Some people simply aren’t suited for PSLF, and that’s okay. Student loan repayment is all about making decisions that are right for you and your family, and that’s what we’re talking about today. Join Senior Student Loan Advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, as she sits down with Miranda, a physical therapist and real, life student loan borrower who qualified for PSLF but chose to go a different route. In today’s episode, you'll find out:  Why Miranda gave up loan forgiveness with only two years to go What prompted Miranda to go from a physical therapist to starting her own forgiveness Strategies Miranda uses to lower her adjusted gross income and save for retirement Why borrowers in “the bubble” aren’t eligible for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and what that means for student loan repayment How your borrowing timeline impacts your repayment plan How the tax bomb affects your tax liability in a big way Miranda’s thoughts about hearing the numbers behind her student loan repayment choices    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  Follow on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn    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 help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

When PSLF Isn’t Right For You: Why Miranda Walked Away From Forgiveness

Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $20,000 to $1 million. If you've ever spent too much time on the phone with your loan servicer, this is the show for you. Every week we share tips on loan forgiveness, investing, crushing debt, and how to get to financial freedom when you owe more than most people's mortgage.

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Listen in as I answer questions from our mailbag, discuss the peculiar happenings at Nelnet, and provide updates on where we stand with student loans in May. We’ll start with listener questions about the $12,000 10-year forgiveness option, Parent PLUS loans, and income-driven repayment (IDR) recertification dates. You’ll also hear about summer updates like sweeping forgiveness programs, lawsuits trying to block student loan forgiveness, and how the upcoming presidential election could change your student loan payment.  In today’s episode: 00:54 Can borrowers get two kinds of forgiveness with one Direct Loan consolidation? 03:28 Will the Parent PLUS double consolidation loophole kick borrowers off the SAVE plan 06:25 Does early IDR recertification change your recertification date? 08:45 What to do if your Parent PLUS payment is more than you can afford 12:54 Nelnet stopped consolidations, causing concern and delays 15:60 The Department of Education should either fund or fire MOHELA 17:45 Student loan policy depends on political control 18:53 The FAFSA fiasco and speculation on resignations 22:17 Summer updates: forgiveness, lawsuits, and student loan policy   Like the show? There are several ways you can help!  Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music 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 Get profession-specific financial planning    Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

Big Nelnet Problems and Summer Updates

Are you staring at a mountain of student debt, unsure where to begin? Whether you’ve just tossed your graduation cap in the air or are in the early stages of your career, the key to regaining control lies in choosing a repayment plan that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. Meredith Jones, CSLP®, AFC®, and Connor Pierce DPT, COMT, CMPT, CSLC®, guide you through the benefits of employer-sponsored loan repayment programs, the advantages and pitfalls of various income-driven repayment plans, and how to use these options to maintain financial flexibility. They also discuss the nuances of integrating student loan management into your broader financial planning, ensuring that your debt doesn’t derail your career ambitions. Tune in to take charge of your student loans, potentially saving a significant amount of money and stress post-graduation.  In today’s episode, you'll find out:  How your debt-to-income ratio can determine the best repayment strategy for your student loans About the tax implications of employer-provided student loan benefits and how they affect their actual value Why employer student loan benefits may require careful evaluation if you're aiming for loan forgiveness Why you don’t have to let student loans define your career path How contributions to pre-tax retirement accounts lower adjusted gross income and reduce student loan payments Differences between loan forgiveness timelines of PSLF, New IBR and the SAVE plan Why having a high debt-to-income ratio might make loan forgiveness more beneficial Risks and considerations when refinancing or using a cosigner for student loans How specific repayment plans can unlock interest subsidies and possibly achieve $0 payments How strategic loan consolidation could lead to debt freedom six months earlier Tips to navigate your graduation transition, including mandatory exit counseling  Like the show? There are several ways you can help!  Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music 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 Get profession-specific financial planning    Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

A New Graduate’s Guide to Student Loan Strategies

Curious about student loan planning? This episode is packed with real-life scenarios, insider knowledge, and practical advice for your student loan journey. Get insight into ambiguous regulations, servicer misinformation and the impact it has on borrowers from Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, AFC®, and Justin Kim-Hummel, former client and integral member of the Student Loan Planner team who brings a wealth of experience from his background in PR, graduate studies, and time working on Capitol Hill. Together, they tackle challenges, answer frequently asked questions, and reveal the dedication and care that goes into every consultation. Learn why this is more than just advice. It's about ​​connecting with experts who genuinely care about your financial well-being and student loan success. In today’s episode, you'll find out:  Justin's journey from client to becoming a crucial part of the Student Loan Planner team Firsthand insight into why many borrowers are dealing with misinformation and lack of clear guidance from loan services The dangers of following bad advice from student loan servicers Key benefits of booking a consultation for personalized advice and savings How uncertainty surrounding the election can impact student loan policies How to best use the free resources offered by the Student Loan Planner team How the Student Loan Planner team uses office hours to manage client questions and concerns What kind of post-consultation support you get when implementing your custom plan What information you'll need to share with a consultant to get the best advice How a consult can address the unique financial situations of high earners who may not qualify for forgiveness How expenses like credit card debt and housing costs factor into student loan repayment options The limitations of giving advice by email and how the customer support team manages expectations Why you don't have to turn on your camera during a virtual meeting with a consultant How long it takes to get a personalized student loan plan    Like the show? There are several ways you can help!  Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music 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 Get profession-specific financial planning    Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

What Really Happens at a Consultation? The Truth Behind Our Student Loan Advice

Travis shares the best stress reduction strategies out there for current and aspiring business owners. Enroll at https://studentloanplanner.com/profit

Double Your Profit, Lower Your Stress

Get ready to uncover the myths, master the rewards, and smartly amplify your spending power — all while keeping your finances sharp and your debt strategy on point. Whether you're looking to squeeze every last benefit out of your credit card points, contemplating the right card for your business expenses, or simply looking to use your cards more strategically, this episode is a goldmine. Listen in as Meagan McGuire, ChFC®, CSLP®, and Mary Rush, CFP®, CSLP®, talk tricks, tips, and savvy spending with every swipe. Discover how to make every dollar and every point work harder for you. In today’s episode, you'll find out:  How to leverage credit cards and credit card rewards to your advantage About the benefits Meagan and Mary have personally enjoyed from credit card rewards programs Why the common belief that carrying a balance improves your credit score is wrong How maintaining a low credit utilization rate can benefit your financial health When and how to utilize 0% balance transfer cards to manage debt effectively strategies for using credit cards as budgeting tools, including how to use statement balances The perks of cashback vs. niche-specific credit cards and which is best for you Why credit cards provide better fraud and travel protection than debit cards Mary's strategy for maximizing rewards with travel and cashback credit cards Meagan's experience with using a credit card for business and the rewards she missed from not using a personal card Details on point conversions of airline miles, cashback and reward points Tips to utilize credit cards for significant expenses like weddings, home improvements or even paying taxes    Like the show? There are several ways you can help!  Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music 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 Get profession-specific financial planning    Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

When PSLF Isn’t Right For You: Why Miranda Walked Away From Forgiveness

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