Episodios

  • 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

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    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 [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

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    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

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  • 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!

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    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 [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!

    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 [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!

    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 [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!

    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 [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!

    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 [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!

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 this episode:

    02:37 Tougher eligibility for PSLF and income-driven repayment
    06:33 Key tax strategies (reducing AGI, filing separately, and community property considerations)
    09:36 Why I’m not overly concerned just yet
    16:51 How to make sure you can still get a spot on the IBR 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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 Double Consolidation advice for Parent PLUS borrowers
    20:54 PSLF recertification and confusing payment count updates
    34:17 When to consolidate and reasons why you shouldn’t

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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:

    11:31 A super-easy way to track financial progress
    16:42 Our money story and how we grew up shapes how we manage money
    21:25 Recency bias affects investment decisions, cyclic trends
    37:08 Sunk cost fallacy, herd mentality, and dollar-cost averaging

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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
    17:40 Advice for new graduates, administrative forbearance, early income recertification, PSLF buyback
    30:19 Interest accruing during forbearance, PSLF credit for past payments, timing PSLF
    41:32 Forgiveness timelines when there’s a gap between undergrad and grad loans, interest capitalization

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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, invest in a brokerage account (step 4), increase your emergency savings (step 5), and secure disability insurance (step 6)

    21:53 Max out your health savings or flexible spending accounts (step 7), contribute the maximum to your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 (step 8), and ensure you have life insurance (step 9)

    39:56 Finally, contribute the maximum to your Roth IRA, or consider a backdoor Roth IRA if you don’t qualify (step 10), grow your brokerage account (step 11), and plan for long-term goals (step 12)

    Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

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    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 (SAVE), Income-Based repayment (IBR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

    06:44 What happens if you can’t get on the income-based repayment plan?

    11:51 Did the Biden administration’s handling of SAVE create more challenges for borrowers?

    13:53 The final outcome hinges on Trump or Harris administration decisions

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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, so do your goals, and your savings plan should evolve to keep pace
    38:11 Financial planning is most effective when personalized since everyone’s situation is so different

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 Provoked by benefits, costs, and generous terms, Republicans decided to sue

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 early in your career

    21:45 Compare interest rates to prioritize debt repayment or investing

    32:36 Use Investor.gov’s calculator to see where you’re at on your savings journey

    Link mentioned:

    Compound Interest Calculator

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    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 update your income

    31:49 PSLF buyback can give you credit for months that didn’t qualify before

    Link mentioned:

    SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

  • 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 be a smart choice for a lower-income tax strategy

    34:05 The benefits of filing a tax extension to keep your student loan payment low

    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 [email protected] and we might feature it in an upcoming show!