Secret Payment Count Hack, PSLF Troubleshooting and PAYE Rumors

Student Loan Planner

#Personal Finances #Lifestyle #Trading #Financialindependence #Investing #Studentdebt #Studentloandebt #Studentloans #Travis Hornsby #Careers #Business

46:39

“If we march into that village and we start trying to persecute people for using poison, something that's very illegal, nobody's going to talk to us. We're not going to find out where the poison came from. We're not going to be able to shut anything down. We should take the approach that people are using poison because they're desperate, because they see no other alternative.” – Andrew Stein Andrew Stein is a wildlife ecologist who spent the past 25 years studying human carnivore conflict from African wild dogs and lions in Kenya and Botswana to leopards and hyenas in Namibia. His work has long focused on finding ways for people and predators to coexist. He is the founder of CLAWS , an organization based in Botswana that's working at the intersection of cutting-edge wildlife research and community driven conservation. Since its start in 2014 and official launch as an NGO in 2020, CLAWS has been pioneering science-based, tech-forward strategies to reduce conflict between people and carnivores. By collaborating closely with local communities, especially traditional cattle herders, CLAWS supports both species conservation and rural livelihoods—making coexistence not just possible, but sustainable.…

for ca. et år siden 33:28

MP3•Episode hjem

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 05:36 How to pinpoint your payment count if you’re curious where you stand on forgiveness 14:11 Nearing 120 payments? Don’t miss this step-by-step guide we’ve been sharing with our clients 28:23 PAYE might be making a comeback: The pros, cons, and what it could mean for you

Links mentioned:

PSLF payment tracker through StudentAid.gov
https://studentaid.gov/app/api/nslds/payment-counter/summary
Financially Free Dentists podcast
Financially Free Physicians podcast

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!

380 episoder

Student Loan Planner

Secret Payment Count Hack, PSLF Troubleshooting and PAYE Rumors

Student Loan Planner

47 subscribers

published for ca. et år siden

Del

MP3•Episode hjem

Key moments:

Links mentioned:

PSLF payment tracker through StudentAid.gov
https://studentaid.gov/app/api/nslds/payment-counter/summary
Financially Free Dentists podcast
Financially Free Physicians podcast

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!

380 episoder

#Personal Finances #Lifestyle #Trading #Financialindependence #Investing #Studentdebt #Studentloandebt #Studentloans #Travis Hornsby #Careers #Business

Alle episoder

Student Loan Planner

1
Negotiated Rulemaking Announced (PSLF, PAYE and ICR Borrowers Need to Pay Attention) 16:02

for 3 dage siden16:02

16:02

The Department of Education just dropped a negotiated rulemaking announcement, and while it might sound like dry policy talk, this one’s worth your attention — especially if you’re pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), on Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or using Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Learn what negotiated rulemaking actually means, why it matters, and what kinds of changes could be on the horizon for federal student loan repayment. We’ll also walk through the strategy behind these proposed updates, what the timeline might look like, and the political and legal dynamics that could affect how this all plays out. Key moments: (03:20) My initial take: borrowers don’t need to panic just yet — and here’s why (05:35) What these changes could actually mean for PSLF borrowers (06:59) PAYE and ICR might be affected, but IBR is protected by statute (10:49) The GOP proposal targets nonprofit hospitals, but I don’t think it’ll go anywhere (12:34) With 2026 elections in sight, student loan overhauls will probably stay pretty modest 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Your HSA Can Do WHAT?! 46:33

for 7 dage siden46:33

46:33

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) don’t always get the spotlight, but they should. They’re one of the most flexible and tax-friendly tools out there — and we’re digging into why. We’re joined by Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, for a practical conversation about how HSAs work. Learn how much you can contribute based on your health plan, how things change once Medicare enters the picture, and how to use an HSA as a long-term savings strategy (not just a place to park cash for doctor’s visits). You’ll walk away with real-world tips and a clearer idea of how to actually use your HSA. Key moments: (03:41) Who can contribute to an HSA? Individual vs. family contributions (10:20) HSA catch-up contributions once you reach a certain age (13:46) Overlooked strategies for funding HSAs (24:16) Life circumstances and changes dictate how much you can contribute to your HSA (39:08) Why you might want to move pretax money from an IRA to an HSA 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Who Can (and Cannot) Trust Their New IDR Recertification Date 22:42

for 10 dage siden22:42

22:42

The Trump administration recently pushed out income-driven repayment (IDR) recertification dates — some all the way to 2027. (I'm not even kidding.) But can you actually count on these extensions? We’re breaking down who should trust these announcements and who might want to proceed with caution. We'll also talk about the bizarre game of musical chairs happening between government departments. One minute it's the Department of Education handling things, then suddenly it's the Small Business Administration, and now the Treasury Department's involved? It's like watching a bureaucratic shell game in real time. Listen in as we try to make sense of what’s going on, what you can trust, and what steps you should take to protect yourself. Key moments: (00:51) President plans to move student loans to Small Business Administration despite questionable legality and no operational details (04:05) Trump White House surprisingly ordered an extension of borrower recertification dates to no sooner than February 2026 (07:14) Court decisions that finally put an end to the SAVE plan could force millions of borrowers into disruptive repayment plan changes (15:05) Maintain your peace of mind by focusing on what you can control in your financial life 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Retirement Red Flags — 5 Signs You’re Not Ready Yet 27:06

for 14 dage siden27:06

27:06

Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from your job — it’s about building a life you actually enjoy and knowing how your finances will hold up when the paychecks stop. A lot of people think they’re ready… until they realize they’re not. We’re walking through five warning signs that could throw your retirement off track. From skipping over withdrawal strategies to carrying debt into retirement — and maybe the biggest one? Not having a plan for what your days will look like once work is off the table. We’ll break each one down with real examples, why it matters, and offer practical ways to course-correct — so you can head into retirement with confidence, not guesswork. Key moments: (02:13) Most retirees underestimate their early retirement spending — and it adds up fast (06:55) Without an inflation plan, retiring today at 60 could cut your purchasing power nearly in half by 80 (8:57) A smart withdrawal plan accounts for taxes, market downturns, and required minimum distributions (15:42) Carrying debt into retirement means high fixed costs that drag down your freedom (19:11) Retirement’s not a finish line, it’s a new chapter — think about how you’ll spend your time 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Tons of Listener Qs Answered 57:23

for 17 dage siden57:23

57:23

Student loans are a mess. They've been a mess for as long as we’ve been doing this, but right now? It’s like someone took that mess, threw it in a blender, and hit "puree." We’re answering a whole heap of listener questions. This episode is dropping on April Fool’s Day, but no jokes or pranks here — just straight-up answers. Let’s face it: the real joke is how convoluted this whole system has become. But we’re tackling the questions head-on. And if you're one of the folks who sent in questions, thanks for trusting us with your financial headaches. We've got your back. Key moments: (04:34) The trap that will mean big trouble for borrowers if ICR gets repealed (12:06) No “processing shortcuts” exist — everyone’s in the same slow-moving line (21:20) Inexperienced customer service representatives giving you the wrong answers (34:06) Why you might want to file a tax extension to see how student loan policies might shift (45:24) Financial windfall? Where to direct your cash for maximum impact Links mentioned: StudentAid.gov IDR plan request Certify employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
6 TikTok Trends That May Actually Make You Wealthy 24:03

for 21 dage siden24:03

24:03

Have you ever thought, "wait, is that actually true?" while scrolling financial TikToks at 1 a.m.? We’ve been there, too, and the advice can be hit or miss. We've spent hours sorting through viral money videos to find six trends that actually contain real wealth-building potential — when you know how to apply them correctly. Learn what these popular money concepts really mean, which parts are legit, and most importantly, how to use these concepts to build wealth in your own life. Key moments: (01:31) Trend 1: Automate investing and use tax-advantaged accounts instead of basic savings (04:41) Trend 2: Buy back your time — paying others can actually make you more money (10:28) Trend 3: Stop wasting money on depreciating assets (14:10) Trend 4: The daily mindset practice to stay focused on financial growth (16:22) Trend 5: Protect your money with the right insurance coverage and estate planning (19:38) Trend 6: Never stop learning — budget for books, courses, and coaching 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
IDR Recertification Dates Extended! 27:00

for 24 dage siden27:00

27:00

The IDR recertification deadline has been pushed back again — this time, to no sooner than February 2026. And while that might sound like good news on the surface, we know it brings up a ton of questions. That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode. If you’re on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or even thinking about it, tune in as we answer listener questions about what the new extension actually means for your monthly payments, whether it makes sense to start paying again now or keep riding the pause, and how this might (or might not) affect forgiveness programs down the road. Get insights and practical strategies to stay on top of your plan without going into a tailspin. Key moments: (00:31) Why it’s important to be extra careful filing taxes this year (02:57) Paper vs. online IDR applications and why some are mailing backups (11:24) If you’re in the Sweet v. Cardona group, is IBR worth it? (13:15) PSLF questions around buyback, forbearance, and filing a tax extension (19:35) What we know about the ongoing IDR application processing delays 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Live from Tax Season: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What to Fix 48:28

for 28 dage siden48:28

48:28

Tax season is back, and while it’s no one’s favorite time of year, getting ahead of it can save you a ton of stress (and money). We’re breaking down tax planning tips, retirement contributions, and the sneaky mistakes that could cost you. Plus, some unexpected tax trivia — turns out, pro athletes and farmers have some wild tax rules. And because we can’t talk numbers all the time, we’re debating the ultimate question: bar soap or body wash? Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s tackle this tax season together. Key moments: (03:33) A midyear tax check helps avoid surprise bills from bonuses, side gigs, or investments (15:07) Roth IRA mistakes happen when you ignore next year’s tax situation — think ahead (21:37) Smart estate planning keeps more wealth with your heirs or charities, not the IRS (26:02) Home office deductions have strict rules — don’t push your luck with the IRS (34:24) Maxing out retirement accounts is great for taxes and asset protection, especially for physicians (34:57) Tax loss harvesting can lower your bill, so don’t miss market downturn opportunities (42:24) A tax extension can help student loan borrowers keep flexibility for income recertification 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of the Student Loan Mess 29:10

for 4 weeks siden29:10

29:10

Student loans are a mess right now, no doubt about it. But here’s the thing: fear won’t help you. I’m sharing a personal story about my struggles with anxiety, why the news cycle makes everything feel worse, and how calling out worst-case scenarios can actually give you more control. Plus, we’re diving into the latest survey results from our audience — some frustrating, some shocking, but full of insights that could save you money. If you’re feeling stuck, this episode will help you focus on what really matters. Let’s talk strategy, not stress. Key moments: (01:39) Eye-opening survey results reveal major concerns from our audience (04:50) Many borrowers could drastically lower payments by filing taxes separately (09:12) PSLF’s low success rate was intentional, here’s why (19:30) Lawsuits and legal challenges mean the worst headlines aren’t the final word (26:40) Student loans are frustrating, but they’ve also opened doors — don’t lose sight of what you’ve gained 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Didn’t We Just Cover This? Keeping Up with ED Chaos 32:26

for 5 weeks siden32:26

32:26

There’s more turmoil surrounding the Department of Education (ED), with recent government layoffs and speculation about the ED’s future making headlines. We’re here to analyze what’s real, what’s political theater, and how these changes could impact student loan borrowers in the coming months. We also discuss the potential fallout from IRS and USAID layoffs, the legal and budget reconciliation updates that could shape repayment options, and student loan services that might be at risk. Plus, we’ll share some personal reflections on staying sane in all this chaos. Key moments: (00:46) ED shutdown rumors may have been a strategic leak to test public reaction (03:36) PSLF and loan support teams have been gutted, making it harder to get help (07:22) Travis became a meme after a late-night Instagram Live on the ED stop-work order (13:02) Courts, Congress, and the executive branch are creating student loan policy chaos (20:20) Why we’re more careful about sharing loopholes — and where to find exclusive insights 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
What the Stop Work and Dept of Ed Closure Order Mean for You 13:26

for 5 weeks siden13:26

13:26

The Department of Education is facing potential shutdown, and a stop work order has stalled loan processing. If you’re waiting on repayment plan approvals, PSLF progress, or forgiveness updates, this could directly impact you. We’ll break down what’s really happening, how this could affect your student loan strategy, and what to do if your application is stuck. Plus, we’ll dig into the possibility of the Treasury Department taking over student loans and what that might mean for borrowers. If you have federal student loans, you need to hear this. Key moments: (00:32) Republicans have been wanting to close the Department of Education since 1979 (04:38) Student loan policy isn’t really the priority for shutting down the Department of Education (06:12) Why borrowers should be concerned about the stop work order on income based repayment, forgiveness, and consolidation processing (11:49) Best advice for student loan borrowers for the next few weeks Links mentioned: Reddit IDR application link New paid newsletter SLP Insiders for exclusive content 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Stuck In Red Tape? How Congress Can Help 27:45

for 6 weeks siden27:45

27:45

Ever run into a frustrating roadblock with the IRS, the Department of Education, or another federal agency? Most people don’t realize they have a direct line to help. Financial planner Scotty McDonald, CSLP®, joins us to break down constituent services — a little-known but powerful way to get help with federal financial issues. Plus, Justin Kim-Hummel from SLP Wealth shares insider know-how from his time working with senators and congresspeople on how to cut through red tape and get results. If you’ve ever felt stuck dealing with a federal agency, this episode is a must-listen. Key moments: (05:04) How to request help from constituent services when federal agencies drop the ball (08:17) Why you should always go through the largest state office — and how to get the best response (15:51) The secret to getting action: share deadlines and urgency to move things forward (19:15) Should you go to your House rep or straight to your Senator? How to choose the right office (23:06) How long does it take to get answers? What to expect from the process Links mentioned: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau FSA (Federal Student Aid) Ombudsman Office Congressional Research Service 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Is Everything Blocked Now? 35:05

for 6 weeks siden35:05

35:05

The IDR and loan consolidation applications are down, repayment plans are shifting, and court rulings are throwing everything into question. If you're feeling stuck, you're not alone. Learn why the Department of Education is reworking the IDR and PSLF applications, what this means for your loan strategy, and how to make smart decisions despite the chaos. We'll also tackle listener questions about PSLF timing, repayment plan changes, and what potential policy shifts could mean for your forgiveness path. Key moments: (04:38) What the court ruling means for PSLF and ICR borrowers (07:16) Will my loans be forgiven? I’m two payments away from forgiveness and not IBR eligible (14:51) Is my income too high to qualify for financial hardship? (19:24) Do my Parent PLUS loans qualify for PSLF forgiveness? (23:06) What is the student loan “tax bomb” and will I have to pay it? Link mentioned: Request an income-driven repayment 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
Aging Parents: “I’ll Figure It Out Later” Is a Bad Plan 41:59

for 7 weeks siden41:59

41:59

Flying by the seat of your pants isn’t a great strategy for your own finances, and it’s downright risky when it comes to your aging parent’s money situation. Many of us millennials and Gen Xers are suddenly realizing our boomer parents might need help, but where do we even start? We have a practical checklist for tackling those awkward money conversations with your parents. We’ll guide you through insurance basics, tax considerations, and planning for future care needs so you don’t get stuck making life-altering decisions in a crisis — have the conversation early so you’re not scrambling when it might be too late. Key moments: (06:06) One conversation might not be enough and who to include in financial planning talks (11:20) Insurance policies and legal documents every family should review together (22:14) Housing decision factors: staying put, downsizing, and future-proofing their living space (30:23) The family balancing act: dividing financial and caregiving responsibilities between siblings 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!…

Student Loan Planner

1
New SAVE Plan Lawsuit Injunction Ruling 17:24

for 7 weeks siden17:24