Stuck in holiday traffic? Make the most of your travel time with our curated collection of student loan resources perfect for your commute. We'll explore the latest Pay As You Earn (PAYE) rumors, tackle tricky PSLF payment count challenges, and share a simple yet effective tool to estimate your IDR forgiveness progress while we wait for the Department of Education’s much-anticipated tracker. Key moments: 02:41 New resources you’ll love: Podcasts for dentists, physicians, and veterinarians ...

The last few weeks have been a lot — election chaos, tensions running high, and now Thanksgiving is knocking on the door. If the thought of sitting at the table with family members who have very different opinions makes you cringe, you’re not alone. We've brainstormed tons of fun and unconventional methods to sidestep political tension, avoid unnecessary drama, and maybe even have a little fun. Plus, we'll explore the power of gratitude, the tactical use of distraction, and even a few spicy...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

Imagine a world where the SAVE plan is struck down by the courts, taking various income-driven repayment (IDR) plans with it and leaving millions of borrowers scrambling. This worst-case scenario could block hundreds of thousands from accessing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and introduce massive complications for those on IDR plans. But don’t worry, I’ll break down this doomsday scenario, discuss its implications, and offer strategies for how you can best prepare. Highlights from...

Reddit is a valuable yet risky source of information for student loans. Listen in to get actionable advice for real-life scenarios as we react to what people are saying about money online. In today’s episode: 10:43 Navigating private loan lawsuits, bankruptcies, and strategic defaults 17:12 Reverse mortgage for a vacation: Good idea or bad move? 27:06 Not every choice is about money 39:32 Seeing friends get married and buy homes is hard if you’re not there yet   Like the show? There...

After months of waiting, the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) application is live again! But with all the changes, options, and deadlines, where do you start? Learn the steps you should take if you’re considering switching repayment plans, the implications for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and how to navigate the updated requirements for loan consolidations and recertifications.  In today’s episode: 4:37 Application processing, clarifying recertification, and the PSLF buyback 16:16...

We’re getting honest about how we can unknowingly sabotage our financial success. We’ll break down common behavioral traps like holding onto investments because we’ve already put money into them (hello, sunk cost fallacy), making decisions based on recent trends (that’s recency bias), and following the crowd just because everyone else is (herd mentality). When we can recognize these behaviors, we can stop being the problem and start making better choices with our money. In today’s episode: ...

Tackling the real issues you’re facing and answering a lot of listener questions that have come in about student loans. We’ll chat about the impact of possible political changes on loan forgiveness programs, share tips on managing your loans during servicer transitions, and give advice on everything from autopay issues to whether you should buy property in Hawaii. In today’s episode: 00:38 Parent PLUS loan consolidation, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), marriage and student loans ...

Balancing student loans and other financial goals can feel overwhelming, but it’s absolutely achievable. We’ll guide you through prioritizing your financial goals, from paying off debt to creating a solid foundation with brokerage accounts, retirement planning, and tax strategies for long-term success.   In today’s episode:   04:40 Start by building an emergency fund (step 1), making the most of your employer benefits (step 2), and paying off high-interest debt (step 3) 10:48 Next,...

Payment caps aren’t something most borrowers think about, but they can have a huge impact on anyone using an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. With ongoing court battles that could reshape repayment options, it's more important than ever to understand what payment caps are, how they work, and why they could mean massive shifts in how borrowers handle their payments and pursue forgiveness.    In today’s episode:   01:03 How payment caps work under Saving on a Valuable Education...

Just like physical fitness, financial fitness is key to a healthy life. Discover how personalized financial goals, like a tailored workout plan, can help you build a strong foundation with smart cash flow management, debt control, and a solid emergency savings strategy. In today’s episode: 07:41 Cash flow planning makes it easier to balance your income and expenses 16:58 A larger emergency fund allows for a higher deductible, which can lower your insurance premiums 28:30 As life changes,...

Student loan forgiveness has been a political hot potato for years, and recent moves by the Biden administration have reignited fierce debates. I’m breaking down the political chess game behind these battles and where things might go from here. In today’s episode: 09:24 Regulations unintentionally increased debt balances for borrowers 18:46 The COVID student loan repayment pause triggered a ripple effect 24:48 Transitioning to executive action after not getting support in Congress 31:10...

Find out where you stand financially and if you're on track to become a millionaire.   Financial experts Meagan McGuire and Sim Terwilliger explain how to evaluate savings strategies, balance debt with investments, and avoid overspending. You’ll also learn how understanding opportunity costs can help shape smarter financial decisions.   In today’s episode:   06:16 Calculate your current standard of living to estimate retirement expenses 16:03 Front-load retirement savings...

Worried about changes to your student loan payments? It could happen if the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan is repealed. Student loan experts Megan McGuire and Sim Terwilliger share how they’re advising clients to rethink their repayment approach. In today’s episode: 05:24 Parent PLUS loan borrowers need a plan B and plan C 13:44 Fill out a forbearance application to postpone or reduce student loan payments 24:07 Monthly income-driven repayments (IDR) can spike if you don’t...

Learn how to lower your taxable income and reduce student loan payments by optimizing pretax benefits like 401(k)s, IRAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and more. Financial experts Meagan McGuire and Connor Pierce guide you through these valuable strategies.   In today’s episode:   09:18 Strategies for maximizing retirement savings as a sole proprietor 16:49 How to reimburse medical expenses from previous years tax-free 26:07 Why a Roth IRA may...