EPISODE RESOURCES

ESLD Guide to Income Driven Repayment Plans

SAVE Settlement Details

Navigating the End of the SAVE Plan: What's Next for Your Student Loans?

In this episode we talk the end of the SAVE Repayment plan and explore the implications for borrowers. Find out who benefits from different Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and the importance of immediately switching plans for those eligible for forgiveness. Between alternative IDR plan options, changing federal policies, and important deadlines, this episode equips listeners with crucial information to make informed financial decisions regarding their federal student loans.

00:41 Understanding the Impact of Forbearance
02:51 Settlement and the Future of the SAVE Plan
06:27 Income Driven Repayment Plans: Options and Changes
15:29 Urgent Actions for Loan Forgiveness
20:49 Conclusion: Preparing for the Future

EPISODE RESOURCES

Principal Samuelson's Business Insider Feature

Preparing Children for College and Beyond: A Conversation with Principal Joseph Samuelson

In this episode, we talk about exposing your kids to different paths, including ones that may NOT lead to college. We're joined by Principal Joseph Samuelson from Upton, Wyoming, who offers unique perspectives on exposing students to various career options, including non-traditional paths.

Principal Samuelson details his school’s personalized learning approach, which tailors education to individual student interests and needs, ensuring students are prepared for life after high school. The episode highlights the significance of valuing lifelong learning and adaptability in an ever-changing world.

00:14 Celebrating Our 100th Episode

00:40 Listener Contributions and Community Impact

01:10 Maximizing College Aid for Your Child

02:35 Introducing Principal Samuelson

03:07 Personalized Learning in a Small School

07:16 Real-Life Examples of Non-Traditional Paths

09:59 Supporting College-Bound Students

14:14 Parental Guidance and Lifelong Learning

16:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

EPISODE RESOURCES

Email your stories to hello@brentonsolutions.com!

Smart College Buyer Podcast

Connect with Jack

Optimizing Your Child's College Journey with Jack Wang

In this episode of the New Money, New Problems podcast, we interview special guest Jack Wang, a financial advisor specializing in college planning.

Jack discusses strategies for optimizing your child's journey to college, focusing on how to maximize financial aid and minimize student debt. The conversation covers the importance of aligning extracurricular activities with intended majors, the differences between getting accepted to college and securing financial aid, and the timing of college planning.

We also explore the advantages of less well-known but excellent colleges and the factors to consider when choosing schools. This episode is packed with valuable information for parents looking to plan their children's educational futures effectively.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:33 Celebrating Milestones: 100th Episode Announcement
02:29 Introducing Today's Topic and Guest
04:00 Jack Wang's Background and Expertise
06:05 The Reality of College Aid and Admissions
06:35 Personal Journey: How Jack Entered the Field
08:57 Private vs. Public School Strategies
17:05 Extracurricular Activities: Myths and Realities
20:21 Understanding College Aid: What Really Matters
24:27 Communicating Commitment to Colleges
25:52 When to Start the College Application Process
27:47 Financial Aid and Tax Strategies
31:01 Standardized Tests and Extracurricular Activities
31:59 Creating a Realistic College List
36:51 Alternative College Options and Financial Strategies
43:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

EPISODE RESOURCES

2025 Tax Tables and Guidelines

Eligible HSA and FSA Expenses

Eligible Dependent Care FSA Uses

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Maximizing Employee Benefits to Reduce Student Loan Payments

In this episode of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast, we discuss how understanding and utilizing employee benefits, particularly during open enrollment, can positively impact your student loan journey.

We delve into the concept of pre-tax deductions and explain how they can lower your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), which in turn reduces your monthly federal student loan payments.

The episode covers the differences between Roth and traditional 401(k) plans, as well as the benefits of Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs), Dependent Flex Spending Accounts (DFSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

By using these pre-tax benefits, listeners can find significant savings both in their taxes and loan repayments.

Additionally, we touch on life and disability insurance as part of the employer benefits that could indirectly affect student loan obligations.

01:13 Understanding Pre-Tax Deductions
03:25 Roth vs. Traditional Plans
05:52 Exploring Flex Spending Accounts
06:56 Health Savings Accounts Explained
14:04 Impact of Life and Disability Insurance

EPISODE RESOURCES

Joint Case Update

Essential Updates on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

This episode covers significant recent updates concerning the forgiveness of federal student loans. Key highlights include the impact of the lawsuit between the American Federation of Teachers and the Department of Education on loan forgiveness processes, the phasing out of certain Income Driven Repayment plans, and the importance of timely switching from plans like the SAVE plan to income-based Repayment plans to avoid tax implications. The Department of Education's agreement to process loan cancellations under original repayment plans and to remove partial financial hardship requirements for IBR plan eligibility is also discussed. The episode concludes with a critical overview of tax considerations and the timing of loan forgiveness procedures.

01:33 Context and Background on Student Loan Forgiveness
03:00 Legal Challenges and Department of Education's Response
07:02 Joint Status Report and Its Implications
10:24 Important Deadlines and Tax Implications
15:17 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

EPISODE RESOURCES

Student Loan Forgiveness Lawsuit Latest

OBBBA Student Loan Updates

FSA Feedback Portal

Joint Consolidation Loan Latest

Schedule A LIVE Review

Schedule a 1-1 Private Review

Impacts of Government Shutdown and Key Updates on Student Loan Forgiveness

In this episode, we provide updates on various aspects of federal student loans, focusing on how the ongoing government shutdown may affect borrowers. Key topics include a halted student loan forgiveness class action lawsuit, issues with loan forgiveness progress and communication due to the shutdown, inaccurate payment counts and how to dispute them, and options for lowering or pausing loan payments during economic hardship.

Detailed scenarios including the implications of partial financial hardship, spousal consolidation loans, and upcoming deadlines for Parent PLUS borrowers are also discussed.

01:18 Student Loan Forgiveness Lawsuit Update
02:17 Impact of Government Shutdown on Loan Forgiveness
04:08 Disputes and Payment History Issues
05:38 Options for Government Employees During Shutdown
07:22 Hardship Forbearance for Private Loans
08:45 Upcoming Deadlines and Repayment Plans
12:53 Spousal Consolidation Loans Update
15:23 Conclusion and How to Get Help

EPISODE RESOURCES

Federal Mortgage Student Loan Guidelines

Navigating Home Buying with Student Loan Forbearance

In this episode, we explore how student loan forbearance affects the home-buying process. We discuss the significance of credit scores on loan structure and the impact of debt-to-income ratios, particularly highlighting how student loans influence these metrics. The episode breaks down how different loan types (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA) treat Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans versus loans in forbearance or deferment, and the strategies you can use to optimize your chances of mortgage approval.

01:05 Why This Episode?
02:07 Impact of Credit Score on Home Loans
03:37 Debt to Income Ratio Explained
05:02 Income Driven Repayment Plans and Home Loans
05:47 Different Loan Types and Their Guidelines
11:01 Strategizing Your Student Loans for Home Buying
13:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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IDR Class Action Lawsuit

When Will Student Loan Payments Restart?

Critical Updates on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Strategies

In this brief updates episode, the host discusses the latest developments regarding federal student loans. Key highlights include the importance of consolidating loans for certain borrowers by July 1st, 2026, ongoing minimal progress in processing Income Driven Repayment (IDR) applications, and recent halts in forgiveness for various repayment plans due to legal complications. The episode also warns of the impending restart of wage garnishment for those in default on federal student loans and emphasizes that employers cannot fire employees solely for wage garnishment. Additionally, there is speculation about when student loan payments might restart, with some anticipating immediate rescheduling and others predicting potential delays until 2028. The episode concludes with an update on the transfer of loans from Mohela to other servicers, advising borrowers to ensure their information is up to date. For those seeking personalized advice, the host offers information on booking one-on-one consultations.


00:22 Federal Student Loan Consolidation
01:01 Income Driven Repayment Plan Issues
02:37 Legal Challenges and Forgiveness Updates
03:26 Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Loans
05:14 Student Loan Payment Restart Speculations
07:38 Changes in Loan Servicers
09:58 Conclusion and How to Get Help