tips from lawyers and financial planners specializing in student loans. Together, they answer audience questions and discuss student loan topics like loan repayment and risk mitigation strategies, consolidation vs. refinancing, what happens when you default on your loans and the future of student loan forgiveness in 2024. This is a...
Dec 21, 2023•38 min•Ep. 264
Get ready for part two of our 40 tips to supercharge your student loan repayment journey. Hosts Ben Lacomis, CSLP®, Derenda King, CFP®, CSLP®, Scotty McDonald, CSLP®, and Meredith Jones, CSLP®, AFC®, share valuable insights on student loan forgiveness, income driven repayment plans, and other critical strategies for managing student debt. From exploring federal loan forgiveness options to budgeting tips and tricks, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you optimize your approach to ...
Dec 19, 2023•21 min•Ep. 264
Whether navigating the post-graduation grace period, exploring new repayment options, or looking to supercharge your loan payoff, this episode is jam-packed with practical advice to help you take charge of your financial journey. Hosts James Mwombela, CFP®, CSLP®, Rebecca Baldauf, Jake Courtney and Sam Silberstein deliver a wealth of insights for effectively managing student loans. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and the latest strategies to confiden...
Dec 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 263
Time is running out for the IDR Account Adjustment. The so-called “IDR Waiver” is the biggest backdoor student loan forgiveness program in history, and it’s ending in less than 30 days. Learn exactly what the IDR Waiver is, the steps you need to take to take advantage of it, and how it could give you immediate forgiveness even if you didn’t know you were eligible for it. I’ll clarify some common misconceptions about the Waiver and shed some light on potential regrets for those who miss the deadl...
Dec 05, 2023•17 min•Ep. 262
College funding isn’t everyone’s favorite topic. However, the reality of higher education costs requires a proactive approach. If you’ve been diligently saving for years or are realizing the urgency to start now, valuable insight awaits you in this episode. Join our host, Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, as she sits down with Student Loan Advisors Derenda King, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rebecca Baldauf, CPA, CCFC. Together, they share proven strategies and insider tips to bridge the gap between savings and college...
Nov 28, 2023•36 min
Navigating the maze of family finances isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when student loans are part of your story. Get ready to reshape your financial future with insights tailored specifically for parents. Our expert Student Loan Advisors Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, bring their expertise directly to you, offering practical, actionable advice that goes beyond the basics. This episode is packed with essential knowledge of FMLA, disability benefits, and ...
Nov 21, 2023•36 min•Ep. 260
This is a groundbreaking episode where I’m unveiling something that will revolutionize your financial world. Joining me is Rebecca Baldauf, CPA, CCFC, and together, we’re rolling out our new tax planning service. Tailored to anyone who would love to streamline financial, student loan, and tax planning strategies, SLP Tax Planning brings together a seamless in-house team of experts marching forward together “in lockstep.” You’ll discover a few tax strategies that have specific impacts on borrower...
Nov 14, 2023•50 min•Ep. 259
Get ready for a tax revolution that could save you a fortune. Today, I'm diving into how smart tax planning, when combined with savvy student loan repayment strategies, can shield you from giving Uncle Sam more than his due. Discover why having a trusted advisor who understands the nuances of your profession, earnings, and debt is vital, the influence of the new SAVE plan on married couples' filing status, and the ramifications of the IRS and Department of Education's data sharing for your walle...
Nov 07, 2023•29 min•Ep. 258
The world of student loans is not just about debt. It's an intricate dance of financial decisions, potential pitfalls, and unexpected opportunities. But financial decisions for a student loan borrower are anything but simple. A lot is lurking in the shadows, and today, I’m joined by Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, to shine a light on it. We’re sharing why we’re doing financial planning and how we redesigned what clients should pay to save you time, money, and stress in your financial lives. As an added...
Oct 31, 2023•48 min•Ep. 257
The weight of student loans can be a significant challenge. Many borrowers have felt powerless, fearing that their student debt would control their life decisions for ten or twenty years or more. However, it doesn’t have to dictate your financial journey. Senior Student Loan Advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, is joined by Student Loan Advisors Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, and Marcel Miu, CFA, CFP®, to help you find a balance between student loans and enjoying life. In today’s episode, you'll f...
Oct 24, 2023•29 min•Ep. 256
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...
Oct 17, 2023•48 min•Ep. 255
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 p...
Oct 10, 2023•23 min•Ep. 254
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...
Oct 03, 2023•22 min•Ep. 253
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 t...
Sep 26, 2023•48 min•Ep. 252
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 a...
Sep 19, 2023•34 min•Ep. 251
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...
Sep 12, 2023•25 min•Ep. 250
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...
Sep 05, 2023•24 min•Ep. 249
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 impo...
Aug 29, 2023•34 min•Ep. 248
Which borrowers need to take urgent action to get refunds before next weeks deadline.
Aug 23, 2023•14 min•Ep. 247
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....
Aug 22, 2023•32 min•Ep. 247
Combining PSLF waiver forgiveness and consolidation strategies have led to student loan debt discharges that caught many borrowers by surprise. But time is running out for the IDR waiver. I’ll explain why you need to act fast (especially if you have FFEL loans) so you’re not left behind. If you’ve heard about SAVE, the new Income Driven Repayment plan, you need to know that having a Direct Loan is the only way to take advantage of it. You’ll also hear about student loan changes, PSLF benefits, a...
Aug 15, 2023•22 min•Ep. 246
Meet Scotty McDonald, CSLP®, the newest addition to the Student Loan Planner consulting team. Host Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, walks Scotty through his journey of career transitions and finding his passion in personal finance. He shares his background, growing up in Atwater, California, and attending art school. Scotty explores his personal journey with student loan debt and the importance of focusing on the things within our control and using past decisions to inform future strategies. Finall...
Aug 08, 2023•37 min•Ep. 245
Important deadlines are looming on the horizon, and there’s a lot to unpack. I’ll cover the essential information you need to know about consolidating loans, navigating forgiveness programs, and making crucial decisions before the upcoming deadlines. Learn the advantages and considerations of loan consolidation based on income and loan amounts, the impact on monthly payments, and how to determine if consolidation is beneficial using our SAVE calculator. I’ll also address the recent changes in th...
Aug 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 244
Getting financial help isn't easy, but avoiding it can have a ripple effect on your life. Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, are diving deep into the long-term consequences of not getting the support you need. They explore the barriers to seeking financial help, emphasizing the stigma, shame, fear, and hopelessness that often surround financial issues. Discover how to reframe the narrative to focus on the positive aspects of student loan debt in particular, such as educati...
Jul 25, 2023•38 min•Ep. 243
The new Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) guidelines are complex and controversial. Essentially it’s a Pandora's Box of regulations implemented by President Biden. Listen in as I break down the key facts and implications of these regulations, including plan blocking, revisions to existing plans, limitations on plan switching, encouragement to file taxes separately, and increased freedom for schools. In addition, I provide useful insights to help you navigate these regulations and practical advice to...
Jul 18, 2023•36 min•Ep. 242
Details about the new student loan repayment plan are finally here. It’s called SAVE, and it stands for Saving on a Valuable Education. I’m uncovering crucial details about the new plan and how it’s replacing the existing REPAYE plan. It’s the biggest change to student loans we’ve seen, and it has the potential to simplify student loan repayment and save borrowers thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. I’ll dive deep into the details, discussing recent changes, strategic application...
Jul 11, 2023•44 min•Ep. 241
