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The last few weeks have been a lot — election chaos, tensions running high, and now Thanksgiving is knocking on the door. If the thought of sitting at the table with family members who have very different opinions makes you cringe, you’re not alone. We've brainstormed tons of fun and unconventional methods to sidestep political tension, avoid unnecessary drama, and maybe even have a little fun. Plus, we'll explore the power of gratitude, the tactical use of distraction, and even a few spicy clap-back comebacks for when things get a bit too heated. Think of it as your guide to surviving the holidays without losing your cool (or your plate of pie).
Key moments:
03:16 Turn the table into a stage with over-the-top campaign speeches for the best side dish
05:28 How to keep stressful conversations in check without drawing attention
13:05 Push boundaries with a bold clap-back (or stick to the nod-and-smile technique for a drama-free approach)
20:06 Two ways to handle conspiracy theories: a smooth exit or playful engagement
23:12 A low-key hack for escaping post-meal chaos while earning brownie points
Turkey, Tension, and Dodging DramaLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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It’s an unlikely scenario, but the possibility of President Trump abolishing the Department of Education in his second term is a hot topic that’s sparked questions and concerns among student loan borrowers. We’ll explore what that might mean, unpack the fears and anxieties expressed by our listeners, and provide context around the policy implications. Plus, stick around for our “listener mailbag,” where we tackle specific questions and worries that have been pouring into our inboxes.
Key moments:
04:31 Republicans' plan is not actually to eliminate the Department of Ed
10:21 How to handle income recertification for IDR plans during job gaps
16:04 Will the discontinued PAYE plan return amid changes?
22:37 Timing actions around the 0% interest period for student loansLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Ready to turn up the heat on your finances before 2024 comes to a close? We’ve packed this episode with 15 savvy, high-impact financial moves to help you finish the year on top. From maxing out retirement contributions and exploring tax loss harvesting to utilizing backdoor Roth strategies and refinancing high-interest debt, we’re covering it all. We’ll also discuss year-end must-dos like reviewing your insurance, managing FSA funds, and checking your credit report. Tune in to make the most of the final stretch of 2024 and set yourself up for a strong start in 2025.
Key moments:
04:05 Tax-loss harvesting and backdoor Roth IRA can help trim your tax liability
09:47 A personal story on listing income sources to stay in the clear with the IRS
13:40 With interest rates coming down, now might be the perfect time to refinance student loans or your mortgage
17:42 Important tips on updating insurance coverages and taking advantage of open enrollment benefitsLinks mentioned:
The Next 4 Years of Student Loans: Major Changes Are Coming Check Student Loan Refinance Interest Rates IRS Tax Withholding EstimatorLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 termLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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
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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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 boundariesLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 goalsLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 aheadLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 insuranceLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 repealedLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 levelsLinks 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 planLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 yetLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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’tLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 averagingLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 capitalizationLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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!
Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 differentLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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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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 sueLike 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 newsletterFeeling 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 planningDo 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!
- Visa fler
