Student Loan Planner

Latest Episodes:

What's Stopping You from Getting Financial Help? Overcoming Challenges to Live Your Best Life Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Getting financial help isn't easy, but avoiding it can have a ripple effect on your life. Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, are diving deep into the long-term consequences of not getting the support you need. They explore the barriers to seeking financial help, emphasizing the stigma, shame, fear, and hopelessness that often surround financial issues.

Discover how to reframe the narrative to focus on the positive aspects of student loan debt in particular, such as education and career opportunities. Rob and Lauryn also tackle the cultural taboo surrounding discussions about finances and seeking the necessary help to truly revolutionize your financial life and live your best life ever.

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

The full scope of the impact of everyday financial decisions
How location, time constraints and lack of funds make financial advice hard to get
How to reframe your shame and guilt of debt to focus on the positive aspects
Advice on prioritizing tasks and picking something to move forward with
Why people wait to reach out for help after a personal event or someone else's financial hardship
The importance of a spouse's information when getting financial advice
The best ways to balance personal and financial goals
Why taking an inventory of cash flow, debt, taxes, investments, and other factors is crucial to financial health

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Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans?

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Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated
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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!

Why the New IDR Regulations are a Pandora's Box Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

The new Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) guidelines are complex and controversial. Essentially it's a Pandora's Box of regulations implemented by President Biden. Listen in as I break down the key facts and implications of these regulations, including plan blocking, revisions to existing plans, limitations on plan switching, encouragement to file taxes separately, and increased freedom for schools. In addition, I provide useful insights to help you navigate these regulations and practical advice to help you repay your student loans.

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

How to navigate the new IDR regulations for student loan repayment
Why I think we'll see tuition increases before and after elections
The fine print, loopholes and limitations of the new IDR regulations
My tips for borrowers on how to choose the right repayment plan
Why it's crucial for PSLF borrowers and those with outdated payment certifications to reassess their repayment plans
The potential consequences of switching to a new plan, including higher monthly payments
What Parent Plus borrowers should know about how the new regulations may impact loan repayment
How to build your roadmap to financial relief by analyzing the impact of the new IDR regulations
The temporary relief provided by the IDR waiver and its expiration date at the end of December
How to assess the cost and benefits of the new IDR regulations for your situation

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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

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!

Introducing the SAVE Plan: The Biggest Change to Student Loans Ever Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

Details about the new student loan repayment plan are finally here. It's called SAVE, and it stands for Saving on a Valuable Education. I'm uncovering crucial details about the new plan and how it's replacing the existing REPAYE plan. It's the biggest change to student loans we've seen, and it has the potential to simplify student loan repayment and save borrowers thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. I'll dive deep into the details, discussing recent changes, strategic applications, and the impact on Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

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

How to get a 12-month forbearance period after payments start with the Biden administration's new rule
The implications of this forbearance, including its effect on credit reporting and loan interest accrual
How the "special onramp forbearance" can strategically benefit borrowers
An example where a brain surgeon with a significant student loan balance can be eligible for forgiveness
How the COVID forbearance allows credit toward a 20 or 25-year repayment plan and PSLF
What are the impacts of the recent changes to consolidation rules, and how it affects undergrad borrowers
How the new SAVE plan works and why it will make repayment less complicated
What Republicans are proposing for income-driven repayment plans
Insight into the potential cost projections of the Biden administration's SAVE plan and possible legal challenges

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

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Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
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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

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!

How to Make Sure Student Loans Dont Interfere With Your Retirement Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

There's a complex intersection of education, retirement, and the growing issue of student loan debt, particularly among older individuals.

Join me as I explore the "gray student loan crisis," strategies to lower income for retirement, and how to get six years (or more) of student loan forbearance by simply asking for it. What about healthcare costs in retirement? I'm covering that, too, including insights into Medicaid and health insurance bureaucracy. Finally, I talk about the importance of mental health and why you should always prioritize your life over your loans.

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

How education equips individuals with the tools to save for retirement and achieve their financial goals
The emerging gray student loan crisis and how it poses a bigger problem for retirement planning
The exponential growth of student loan debt among older individuals, with factors such as rising education costs and the inability to declare bankruptcy contributing to this trend
Different strategies to lower income in retirement, including paying income-based repayments on student loans
The potential impact of a no-questions-asked forbearance option on student loan repayment strategies and retirement savings
Insights into the uncertainty surrounding the end of the student loan pause and its implications for borrowers
Why you may want to avoid Medicaid even if you qualify for it
The challenges of navigating the healthcare system, specifically related to
Medicaid eligibility, healthcare choices, and managing health insurance costs
Strategies for utilizing forbearance responsibly to maximize income-based repayments, save money, and build a strong retirement fund
The potential benefits of consolidating student loans to extend forbearance eligibility and effectively manage debt

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
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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

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!

Emergency Pod: Cancelation Update Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

The latest update on the status of Student Loan Cancelation based on the announcements made June 30, 2023.

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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

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!

Disability Insurance Planning with Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP® Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

You're more likely to experience a disability than death, yet student loan borrowers and their families often overlook disability insurance. Two of our student loan planner consultants are exploring the crucial topic of disability and death planning. Join Dan Rooker, CFP®, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, to learn the qualifications for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge and why estate planning is necessary even if you don't have dependents.

The discussion covers estate planning documents and considerations for digital assets and guardianship for children. Additionally, you'll gain insight into private student loans and how they differ from federal ones in terms of death or disability discharge. Tune in for valuable tips about the legal documents, benefits, and planning strategies that can help protect you and your loved ones in unforeseen circumstances.

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

How disability insurance protects your income and why it's crucial for financial security
Situations where you'd need disability insurance and examples that highlight its importance
What documents you need to obtain Total and Permanent Disability discharge for federal loans and navigate the process successfully
Key considerations to keep in mind before refinancing private loans
What happens to private student loans after the borrower dies, including implications for both the borrower's estate and co-signers
Why financial planning is more than just budgeting and student loan repayment
The reasons why you need an estate plan, even if you don't have dependents, and how it can protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored
How rental property owners can effectively plan for emergencies and mitigate potential risks
Common legal terms and important documents used in estate planning that you need to know
What elements should be included in comprehensive estate planning, such as addressing digital assets, establishing guardianship, and more
The importance of funding trusts and debunking misconceptions in the context of estate planning
Why it's crucial to name beneficiaries on accounts and how it affects the distribution of assets
The biggest mistakes to avoid when it comes to estate planning and how to navigate the process smoothly
Why you should start early and not wait to begin estate planning

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

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

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Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
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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!

How to Handle "Advice Anxiety" Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

"Advice anxiety" has two distinct elements. There's the anxiety that goes along with giving advice as a professional and the fear associated with receiving advice from other professionals. This topic holds great significance for me, and I'm going to be honest and vulnerable in sharing my personal struggles. My sincere intention is for my experiences to resonate with you, acknowledging and validating your own journey. I'll offer valuable insights on seeking nonjudgmental advice, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, and why it's crucial to be gentle with yourself when things don't go as planned while also celebrating moments of success and growth.

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

A quick note about student loan payments restarting on October 1
The anxiety of giving (and getting) professional advice
The one thing to look for before getting advice from someone
How to manage the stress that comes from giving advice to people
My personal experiences with the burden of providing advice professionally
Why I thought I pointed student loan borrowers in the wrong direction
The importance of long-term thinking when facing short-term setbacks
Why business owners in various industries struggled with hiring decisions
How to handle crisis situations seriously and the importance of seeking help
Why asking for advice and being open to feedback is crucial, even when it requires going against the grain
My personal approach to managing difficult situations as a professional
Why it's never too late to get the right advice

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

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

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!

The Importance of Being Your Own Advocate in Student Loan Repayment Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Join our very own seasoned experts, Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, for an in-depth discussion of student loans. They explore the pitfalls of private student loans, the advantages of refinancing, and the importance of thorough research to avoid scams. You'll be inspired by success stories from our clients, including one borrower who saved $80,000 of student loan debt and turned it into a down payment on a home. You'll get the latest updates as Meagan and Lauryn discuss the new repayment plan that's on the brink of approval, how it could impact borrowers, and why rushing to consolidate loans before a refund could be a mistake. If you're dealing with student loan debt, you don't want to miss this episode!

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

About the risks and potential high-interest rates with private student loans for undergraduates
The process and benefits of refinancing private student loans after graduation
The importance of researching to find reputable refinancing companies
How retirement planning and HSAs can help manage student loan debt
An inspiring story of a client who saved $80,000 on student loan debt
How consolidating loans can provide a lot of flexibility and potentially be a game-changer in managing student loan debt
When and why to consider refinancing private student loans
When to start the consolidation process and why you should wait if expecting a refund
The challenges of securing refunds from student loan servicers
Potential drawbacks and "loopholes" of the new repayment plan proposal
How advice around refinancing may change due to the new repayment plan
How Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) could potentially alter your loan repayment scenario

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!

We Know When the Pause Will End Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

The student loan pause is coming to an end. It's been more than three years since borrowers had to make payments, but the debt ceiling bill included a provision that President Biden couldn't extend the pause past August. I'll discuss the politics behind this decision and how it may affect voters in key states. Additionally, I'll explore the potential benefits of the upcoming Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan and provide insight into navigating student loan repayment and evaluating refinancing options once interest resumes.

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

When the student loan pause is ending
The provision in the debt ceiling bill that prevents President Biden from extending the student loan pause past August
When the Department of Education will instruct student loan servicers to resume repayments
The importance of the activist group on student loan debt within the Democratic Party
Why Biden needs young progressive voters to turn out in the next election
What Biden got in exchange for giving up the end of the pause on student loan payments that Republicans missed out on
What borrowers can do to prepare for the end of the student loan pause
Whether or not you should refinance your loans when the interest resumes
Details about the new Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, including low payments and 20-year forgiveness for borrowers with modest balances
When to expect the release of final regulations for the new repayment plan

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!

Demystifying Life Insurance Myths with Rob Bertman and Lauryn Williams May 30, 2023

Show notes

The topic of life insurance has so many nuances that even people who already own policies find it confusing. Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP®, discuss the complexities of life insurance and how it can be misused to exploit people. You'll hear anecdotes of people who have invested in whole life insurance policies with high fees and low returns, sometimes being sold on the idea of building wealth by unscrupulous salespeople. The dynamic duo also shares how reputable financial advisors and investment options are more accessible and affordable than ever before. Finally, you'll learn the importance of life insurance as a necessary product for catastrophic loss and ongoing support to safeguard your dependents.

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

The myths surrounding whole life insurance
The problem with commissions in whole life insurance investments
Why people with lower income levels are often taken advantage of through financial schemes
Why knowing if you're being sold something will help you build wealth or prevent you from building wealth is crucial
How lack of knowledge about insurance policies can be harmful
Rob's analysis of whole life policies and permanent insurance policies
The fallacy in the way whole life insurance is sold
Better ways to invest money than whole life insurance, especially in your 20s when you're in your prime wealth-building years
Why you need a "full financial picture advisor" instead of an insurance salesperson
The continued need for life insurance, especially when you're young

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!

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