Student Loan Planner

Travis Hornsby

Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $20,000 to $1 million. If you've ever spent too much time on the phone with your loan servicer, this is the show for you. Every week we share tips on loan forgiveness, investing, crushing debt, and how to get to financial freedom when you owe more than most people's mortgage. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Buying a Home Without Credit and Avoiding Tax-Time Trouble
Jan 3 2025
Buying a Home Without Credit and Avoiding Tax-Time Trouble
Is it possible to buy a home without a credit score? We’re joined by special guest Steve Stewart, podcast editor, who shares how he moved his family to Colorado and secured a mortgage without a traditional credit score. Steve, who hasn’t opened a credit account since 2008, reveals tools and strategies for documenting payment history, navigating homeownership as a single-income household, and overcoming challenges as a self-employed borrower. We also discuss why the credit scoring system prioritizes debt, how professionals with unconventional financial profiles can still secure a mortgage, and how to handle tax reporting, 1099 forms, and business structuring for freelancers and entrepreneurs.   Key moments:   (05:29) The myth that a credit card is safer than a debit card (09:19) Strategies to get a mortgage without a traditional credit score or manual underwriting (21:36) What living without credit means for missing out on card perks (27:13) Simplifying 1099 income reporting and third-party processor confusion     Links mentioned:    eCredable Experian Boost   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
The PAYE Mess + Are U.S. Stocks About to be Dethroned?
Dec 31 2024
The PAYE Mess + Are U.S. Stocks About to be Dethroned?
Student loan repayment plans are in chaos. From the PAYE and ICR confusion to the ongoing servicer challenges, borrowers face an overwhelming mess. We break down what’s happening, what changes might be coming, and how to stay ahead in an unpredictable system. On the investing side, we’re tackling the dominance of U.S. stocks since 2008, asking whether their reign is coming to an end. We’ll explore the rise of cryptocurrencies, the risks of betting too heavily on any one market, and why diversification remains critical to long-term financial success. Key moments: (01:23) How reopening the ICR plan lets high-income borrowers qualify for forgiveness and PSLF (03:16) U.S. stocks have outperformed international markets by 3.5x since 2008 (07:23) Bitcoin’s wild swings, why it mirrors U.S. stocks but amplifies market moves (11:45) Why investors tend to chase risky stocks and overlook safer opportunities (15:40) The importance of a diversified portfolio for professionals, no matter your student loan debt (16:49) Key investment strategies to prioritize as 2025 approaches   Links mentioned:  Department of Education Announces Borrowers Can Now Apply for Additional Income-Driven Repayment Plans WSJ: Young Men Are Making Risky Bets on Crypto and Politics—and Raking It In Right Now   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Parent PLUS Loophole Closing and Retirement Income Math
Dec 27 2024
Parent PLUS Loophole Closing and Retirement Income Math
The clock is ticking on the double consolidation loophole for Parent PLUS Loans, which closes in July 2025. Learn what this change means, why borrowers must act quickly, and how to make the most of the remaining time. We’ll tackle the big questions: Should you file taxes jointly or separately? How do Medicare penalties and student loan repayments overlap? And what strategies can help you maximize income-driven repayment (IDR) plans before the loophole disappears? Jared Costigan, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth team, shares expert advice on preserving retirement savings, aligning Social Security with loan repayment, and leveraging Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Key moments: (05:16) Parent PLUS debt surged 63% from 2015 to 2022 as the cost of college climbs (9:19)  The double consolidation loophole could save you from paying 20% of your retirement income (19:38) Who benefits most from a double consolidation? Borrowers with balances nearing or exceeding their income (27:56) Income planning ties Social Security and loans to retirement timing — don’t overlook it (37:32) Filing taxes separately can lower loan payments but may raise Medicare costs Links mentioned:    Financially Free Physicians podcast Department of Education Parent PLUS Loans Parent PLUS Double Consolidation Loophole Guide for 2025   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Profits Over Patients: How a CEO’s Murder United America on Healthcare
Dec 20 2024
Profits Over Patients: How a CEO’s Murder United America on Healthcare
The shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO is a tragic story that highlights deeper issues within the health insurance industry — wealth, greed, inequality, and power dynamics — and raises important questions about the prioritization of profits over patient care. We’re taking a closer look at the broader implications of this event and its ties to the systemic challenges healthcare professionals already know too well. Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us and shares a personal connection to the story. We explore the emotions and frustrations it brings up, especially for those working in a system often criticized for putting profit before people. Key moments: (04:35) Unpacking the growing anger toward health insurance companies (10:36) Insurance companies overriding physicians leads to worse outcomes for patients (13:00) A recap of what happened, the manifesto, and the controversial sympathy for the alleged shooter’s motives (21:07) Fear and frustration leave many wondering if change in healthcare is even possible   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Exact Language to Get Max PSLF Forgiveness
Dec 17 2024
Exact Language to Get Max PSLF Forgiveness
The PSLF buyback program could be the key to reaching forgiveness faster, but there’s a catch. You must use exact language in your reconsideration request, or it won’t count. Without it, your request might be dismissed as just an inquiry — seriously. We break down everything you need to know about PSLF buyback, including the steps to get your application right the first time, how this program came to be, and why it’s still available despite the SAVE plan injunction. Plus, we'll touch on the importance of keeping an eye on refinancing rates and what to expect if policies shift under a new administration. If you’re worried about PSLF or wondering how things might change under a different political landscape, this episode has the answers to help calm your nerves. Key moments: (01:51) The exact steps and language needed to apply for PSLF buyback (05:32) How PSLF buyback could save borrowers a ton of money 07:34) Potential impacts if a Trump administration repeals PSLF buyback or the SAVE plan (11:02) How falling refinancing rates could create new opportunities for borrowers   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Influenced to be Broke: Social Media Trends that Keep You Poor
Dec 13 2024
Influenced to be Broke: Social Media Trends that Keep You Poor
Social media is overflowing with flashy trends and hyped-up advice, making it easy to feel like you’re missing out. From “get rich quick” schemes to so-called success shortcuts, the constant FOMO can lead to bad financial habits and second-guessing your decisions. We’re exposing the trends that claim to help but actually hold you back. Discover how harmful financial behaviors and misleading investment advice can keep you stuck — and learn how to avoid these traps. Tune in for practical tips to cut through the noise and focus on building real, sustainable financial success. Key moments: (01:39) Influencers say “do this,” but their success doesn’t mean it’ll work for you (10:07) Are you falling behind, or is social media making you feel that way? (22:47) Unqualified influencers sell dreams, but they rarely deliver real results (29:53) Hustle culture glamorizes nonstop work but keeps you from what really matters   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Biden’s Mixed Legacy on Student Loans (and What It Means for the Future)
Dec 10 2024
Biden’s Mixed Legacy on Student Loans (and What It Means for the Future)
Over the past four years, student loans have been at the center of some of the most dramatic changes we’ve ever seen — both good and bad. We’ll explore the Biden administration’s legislative and executive actions, such as making student loan forgiveness tax-free through the American Rescue Plan, the PSLF waiver, and the introduction of the SAVE plan. Along the way, we’ll unpack the political pressures Biden faced, comparisons to FDR, and the influence of key players like Senator Warren and Richard Cordray. In addition, we’ll examine the political ramifications and speculate about the future of student loan policies under a Republican-controlled government.   Key moments: (06:13) Misrepresented loan repayments paved the way for executive actions (11:01) A once-in-a-generation opportunity to rewrite the social contract (17:57) Why Republicans saw an opening to sue over student loan cancellation (21:13) The SAVE plan’s billion-dollar promise — and why it was never realistic (26:08) Are plans in motion to roll back Biden’s student loan reforms? What we’re hearing Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Secret Payment Count Hack, PSLF Troubleshooting and PAYE Rumors
Nov 26 2024
Secret Payment Count Hack, PSLF Troubleshooting and PAYE Rumors
Stuck in holiday traffic? Make the most of your travel time with our curated collection of student loan resources perfect for your commute. We'll explore the latest Pay As You Earn (PAYE) rumors, tackle tricky PSLF payment count challenges, and share a simple yet effective tool to estimate your IDR forgiveness progress while we wait for the Department of Education’s much-anticipated tracker. Key moments: 02:41 New resources you’ll love: Podcasts for dentists, physicians, and veterinarians 05:36 How to pinpoint your payment count if you’re curious where you stand on forgiveness 14:11 Nearing 120 payments? Don’t miss this step-by-step guide we’ve been sharing with our clients 28:23 PAYE might be making a comeback: The pros, cons, and what it could mean for you 
Links mentioned:  PSLF payment tracker through StudentAid.govhttps://studentaid.gov/app/api/nslds/payment-counter/summaryFinancially Free Dentists podcastFinancially Free Physicians podcast   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Turkey, Tension, and Dodging Drama
Nov 22 2024
Turkey, Tension, and Dodging Drama
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 Drama Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
From Coal to Cash: 15 Smart Moves Before the Year Ends
Nov 15 2024
From Coal to Cash: 15 Smart Moves Before the Year Ends
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 benefits Links mentioned:  The Next 4 Years of Student Loans: Major Changes Are ComingCheck Student Loan Refinance Interest RatesIRS Tax Withholding Estimator   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!
Filing Taxes Separately Would Cost Me $12,000
Nov 8 2024
Filing Taxes Separately Would Cost Me $12,000
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 MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculatorCheck out our refinancing bonuses we negotiatedBook your custom student loan planGet 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!