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In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP® dives into the latest twists in the federal student loan landscape—and what they mean for optometrists using income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. There’s big news on SAVE plan court rulings, loan consolidations, and IDR recertifications. But more than that, Evon explores the deeper question: What are the tradeoffs you accept when choosing an IDR path toward forgiveness?

Whether you’re a recent graduate figuring out your repayment plan or a practice owner managing loans alongside business goals, this episode breaks down the current student loan climate and the ongoing volatility—and why you should base your decision on math and personal tolerance for policy uncertainty.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• The most recent updates to federal student loans
• What’s happening with student loan consolidation and past payment history
• Why IDR recertification deadlines have been pushed back—and what to do if yours wasn’t processed
• The current status of IDR applications (they're back!) and why servicers aren’t processing them (yet)
• The key tradeoffs to consider when planning around forgiveness vs. full repayment
• How student loans compare to other long-term financial decisions in terms of uncertainty and control

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Eyes On The Money Weekly Newsletter – Sign up and get your 2025 Financial Guide
• Student Loan SAVE Plan Court Case Guidance
• Have a question or want to dive into your student loan strategy? Reach out at [email protected]

The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.