Best Studentloandebt Podcasts (2025)

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Senate Parliamentarian Drops a Bombshell Ruling 21:12

Play Pause

3d ago21:12

21:12

“Senate parliamentarian” isn’t exactly a household name, but her latest ruling is huge news for anyone with student debt. Learn what her surprise decision means for the Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could shape repayment plans and forgiveness programs. You’ll find the specifics of what this means if you’re a Parent PLUS borrower, in dental and …

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Who Gets Merit Based Scholarships At Private Colleges? 9:42

9d ago9:42

9:42

Wondering which students and families actually get merit-based scholarships and grants at private colleges? We have the data. Parents of college-bound children who are considering high-cost private non-profit colleges often wonder how to qualify for institutional financial aid. These grants and scholarships may or may not really be based on merit, …

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What Does the Reform Bill Mean for Married Borrowers? 27:56

10d ago27:56

27:56

If you're married, there’s a lot to consider in the latest student loan reform proposals. Discover what the changes being debated in Congress could mean for married borrowers, including the potential loss of “married filing separately” as a repayment strategy and how the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) might affect your monthly payments. If you…

1
Student Loan Forgiveness Due To Disability: What To Know 12:55

14d ago12:55

12:55

When your student loans are discharged due to disability, you may be limited in whether you can work or go to school for a period of time. Otherwise, your student loans may be reinstated. This can be an especially difficult issue to navigate if your loans are discharged while you're attending school, or plan to. And it can happen even if you never …

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The Senate Student Loan Bill Is Much Worse Than Expected 12:45

17d ago12:45

12:45

The Senate just dropped its version of the student loan reform bill, and let’s just say… it’s not great. In fact, it’s worse than expected, especially if you have six-figure student debt, Parent PLUS loans, or are a future student. Learn what’s at stake, how it could completely reshape repayment options, and who (besides private lenders) might come…

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Why Lowering AGI Is More Important Than Ever 21:08

24d ago21:08

21:08

If the GOP reform bill moves forward, lowering your adjusted gross income (AGI) won’t just be helpful, it’ll be more important than ever for student loan borrowers. We explore what could change, who’s most at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your paycheck. From maxing out pre-tax retirement contributions and HSAs to leveraging self-empl…

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Listener Q&A: What Could This New Bill Mean? 40:24

1M ago40:24

40:24

Get real answers to real questions student loan borrowers are asking about PSLF processing delays, confusing buyback calculations, switching repayment plans, and trying to understand how recent legislation might affect their loans. You’ll get the latest updates on what’s happening behind the scenes and what those changes could mean for you. We also…

1
Trade School Loan Forgiveness Programs 7:01

1M ago7:01

7:01

By The College Investor

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Must-Ask Questions About College Costs: Protecting Your Investment 9:41

1M ago9:41

9:41

Paying for college isn’t just about covering tuition. It’s about understanding what happens when life takes a turn and what protections exist if it does. Each year, families across the country commit thousands of dollars toward college without fully understanding the terms behind the payment. If a student gets sick or has to take a leave during the…

1
Future of Student Loans Now Depends on the Senate 18:35

1M ago18:35

18:35

Student loan reform just cleared the House in what’s officially called the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” If it becomes law, it could overhaul repayment into just two plans: the Old IBR plan and a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) that scales payments between 1% and 10% of income over 30 years. But nothing is final. The next step is the Senate, wher…

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Who Would Switch to the “RAP” Plan? 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

The Repayment Assistance Plan, aka RAP, is another student loan overhaul, and people have a lot of questions. Learn what this plan actually is, why it matters right now, and the real chances of it becoming law. If you're wondering when or if you could switch to this plan, we've got you covered. The RAP might completely change how student loan repay…

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Which Payments And Periods Count For PSLF? 8:29

2M ago8:29

8:29

After years of payments, pauses, and paperwork, many public service workers are confused on what payments and time periods may count for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). However, there are also more options to have qualifying periods count - thanks to the PSLF buyback program. If you've been stuck in the SAVE forbearance, served in the milit…

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Common Dorm Room Disasters That Could Cost You Big 8:24

2M ago8:24

8:24

College move-in day is filled with excitement, but new students often learn quickly that shared living spaces come with unexpected risks. And if you’re not careful, even small accidents can be expensive. From laptop spills to missing laundry, a range of common mishaps can cause financial stress. In partnership with GradGuard, we’re going to highlig…

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Quick Update On What's Happening With Student Loans 10:31

2M ago10:31

10:31

Robert was on MoneyLife with Chuck Jaffe this week talking about the current status of student loans. Tune in to hear Robert's thoughts on what's going on with student loans today.By The College Investor

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Scenarios for the Republican Student Loan Bill 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

The Republican student loan bill is gaining steam and could seriously impact your repayment strategy. Let me break it down for you: undergrads might actually see some benefits here, but if you've got grad school debt? You might want to sit down for this one. Current borrowers won't get hit as hard as future ones, but painful changes could be on the…

1
How To Legally Reduce Your IDR Payment (And Avoid Fraud) 9:40

2M ago9:40

9:40

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans provide affordable monthly student loan payments by basing the payments on a portion of the borrower’s discretionary income, as opposed to the amount they owe. Generally, IDR plans will yield lower student loan payments when the borrower’s total student loan debt exceeds their annual income. However, there are wa…

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Endings, Beginnings, and the Next Chapter for SLP Wealth 1:43

2M ago1:43

1:43

Guess what? We are moving this Friday episode over to the new Financially Free Era podcast! It is the next step to your financial planning journey after your student loan plan has been tackled with us here at Student Loan Planner. We hope this new show will answer your questions of: What else do I need to do? What else can I do to optimize my savin…

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Can You Appeal A Financial Aid Award After Admissions? 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

Many families assume that once a student accepts admission to a college, the financial aid offer is final. In most cases, that’s true. Schools often budget tightly and expect students to commit based on the information already provided. But there are exceptions. Appealing a financial aid award after committing to a school is uncommon, but not impos…

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Why Your Savings Rate Is Probably Too High 19:49

2M ago19:49

19:49

Can “save more” be bad advice? We’re pulling back the curtain on something financial advisors rarely discuss: how saving too much can harm your quality of life. We'll unpack the uncomfortable truth about how all professions, including my own, handle potential conflicts of interest. This isn't about vilifying financial planning — it's about making s…

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Put the Fam On Payroll: Tax Hacks For Business Owners 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

Want to keep more money in the family? Hiring family members in your business can translate into some big tax savings — and set your kids up to get ahead with their own savings. Fresh off tax season, we explore the ins and outs of putting kids and spouses on the payroll, weighing the pros and cons, and sharing actionable tips for business owners lo…

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Emergency Pod: New IBR and PAYE Under Threat in New GOP Bill 17:10

2M ago17:10

17:10

House GOP has proposed a new bill that would radically reshape student loans for years to come. But it would also impact existing borrowers too if were to pass.

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Congress Unveils Plan To Change Student Loan Repayment Plans 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

The latest reconciliation bill set for review in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce proposes some of the most extensive changes to higher education funding and student loans in decades. This is the papered proposal, it's NOT law yet. If enacted, the legislation would limit federal borrowing, end Parent PLUS loans, change repayment o…

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Listener Q’s About SAVE, Buyback, Debt Payoff and More 52:02

2M ago52:02

52:02

Got student loan questions weighing on you? You're definitely not alone. This week, we're opening up the Student Loan Planner mailbag to tackle some of the most pressing issues borrowers are facing. Should you switch IDR plans? Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback the right move? We also address the very real frustrations with federal …

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Quarterly Taxes for High Earners: What, Why and How To Plan Ahead 26:54

2M ago26:54

26:54

Tax season might be in the rearview mirror, but if you're self-employed or earn income outside of a regular paycheck, quarterly estimated taxes are still very much on your radar. We’re showing you how it all fits together — what they are, who needs to pay them, and how to calculate what you owe. Learn key dates to remember, simple ways to estimate …

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The Best Ways To Pay Off Student Loans Faster 13:45

2M ago13:45

13:45

Student loan debt is not fun to have. While it may have been necessary to pay for school, now that you’re graduated, it’s time to think about ways to pay off your student loans faster. If you’re looking at your repayment plan options - even the shortest term is usually around 10 years. That can seem like forever! At the same time, looking at these …

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Key Life Skills For Incoming College Freshman 11:48

2M ago11:48

11:48

As families juggle decisions about housing, orientation dates, and class schedules, one area that often gets overlooked is life skills. The transition from high school to college is one of the biggest changes a teenager will face. And while some schools may offer a session study habits, far fewer address what it takes to function day to day. The co…

1
Major Accident at ED About Married Filing Separate 17:02

2M ago17:02

17:02

The Department of Education dropped a bombshell announcement that would've killed a loophole strategy many of you use to keep your student loan payments manageable, only for the agency to quickly walk it back after public outcry. What actually happened? Was this ED deliberately trying to break the law and eliminate the married filing separate optio…

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What Happens To Financial Aid If You Take A Gap Year 8:27

2M ago8:27

8:27

With the stock market fluctuating and new tariffs raising concerns about family finances, some families are re-thinking the college decision (at least in the short term). While it might not be off the table, taking a gap year or deferring enrollment is an option for some. But what happens to financial aid if my child takes a gap year? While taking …

1
Markets, Tariffs & Tantrums: What To Do About the Market 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

Last week, the market went on a wild ride, and it all started with steep tariff hikes — especially on imports from China. The market’s reaction was fast and furious, with sharp drops and an even quicker rebound. So, what’s the deal with tariffs, and why do they send markets into a frenzy? Learn the basics of tariffs, why uncertainty can send invest…

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

3M ago16:02

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, …

1
Your HSA Can Do WHAT?! 46:33

3M ago46:33

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 Med…

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Deferred vs. Waitlisted: What Each Decision Really Means 5:08

3M ago5:08

5:08

For high school seniors navigating college admissions, few emails inspire more confusion than a notice of being "deferred" or "waitlisted." While neither outcome is final, each comes with distinct meaning, timeline, and next steps. Being deferred means your early application wasn’t denied, but it wasn’t accepted either. Instead, the admissions comm…

1
The Problem With ‘Sell In May And Go Away’ Investment Strategy 5:44

3M ago5:44

5:44

Have you heard the phrase "Sell In May And Go Away"? There are many weird stock market indicators that pundits try to use to explain what you should be doing in the stock market at any given time. There seems to be many ideas that people will suggest to determine your investing strategy including the January-effect, the presidential cycle, which te…

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

3M ago22:42

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 ch…

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Making Savvy Student Loan Decisions For College 27:53

3M ago27:53

27:53

Today's episode is an interview Robert had with Jack Wang from the Smart College Buyer podcast. He talks about how to think about college costs, making smart student loan decisions, and how to have open and honest conversations with your family about money and education. We hope you enjoy the episode. If you want to learn more about the Smart Colle…

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Can President Trump Claw Back Student Loan Forgiveness? 13:15

3M ago13:15

13:15

President Trump generally does not support student loan forgiveness and would likely seek an end to some student loan forgiveness programs. But can the President claw back student loan forgiveness that has already been granted? It's sparked a lot of concern in recent weeks, especially as President Biden has continued to propose new student loan for…

1
5 Ways To Invest In Real Estate To Become A Millionaire 10:32

3M ago10:32

10:32

There are multiple ways to invest in real estate. And believe it our not, 90% of the world's millionaires have created wealth through real estate. At least that's what Andrew Carnegie said at the turn of the century. Maybe you love investing, and at this point nearly all of your money is in the stock market. You know it’s important to diversify, bu…

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The Best Investment Strategy by Age [Ultimate Guide] 11:51

3M ago11:51

11:51

There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to the best investment strategy. But it's one of the questions I receive almost everyday. From what do I invest in, to how to get started investing, to picking individual stocks, everyone is looking for a magic investment strategy that will make them millionaires overnight. The truth is that doesn't hap…

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

3M ago27:06

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 withd…

1
Tons of Listener Qs Answered 57:23

3M ago57:23

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…

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8 Popular Alternative Investments Ideas And Examples 11:05

3M ago11:05

11:05

By The College Investor

1
Should You Pay For Audit Protection 7:39

3M ago7:39

7:39

Audit protection is a service most tax preparation companies advertise as an upsell to help you if you get a notice from the IRS. These services can involve responding to IRS letters, representing you when speaking with the IRS, or even reimbursing you if the tax prep company made a mistake. I hate dealing with bureaucrats. The thought of spending …

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How To Use A Roth IRA To Save For College 10:50

3M ago10:50

10:50

While a Roth IRA is one of the best ways to save for retirement, it can also be used to save for college. A Roth IRA is one of the best ways to invest for retirement, since the money inside it grows tax-free and in most cases, withdrawals for retirement come without any tax consequences. It can be an especially great way to save for retirement when…

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

3M ago24:03

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 popula…

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How Structured Settlements Impact Financial Aid 15:37

3M ago15:37

15:37

Eligibility for need-based financial aid depends on the student’s demonstrated financial need. Structured settlements can change how a student's financial aid is evaluated. Financial need is the difference between the college’s annual Cost of Attendance (COA) and the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI). In some cases, a structured settlement can be u…

1
IDR Recertification Dates Extended! 27:00

3M ago27:00

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 …

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Would You Rather Have A Penny That Doubles Each Day For A Month Or $1 Million? 10:13

4M ago10:13

10:13

Would you rather have a penny that doubles each day for a month or 1 million dollars? I saw this question the other day, and it reminded me of one of my favorite stories from high school math (yes, that's pretty nerdy, but this is a personal finance blog). So, before I tell the story, think about it: If a genie appeared and gave you a choice, what …

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

4M ago48:28

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…

1
How To Write A Financial Aid Appeal Letter 15:23

4M ago15:23

15:23

If your financial aid package falls short of your need, you can ask the college for more financial aid by sending them a financial aid appeal letter. A financial aid appeal is not like a negotiation. It is not like bargaining for a lower price on a car at the car dealership. Most students lack leverage to get the college to throw out its financial …

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

4M ago29:10

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 audien…