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2025 Tax Tables and Guidelines

Eligible HSA and FSA Expenses

Eligible Dependent Care FSA Uses

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Maximizing Employee Benefits to Reduce Student Loan Payments

In this episode of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast, we discuss how understanding and utilizing employee benefits, particularly during open enrollment, can positively impact your student loan journey. 

We delve into the concept of pre-tax deductions and explain how they can lower your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), which in turn reduces your monthly federal student loan payments. 

The episode covers the differences between Roth and traditional 401(k) plans, as well as the benefits of Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs), Dependent Flex Spending Accounts (DFSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). 

By using these pre-tax benefits, listeners can find significant savings both in their taxes and loan repayments. 

Additionally, we touch on life and disability insurance as part of the employer benefits that could indirectly affect student loan obligations. 

01:13 Understanding Pre-Tax Deductions
03:25 Roth vs. Traditional Plans
05:52 Exploring Flex Spending Accounts
06:56 Health Savings Accounts Explained
14:04 Impact of Life and Disability Insurance

EPISODE RESOURCES

Joint Case Update

Essential Updates on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

This episode covers significant recent updates concerning the forgiveness of federal student loans. Key highlights include the impact of the lawsuit between the American Federation of Teachers and the Department of Education on loan forgiveness processes, the phasing out of certain Income Driven Repayment plans, and the importance of timely switching from plans like the SAVE plan to income-based Repayment plans to avoid tax implications. The Department of Education's agreement to process loan cancellations under original repayment plans and to remove partial financial hardship requirements for IBR plan eligibility is also discussed. The episode concludes with a critical overview of tax considerations and the timing of loan forgiveness procedures.

01:33 Context and Background on Student Loan Forgiveness
03:00 Legal Challenges and Department of Education's Response
07:02 Joint Status Report and Its Implications
10:24 Important Deadlines and Tax Implications
15:17 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

EPISODE RESOURCES

Student Loan Forgiveness Lawsuit Latest

OBBBA Student Loan Updates

FSA Feedback Portal

Joint Consolidation Loan Latest

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Impacts of Government Shutdown and Key Updates on Student Loan Forgiveness

In this episode, we provide updates on various aspects of federal student loans, focusing on how the ongoing government shutdown may affect borrowers. Key topics include a halted student loan forgiveness class action lawsuit, issues with loan forgiveness progress and communication due to the shutdown, inaccurate payment counts and how to dispute them, and options for lowering or pausing loan payments during economic hardship. 

Detailed scenarios including the implications of partial financial hardship, spousal consolidation loans, and upcoming deadlines for Parent PLUS borrowers are also discussed. 

01:18 Student Loan Forgiveness Lawsuit Update
02:17 Impact of Government Shutdown on Loan Forgiveness
04:08 Disputes and Payment History Issues
05:38 Options for Government Employees During Shutdown
07:22 Hardship Forbearance for Private Loans
08:45 Upcoming Deadlines and Repayment Plans
12:53 Spousal Consolidation Loans Update
15:23 Conclusion and How to Get Help

EPISODE RESOURCES

Federal Mortgage Student Loan Guidelines

Navigating Home Buying with Student Loan Forbearance

In this episode, we explore how student loan forbearance affects the home-buying process. We discuss the significance of credit scores on loan structure and the impact of debt-to-income ratios, particularly highlighting how student loans influence these metrics. The episode breaks down how different loan types (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA) treat Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans versus loans in forbearance or deferment, and the strategies you can use to optimize your chances of mortgage approval. 

01:05 Why This Episode?
02:07 Impact of Credit Score on Home Loans
03:37 Debt to Income Ratio Explained
05:02 Income Driven Repayment Plans and Home Loans
05:47 Different Loan Types and Their Guidelines
11:01 Strategizing Your Student Loans for Home Buying
13:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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IDR Class Action Lawsuit

When Will Student Loan Payments Restart?

Critical Updates on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Strategies

In this brief updates episode, the host discusses the latest developments regarding federal student loans. Key highlights include the importance of consolidating loans for certain borrowers by July 1st, 2026, ongoing minimal progress in processing Income Driven Repayment (IDR) applications, and recent halts in forgiveness for various repayment plans due to legal complications. The episode also warns of the impending restart of wage garnishment for those in default on federal student loans and emphasizes that employers cannot fire employees solely for wage garnishment. Additionally, there is speculation about when student loan payments might restart, with some anticipating immediate rescheduling and others predicting potential delays until 2028. The episode concludes with an update on the transfer of loans from Mohela to other servicers, advising borrowers to ensure their information is up to date. For those seeking personalized advice, the host offers information on booking one-on-one consultations.


00:22 Federal Student Loan Consolidation
01:01 Income Driven Repayment Plan Issues
02:37 Legal Challenges and Forgiveness Updates
03:26 Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Loans
05:14 Student Loan Payment Restart Speculations
07:38 Changes in Loan Servicers
09:58 Conclusion and How to Get Help

Essential Updates on Federal Student Loans: Consolidation Risks, Deadlines, and Forgiveness Insights

Reddit IDR Payment Count Hack

Login to studentaid.gov and type https://studentaid.gov/app/api/nslds/payment-counter/summary as the URL

In this episode, several critical updates on federal student loans are discussed. These include the dangers of consolidating loans post-July 1, 2026, the necessity for consolidating specific types of loans like Perkins and Stafford loans, and how Parent PLUS loan borrowers need to act before this deadline. It further details a Reddit hack for checking forgiveness credits, and highlights the ongoing backlog in Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan applications. The episode also touches on the Trump administration's challenges to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the current pause on IDR forgiveness due to legal issues, and potential benefits from dropping interest rates for those considering private student loan refinancing. Despite the lack of a consistent theme, several random but significant updates are provided to help manage, reorganize, or expedite student loan processes.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:16 Consolidation Warnings and Deadlines
04:06 Parent PLUS Loans and Income-Driven Repayment
06:11 Reddit Hack for Tracking Forgiveness Credits
09:06 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Updates
11:37 Income-Driven Repayment Plan Backlog
13:21 Positive News and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we review a student loan case whose strategy required changes less than 60 days out from the recording.

It highlights the importance of staying updated with legal and policy changes. 

For those who want to have their loan strategy reviewed for free on the podcast, they can visit EscapeStudentLoanDebt.com/review. Those seeking a one-on-one session can schedule at EscapeStudentLoanDebt.com/session.


00:55 Case Study Introduction
04:31 Federal vs. Private Loans
09:54 Income and Repayment Calculations
18:18 Repayment Strategies and Recommendations

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Stanley Tate, a seasoned lawyer specializing in federal and private student loans. 

Stanley shares his extensive knowledge and practical advice on managing student loans, including strategic use of forbearances, the unique approach of returning to college, and leveraging the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Act. 

He also delves into the potential discharge of student loans through bankruptcy under certain conditions. 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Stanley's website 

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Subscribe to his YouTube channel 

00:41 Meet Stanley Tate: Expert in Student Loans

02:02 Understanding Borrowers' Financial Struggles

04:31 Strategies for Managing Student Loan Payments

13:02 Creative Solutions for Student Loan Challenges

18:12 Exploring Bankruptcy for Student Loan Discharge

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