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 plan, the introduction of the RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan) as the sole income‑driven option for loans disbursed after July 1 2026, and the phasing out of PAYE, ICR, and PAY by mid‑2028. Parent PLUS borrowers lose their PSLF pathway unless they consolidate by June 30 2026 and switch from ICR to IBR before ICR ends, while a new “Substantial Illegal Purpose” rule could disqualify a handful of employers. Listeners are urged to act now—exit SAVE, consolidate Parent PLUS loans, and enroll in an eligible plan—to keep their forgiveness credits on track.
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...
Front-Loading Financial Aid: Watch Out For This Sneaky Trick
The episode explains the practice of front‑loading financial aid, where colleges award larger grants to freshmen and then reduce grant amounts or the percentage of recipients for upper‑classmen. Data shows that over 80% of four‑year institutions, especially public schools, cut...
How To Get Student Loans For Community College
The episode explains how to finance community college attendance, emphasizing that nearly half of students rely on loans despite lower tuition costs. It guides listeners through checking free‑tuition programs, completing the FAFSA to access Pell Grants and federal loans (Direct...
The State Of Student Loans And What Families Need To Know
In this 46‑minute episode, host Chris Redd discusses the current landscape of student loans, focusing on the SAVE repayment plan’s uncertain timeline, the upcoming Navient settlement payouts, and the bottleneck in Public Service Loan Forgiveness. He explains how front‑loading of...
Workforce Pell Grant: Eligibility, Programs, Timeline
The episode explains the new Workforce Pell Grant, which extends Pell eligibility to short‑term (8‑15 week) workforce training programs that meet strict outcome, credential, and labor‑market standards. It highlights that applicants must still complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need,...
Parent PLUS Student Loan Alternatives in 2026: Private Vs. Federal
The episode explains the upcoming 2026 reforms to Parent PLUS loans, which will impose a $20,000 annual and $65,000 lifetime borrowing cap and eliminate income‑driven repayment options for new loans. It contrasts these changes with the limited borrowing limits of...
6 Weird But Successful Stock Market Indicators
The episode explores six unconventional stock‑market indicators—from the Super Bowl winner and lipstick sales to the nationality of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover models—highlighting their surprising historical success rates, such as the Super Bowl’s 71 % accuracy since 1978. It explains the...
