Student Loan Planner

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 this year… and who knows, maybe you'll finally be able to take that vacation you've been dying to go on! Plus, you'll learn how to get a limited-time discount on our investing course, Six-Figure Debt to Six-Figure Net Worth.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• How to lower your tax bill with tax-loss harvesting

• How car buying services (like Costco or Sam's Club) can save you money on a new car

• The best way to save on flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel necessities

• When to put off income recertification for income-driven repayment plans

• Why the stock market's 26% gain in 2023 could be bad news

• If you should increase your policy deductibles

• Why "shopping around" for insurance policies is more than a marketing gimmick

• The effect of the difference in tax rates for saving vs. investing

• Why you should open a retirement account if you're self-employed

• When to opt for a brokerage account instead

• How to file taxes the smart way

• Why you're uniquely positioned to weather a potential stock market downturn

Links mentioned:

• More ways to save money and cut costs with our Six-Figure Debt to Six-Figure Net Worth course

• Membership clubs like Costco and Sam's Club

• Travel discounts at Hotwire and Hotels.com

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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 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 goal, I'll guide you on how to make it a reality. Let's dive in and discover the knowledge, tools, and path to help you achieve your financial goals in 2024 and beyond.

In this episode, you'll find out:

• The top 10 financial goals of Student Loan Planner listeners and how to achieve them faster
• Misconceptions about helping family financially and the importance of providing knowledge and support
• A new financial perspective by re-evaluating the purpose of being debt free
• How redefining student loan debt as a 'tax' can shift your mindset and improve how you manage loans
• The impact of health ailments on individuals and families and the importance of planning for worst-case scenarios
• The benefits of strategically financing big-ticket items
• Different types of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) and how it impacts work-life balance
• Encouragement to pursue travel and overcome obstacles such as financial constraints and limited time
• How to better align financial decisions and strategies with your goals
• Ways to adopt a conservative approach in planning for housing and other major expenses
• How leveraging multiple income streams can mitigate income loss fears and improve financial security
• Why your approach to worst-case scenario planning can enhance financial decision-making
• Strategies for transitioning to an entrepreneurial role while managing risks and fears
• How to achieve generational wealth to gain freedom and transform your life
• The importance of accountability in making your financial dreams a reality

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!

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 under your radar. Get ready to step into the New Year with valuable insights and a solid game plan for your student loans.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• Does administrative forbearance count for PSLF and IDR
• Can you get a refund for payments made while in administrative forbearance
• How to keep your student loan payment low (and how NOT to)
• How the 2024 presidential election results might impact student loan repayment
• When it makes sense to consolidate your loans after the IDR waiver
• What child-dependent tax credits you lose when you're married but filing separately
• What professions could use an in-school deferment waiver or SAVE plan strategy
• Why you need to beware of the FSA payment tracker and forgiveness dates
• The importance of gathering your payment history and payment count
• The signup deadline for PAYE plans
• How to get ahead on Parent PLUS double consolidation applications
• What to do when administrative forbearances end

Links mentioned:

• Need help with taxes? Get answers with our tax team
• Have questions about being married and filing taxes separately? Book a call now!
• Check out our doctor mortgage calculator

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 fun, yet informative bonus episode with insights from the best student loan experts to help you on your path to repayment.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• A student loan lawyer's perspective of the current/future state of student loan forgiveness

• If there will be a replacement student loan forgiveness plan in 2024 and who could benefit

• Whether the IDR waiver will be fully implemented before the 2024 election

• How PSLF relates to IDR account adjustments

• The difference between student loan consolidation vs. refinancing

• How the SAVE plan is different from other income-driven repayment plans (and why it's so beneficial for borrowers)

• If you can still access the SAVE plan or get loan forgiveness after refinancing loans into private student loans

• How to mitigate tax risks related to student loan forgiveness

• How student loan borrowers get into default and the top 3 ways to resolve a defaulted student loan

• How to negotiate a settlement after you default on your student loans

• Things you need to know when filing for bankruptcy with unpaid student loans

Links mentioned:

• Get out of default: Fresh Start from the from the U.S. Department of Education

• Find local student loan attorneys in your state: National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)

Connect with the panelists:

• Adam S. Minksy, Student Loan Lawyer at Minsky Law

• Meghan McGuire, Certified Student Loan Planner at SLP

• Jay Fleischman, Managing Attorney at Money Wise Law

• Tate Law (Law Office of Stanley Tate)

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!

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 student loan repayment.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• How income driven repayment (IDR) eases the burden for those with high balances or low income
• Expert tips to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• When consolidating your student loans is a smart move or a financial misstep
• How a ladder approach in refinancing can unlock lower interest rates for your student loans
• Creative alternatives to manage student loan debt when forgiveness programs don't fit
• Budgeting hacks and lifestyle shifts that can turbocharge your loan repayment journey
• How to make sure you're not missing out on teacher or military loan forgiveness
• When and how bankruptcy might be your escape route from student loan burdens
• The secret link between credit scores, timely payments, and better student loan terms
• Why pursuing loan forgiveness in rural healthcare careers can be a game-changing strategy

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!

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 confidently tackle your student loan debt.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• The financial benefits of paying during the grace period to minimize interest accumulation
• How consolidating loans after graduation can be smart, especially if your past income was more 'ramen diet' than 'caviar dreams'
• The value of a student loan planner in creating personalized repayment strategies that align with your career ambitions and financial situation
• How returning to school could enhance career prospects and open doors to loan forgiveness
• Potential upcoming improvements in income-driven repayment plans
• Insights on managing student loans with strategic considerations for prioritizing private student loans
• The date Parent PLUS loans need to know for access to lower monthly payments
• How claiming student loan interest deductions affects your AGI
• Why avoiding forbearance is crucial when aiming for loan forgiveness
• The role of the debt avalanche method and current considerations for refinancing student loans
• How targeting high-interest student loans first can be a strategic move for repayment
• The ins and outs of the 12-month ramp-up period for borrowers struggling to make payments
• The benefits of an income-driven repayment plan as an alternative to default

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

• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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 deadline. Then, we'll explore how student loan repayment will change after the IDR Waiver ends, what borrowers are getting wrong about the SAVE plan, and why getting expert guidance is even more critical in a post-IDR Waiver world.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

The IDR waiver's historic significance in student loan forgiveness How to get credit for forbearance and repayment plans before the deadline slips away Eligibility criteria to maximize benefits of forgiveness How the IDR Waiver transforms older loans into forgiveness superheroes Forgiveness eligibility of the IDR Waiver vs. the PSLF Waiver When the forgiveness date tracker will be available from the Department of Education Potential discrepancies in forgiveness payment count accuracy from the Department of Education How long you'll have to wait for a payment count adjustment after the IDR Waiver What to do if you're on the SAVE and PAYE income-driven repayment plan Misconceptions about the SAVE plan's interest payments The best strategies for post-IDR Waiver student loan repayment Common borrower challenges, including filing taxes separately, navigating PAYE repayment plans and consolidation issues for Parent PLUS loans

Links mentioned:

Payment Count Adjustments SAVE Repayment Plan Biden-Harris Administration IDR Announcement

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!

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 expenses. Listen in to get the expert guidance you need to navigate the choppy waters of college funding.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• The rising education costs and its ripple effects on families and finances

• The ins and outs of student loan consolidation, plus little-known forgiveness strategies

• How a 529 savings plan offers flexible college funding without sacrificing other financial goals

• Tax benefits and implications of using retirement accounts to save for college expenses

• How the Student Aid Index factors into how much you'll pay for college

• Whether it's legal and ethical to adjust assets to influence the financial aid equation

• Potential pitfalls and considerations before taking out Parent PLUS loans

• How to make the most of the time you have left to save for college

Links mentioned:

• Collegiate Financial Coach

• Higher Ed Hustle

• 529 College Savings Plans

• What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!

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 savvy tax strategies, all designed to elevate your money management skills as a parent.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• How to navigate the complexities of parental leave deferment for Stafford loans pre-July 1993
• Empowering tips for expectant and new moms about support and creating cherished moments
• The essentials of FMLA and short term disability for new parents
• Innovative strategies for using 529 plans and managing Parent PLUS loans for your child's education
• Tips for managing family size changes and parental leave
• The best place to stash your emergency fund
• How to optimize your parental leave by staggering benefits
• How to decode tax implications and access credits for new parents
• The connection between maternity leave, disability, and effective student loan

Links mentioned:

• Family Medical Leave Act

• Ally Bank high-yield savings

• Capital One high-yield savings

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!

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 borrowers managing student loan repayment and tips for business owners to consider. We'll also cover why we're rolling out a tax component (hint: wealth planning and tax optimization go hand-in-hand) and how our suite of services is uniquely designed with you in mind. So, skip the headache of juggling the many moving parts of a cohesive financial plan and don't miss the debut of this exciting new tax planning service.

In today's episode, you'll find out:

• Why mastering student loan management is crucial for effective tax planning

• Creative ways to optimize charitable deductions for better tax outcomes

• Strategies for maximizing mortgage interest deductions in today's market

• How to smartly use capital losses to lower your adjusted gross income

• The benefits of renting your home to your business and how to do it right

• The importance of tracking carry-forward losses to maximize tax savings

• How business owners can use Section 179 for significant tax deductions

• About navigating the nuances of deducting business meals and entertainment

• Structuring your business for the best tax advantages

• Leveraging tax filing extensions to benefit your income-driven repayment plan

• How to decide the best filing status in light of your student loan situation

• The benefits of income splitting in community property states

• Key steps to engage with SLP's tax planning service

• A special offer for podcast listeners to join SLP Wealth with a bonus

Links mentioned:

• Learn more about SLP Wealth's tax planning service

• Become a client of SLP Wealth

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
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

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!