By Travis Hornsby
4.7
147147 ratings
The podcast currently has 338 episodes available.
It’s an unlikely scenario, but the possibility of President Trump abolishing the Department of Education in his second term is a hot topic that’s sparked questions and concerns among student loan borrowers. We’ll explore what that might mean, unpack the fears and anxieties expressed by our listeners, and provide context around the policy implications. Plus, stick around for our “listener mailbag,” where we tackle specific questions and worries that have been pouring into our inboxes.
Key moments:
04:31 Republicans' plan is not actually to eliminate the Department of Ed 10:21 How to handle income recertification for IDR plans during job gaps 16:04 Will the discontinued PAYE plan return amid changes? 22:37 Timing actions around the 0% interest period for student loans
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
Ready to turn up the heat on your finances before 2024 comes to a close? We’ve packed this episode with 15 savvy, high-impact financial moves to help you finish the year on top. From maxing out retirement contributions and exploring tax loss harvesting to utilizing backdoor Roth strategies and refinancing high-interest debt, we’re covering it all. We’ll also discuss year-end must-dos like reviewing your insurance, managing FSA funds, and checking your credit report. Tune in to make the most of the final stretch of 2024 and set yourself up for a strong start in 2025.
Key moments:
04:05 Tax-loss harvesting and backdoor Roth IRA can help trim your tax liability 09:47 A personal story on listing income sources to stay in the clear with the IRS 13:40 With interest rates coming down, now might be the perfect time to refinance student loans or your mortgage 17:42 Important tips on updating insurance coverages and taking advantage of open enrollment benefits
Links mentioned:
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
With Trump’s unexpected victory in the popular vote and key swing states, and a likely Republican majority in Congress, significant changes to student loan policies may be on the horizon. We’ll look at possible shifts in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that could make it harder to qualify, and the potential elimination of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. We’ll discuss recent court rulings that could reshape repayment strategies, like the 8th Circuit Court decision on the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) statute. We'll also touch on political dynamics influencing these changes, including Republican and Democratic strategies, the implications of past proposals like the Prosper Act, and what borrowers need to consider moving forward.
Key moments:
04:18 Likely elimination of the SAVE plan — when should you consider switching to a different repayment option? 08:27 Republicans are making their own IDR plan and how past proposals threatened borrowers 18:42 Loan forgiveness potential might be more generous than we think 24:22 Potential for major policy changes under Trump’s second term
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
Could your tax filing status save you thousands on student loan payments? You're about to find out. We’re discussing how choosing to file jointly or separately can impact your student loan repayment strategy. You’ll hear about real-world scenarios, from high-income couples evaluating their tax implications to the strategic benefits of filing separately in community property states. Plus, we’ll explore how recent legislative scrutiny on loan repayment plans could affect your financial planning.
From navigating recertification dates to leveraging tax extensions, you'll gain practical insights that could reshape the way you manage your taxes and student loans.
Key moments:
05:18 Should a dual-dentist household file taxes separately? A real case study
18:00 Myths vs. reality of tax filing extensions
22:13 How filing taxes separately changes everything in a community property state
26:42 A physician-teacher couple cashes in on the breadwinner loophole
35:31 Reclaim your money by amending your MFS tax return
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
Have you ever wished you could give your debt — and even your degree — back? The weight of student loans is no joke, but returning it won't improve your life. The truth? You're underestimating the position you're in. A professional degree offers more job security, higher income potential, and better protection during economic downturns. Stop beating yourself up and start recognizing the smart financial decisions you've made.
In today’s episode:
05:04 Your career choice might not impact your happiness as much as you think 10:22 Feeling stress and shame? You're in a better position than you think 12:26 Prioritizing happiness and setting healthy financial boundaries
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest joys — and one of its biggest financial commitments. With so much to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Learn real-life insights, personal stories, expert advice and practical tips to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
Key moments:
09:13 Health insurance coverage, costs, co-pays and coinsurance explained 14:44 How to take parental leave without going broke 20:12 Hidden advantages of pregnancy on your student loan payments 29:18 Balancing life insurance, estate planning and retirement goals
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
The SAVE lawsuit hearing did NOT go well for borrowers. What happens if SAVE was ruled to be unconstitutional along with the ICR statute? In this episode, we will share more about the challenges the SAVE plan is facing and what borrowers should consider up ahead.
Key moments include
01:30 What are the current SAVE lawsuits? 04:50 Student loan uncertainty causing statute confusion 12:35 SAVE plan forbearance considerations 17:38 PSLF real talk and how it is limited to certain groups 21:15 How politicians see student loan repayment plans 22:10 What borrowers should consider up ahead
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
Think you’re making the most of your health benefits? It’s open enrollment, and we’re decoding everything you need to know, from why HSAs are the most overlooked investment vehicle to the surprising perks hiding in your benefits package.
In today’s episode:
01:58 Making sense of health insurance HMOs, PPOs, high-deductible health plans, and HSAs 20:57 The big issue with group life insurance and disability insurance policies 32:07 Maximizing legal benefits and estate planning protection 36:37 Protecting the whole family with pet insurance
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
If you graduated back in May, your student loan grace period is about to expire. Get the inside track to navigate this new financial responsibility and manage recertification details. You’ll also find out the latest updates on forbearance options, hear success stories of borrowers who’ve benefited from payment recalculations and plan switches, and explore possible loopholes that might emerge if SAVE is repealed.
In today’s episode:
01:37 New grads must decide on loan repayment plans 11:30 Recertification timelines post-COVID forbearance 21:34 SAVE plan forbearance may be extended 28:52 The “double debt” loophole if SAVE is repealed
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
We’re exploring spending and creative shopping tips beyond the age-old advice of setting a holiday budget. Get tips you can actually use to keep your finances in check from Halloween to the new year.
In this episode:
01:47 Hidden holiday costs and how to catch up after a really expensive month 12:18 Shopping tips for Halloween candy and costumes and nailing the lowest price on gifts 23:23 Get crafty and frugal with DIY gifts and holiday activities, plus Sim’s favorite holiday tip 32:19 Setting expectations with family to lower your stress levels
Links mentioned:
Ally
Capital One
thredUP
Honey
Kroger
Publix
Target Circle
Like the show? There are several ways you can help!
Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?
Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
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