Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent Explains the July 1 Student Loan Changes
In this episode, Undersecretary of Education Nicholas Kent outlines sweeping changes to federal student aid set to take effect on July 1, including the replacement of the SAVE repayment plan with two new options—the tiered standard plan and the Repayment Assistance Plan—and the introduction of a short‑term Pell Grant for low‑ and middle‑income students in brief, high‑value programs. Kent explains the Department’s role in overseeing the $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio and the push to simplify a historically fragmented system by cutting over 40 repayment and discharge options down to just a few clear choices. He also highlights the administration’s focus on expanding career‑technical and apprenticeship pathways and holding institutions accountable for delivering value. Throughout, Kent draws on his own first‑generation, low‑income background to emphasize the need for more accessible, flexible education financing.
Education Department Sends SAVE Borrowers a “Courtesy” Warning Before July 1 Formal Notices Begin
The episode explains that the U.S. Department of Education has begun sending "courtesy" emails to the roughly 7 million borrowers still in the SAVE forbearance, warning them that formal 90‑day notices will start on July 1, 2026. Listeners are urged to select a...
SAVE Forbearance Is Ending: 7 Million Borrowers Face Repayment Restart
The episode explains that the SAVE forbearance period for roughly 7 million federal student loan borrowers ends after loan servicers begin sending notices on July 1, 2026, giving borrowers about 90 days to choose a new repayment plan before being placed into the higher‑payment...
Judge Approves $425M Capital One 360 Savings Settlement — Payments Expected July
A federal judge approved a $425 million class‑action settlement with Capital One over claims that the bank paid lower interest rates to older 360 Savings customers while offering a higher‑yield 360 Performance Savings product under a similar name. Eligible account holders...
89,720 PSLF Buyback Applications Are Pending — But Many Borrowers Won’t Need Them
The episode explains that 89,720 Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback applications are pending, but many borrowers won’t need the buyback because they’ll reach the 120‑payment threshold through regular payments before their applications are processed. The Department of Education is...
5 Beneficiary Designation Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Estate Plan
In this episode of the College Investor Audio Show, host Eric discusses five common beneficiary designation mistakes that can undermine an estate plan, such as failing to update beneficiaries after life events, assuming a will overrides designated accounts, neglecting contingent...
PSLF Strategy in 2026: New Employer Rule, RAP Plan, and Parent PLUS Changes
The episode breaks down upcoming changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that will take effect in 2026, focusing on four eligibility pillars: loan type, repayment plan, employer status, and payment certification. Key updates include the retirement of the SAVE...
SAVE Plan Forbearance Ending: What To Know
The episode explains that the Department of Education is ending the SAVE student loan forbearance, notifying over 7 million borrowers to select a new repayment plan. Starting July 1, loan servicers will send 90‑day formal notices, after which borrowers who don’t act...
What's The Difference Between Prepaid Tuition And 529 Plans?
The episode breaks down the key differences between prepaid tuition plans and 529 college savings plans, explaining how prepaid plans lock in today’s tuition rates while 529s function as flexible, tax‑advantaged investment accounts. It highlights the pros and cons of...
Lawmakers Warn Student Loan Oversight Is Slipping
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley allege that the U.S. Department of Education is obstructing congressional oversight of federal student loan servicers by withholding key performance metrics such as call wait times and borrower satisfaction. Historically, the department published detailed...
86,000 Public Servants Stuck In 3-Year Loan Forgiveness Queue
The episode breaks down a federal report showing that over 86,000 public‑service borrowers are stuck in a three‑year backlog for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback applications. It explains how the buyback process works, why the backlog is growing, and...
Navient Borrower Compensation Payments Begin In 2026
The episode explains that Navient borrower compensation checks, funded by a $100 million settlement with the CFPB, will start arriving in early 2026 after a lawsuit alleging the servicer steered borrowers into costly forbearances instead of income‑driven repayment plans. Listeners learn...
Student Loan Borrowers Get Balance Adjustments After SAVE Interest Error
The episode explains that borrowers in the SAVE income‑driven repayment plan are finally seeing balance adjustments after a system error mistakenly accrued interest during the program’s administrative forbearance. Federal guidance had paused interest, but many borrowers saw their balances grow,...
Social Security Cuts: What Young Workers Face
The episode breaks down the looming Social Security shortfall highlighted in the 2025 trustees report, explaining that while the trust fund may be depleted by 2033‑34, benefits would simply be reduced to match payroll tax revenue rather than disappearing. It...
Student Loan Debt And Unemployment: Steps To Take For Your Loans
In this 16‑minute episode, Robert Farrington explains how to manage student loans while unemployed, emphasizing that ignoring payments can lead to delinquency and default. He advises listeners to first apply for unemployment benefits, then prioritize income‑driven repayment plans—potentially resulting in...