Income-Based Repayment has turned into a maze for a lot of borrowers, from unexpected forbearances to confusing "partial financial hardship" determinations that don't add up. Learn why so many borrowers are stuck in SAVE forbearance, what's really going on with IBR denials, and what the Department of Education says it's going to fix by early 2026.

We'll also talk about new proposed borrowing limits, how they could reshape entire professions, and what that might mean for your salary, PSLF strategy, and long-term plan.

Key moments:

(02:17) What "partial financial hardship" actually means — and when it shouldn't block IBR

(05:29) The out-of-cycle rulemaking session and why 2026 could bring sweeping IDR changes

(06:36) Why proposed borrowing caps could upend grad and professional programs

(11:31) The ripple effects on earnings, PSLF planning, and long-term loan strategy

(14:02) What might trigger Congress to rewrite the rules again before 2028

Resource mentioned:

• Apply for or recertify income-driven repayment

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Feeling 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 planning

Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

We've been working on something big behind the scenes, and today I finally get to share it. We launched the SLP Insiders app, a dedicated community built for borrowers who want clarity, connection, and a calm place to ask questions without getting pulled into the noise of social media.

Learn why we built it, who it's for, and how it can help you stay on track through the constant waves of servicer issues, PSLF updates, and IDR rule changes. If you've ever wished you had "your people" to talk loans with, this is the moment.

Key moments:

(01:54) The flood of borrower emails and how a community fills the gap
(04:41) Profession-specific channels for physicians, dentists, lawyers, and more
(10:10) RAP plan timing, huge interest subsidies, and why flexibility matters early on

Resource mentioned:

• The Student Loan Planner app

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 newsletter

Feeling 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 planning

Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!

A lot of borrowers are wondering how to get their loans forgiven without getting crushed by taxes later, especially with that 2026 tax-free forgiveness deadline creeping closer. In this episode, I walk through the lesser-known ways forgiveness can be tax-free, how timing affects whether you owe anything, and what thoughtful planning looks like if you're headed toward taxable IDR forgiveness.

You'll also hear several listener questions that tie directly into PSLF quirks, marriage and income decisions, and whether refinancing really makes sense for high earners.

Key moments:

(01:35) Employer lump-sum PSLF mess and how to escalate when servicers contradict themselves

(08:11) Acupuncturist's loans, marriage stress, and married-filing-separately trade-offs

(16:57) Should high earners refinance or keep federal protections and flexibility

(26:03) What happens if PSLF rules get blocked, and who should actually worry

(29:11) Tax-free forgiveness strategies, tax bomb planning, and smart moves before 2026

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 newsletter

Feeling 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 planning

Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!