Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast: Recent Episodes
EscapeStudentLoanDebtPodcast l Student Loan Strategies for the Established Professional
Tax filings. Investment structuring. Insurance planning. Purchasing your home. Business funding. For listeners with private and federal loans, the Escape Student Loan Debt podcast demystifies Student Loans, how they impact every single area of your finances, and how to get student loan payments or balances forgiven, reduced, re-organized or expedited. Hosted by Brenton Harrison.
Check out the latest fallout from the judiciary pause of the SAVE plan and its impact on other IDR plans.
PLUS, a brief snippet from our webinar, The State of Student Loans!
Click the link below for access to the full webinar replay!
ACCESS THE REPLAY
(Another) emergency student loan update ... and more proof you need to sign up for The State of Student Loans Webinar on July 30th, 6pm CST!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Department of Ed Emergency SAVE Plan Press Release
Click the link to register for the free upcoming webinar, The State of Student Loans, on 7/30/24 at 6pm CST!
Register Here!
Hear details (and ease your concerns) about a very misleading letter coming from MOHELA, as well as the consequences of failing to recertify income for IDR plans.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Sample letter from MOHELA
IDR Failure to Recertify Consequences
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
An update to last week's emergency episode on The SAVE plan!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Contact the Student Loan Ombudsman
SAVE Plan Emergency Episode
CNN Article
Sign up for Student Loan Updates
Tune in for an emergency student loan update on the SAVE plan and the pending end of the IDR Waiver and Pay As You Earn payment plan!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Direct Consolidation Application
https://studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation/
When PAYE Beats SAVE
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-pay-as-you-earn-beats-the-save-plan/id1641942083?i=1000644748013
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Can private student loans be forgiven?
PLUS
Musical chairs for the federal student loan servicers and more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Navient Private Loan Forgiveness Application
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62d6e418e8d8517940207135/t/664e4ce0340ea96a0aa70c72/1716407521054/Navient+School+Misconduct+Application.pdf
MOHELA Account Transfer Details
https://blog.ed.gov/2024/04/update-for-mohela-student-loan-borrowers/
01:03 Private Student Loan Forgiveness Program
04:38 Navient's Transition to Mojila
10:08 MoHELA's New Online Platform
14:16 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Transition
In this episode of Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast, host Brenton Harrison discusses how federal and private student loans affect your ability to buy a home.
He covers key components like credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, the differences between FICO and Vantage scores, and how student loans can influence these factors.
Additionally, Brenton explains how different types of mortgages handle student loan payments, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
The episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of student loans while seeking home financing.
EPISODE RESOURCES
FICO Score Calculation
The CAIVRS Database
Student Loan Mortgage Guidelines
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
00:00 Introduction to Student Loans and Home Buying
01:29 Understanding Credit Scores
04:06 Impact of Student Loans on Credit Scores
09:10 Debt to Income Ratio Explained
12:38 Types of Mortgages and Their Requirements
15:03 Private vs. Federal Student Loans
Tune in as we cover details of the latest extension of the IDR Waiver, and share why July 1st is an important day to be aware of for federal borrowers!
EPISODE RESOURCES
IDR Waiver Extension Announcement
How Does The IDR Waiver Work?
When PAYE Beats The SAVE Plan
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Does having student loans change your insurance needs?
Tune in and find out.
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Dig into the details of the latest Biden Loan Forgiveness Plan
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-new-plans-deliver-debt-relief-tens-millions-americans
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Tune in as we cover 4 upcoming dates that are crucial for federal student loan borrowers
EPISODE RESOURCES
When PAYE beats the SAVE plan
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LXvu3QXfMZIwgN06JiwlR?si=bjqJ_eUgSCyDrYkRldm0QQ
The SAVE Plan Part 1 and Part 2
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3U64z5PsRtJv9te2WXJjTA?si=H30Q6D9SQXC72ie5ao6Vcg
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OLHHNRTg6s1JK3b1PpT0F?si=SaQnVS2VSsiXhmR2p4OPrw
Contact the Student Loan Ombudsman
https://fsapartners.ed.gov/help-center/fsa-customer-service-center/service-centers-for-students/office-of-the-ombudsman-fsa
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Tune in for student loan tips and tricks from Robert Farrington of The College Investor!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Contact the Student Loan Ombudsman
The College Investor
Tune in as we cover how your spouse's income can help or hurt your student loan strategy!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Student Loan Payment Scenarios
And if you haven't already, subscribe to our newsletter at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In this episode, we cover the impact of refinancing student loans with private lenders, and how you can know whether it's worth doing more than once.
EPISODE RESOURCES
SoFi Refinance Calculator
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In this episode, we cover scenarios where the Pay As You Earn plan is the better option than the SAVE plan, even if it means paying more each month.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Repayment Scenarios
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email newsletter on student loan repayment tips at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In this episode we talk about scenarios where it makes more sense to pay off your student loans as opposed to aiming for forgiveness.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Repayment Scenarios
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
For a brief period of time, the government let couples take out the dumbest student loans of all time ... spousal consolidation loans.
In this episode we talk about the hell these loans caused, what they are and aren't eligible for in terms of forgiveness, and how to get rid of them once and for all.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Joint Consolidation Separation Act
PSLF for Consolidated Loans
How to contact the Ombudsman
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
The IDR Waiver has been extended!
In this episode we cover why certain borrowers should consolidate ... even if they DON'T have to.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Waiver Extension Details
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In this episode, we give tips for how cosigners can get their name removed from private student loans, AND how parents can refinance Parent PLUS loans into the name of their child.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Parent PLUS Refinancing Lenders
Lenders with Cosigner Release
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Join us as we share some end of the year tips to maximize your federal student loans!
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudenloandebt.com!
In this episode we walk you step by step through using a paper Direct Consolidation Loan application to pursue the Double Consolidation loophole for Parent Plus loans.
Using this loophole before it expires in July of 2025 can turn Parent Plus Loans, which are only eligible for one Income Driven Repayment plan - the Income Contingent Repayment plan - into a Direct Consolidation loan that is eligible for any repayment plan.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Income Driven Repayment Plan Application
Consolidation Instructions + Loan Codes
Student Loan Servicer Contact Info
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Check out our breakdown of the Parent Plus Double Consolidation loophole that could offer huge relief to borrowers struggling with this type of student loan debt.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Parent PLUS Consolidation deadlines
Double Consolidation Article
YouTube video
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Tune in as we cover the dangers of Parent PLUS Loans, and a limited opportunity these borrowers have to get out of harm's way!
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In part 2 of our series on the SAVE payment plan, we cover reaasons why you WOULDN'T choose the plan.
EPISODE RESOURCES
SAVE Plan Timeline of Changes
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In this episode, we cover some of the immediate changes available through the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, as well as some changes due to be launched in 2024.
EPISODE RESOURCES
SAVE Plan Timeline of Changes
And if you haven't already, sign up for our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Check out Session 1 of our live course, STUDENT LOANS BACK! WHAT NOW?!
Registrants get lifetime access to the recordings, along with downloadables and resources to help with their loans.
Check out the link below to purchase the course, and use the discount code 3LEFT for 25% off through Friday, September 22nd!
COURSE REGISTRATION PAGE
DISCOUNT CODE: 3LEFT (25% OFF)
What happens if you can't (or won't) make your student loan payments in October?
PLUS! Sign up for our LIVE Course, 'Student Loans Back! What Now?'
SIGN UP FOR THE COURSE!
EPISODE RESOURCES
On-ramp program details
Student Loan Delinquency and Default
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com
While over 800,000 people just got word their student loans are being forgiven, thousands more are staring at forgiveness credits that haven't changed the way they'd hoped.
In this episode, we cover why we're experiencing these delays, and when you can expect things to change.
Private student loans don't have anywhere near the flexibility offered by federal loans. So it begs the question ... why would anyone refinance?
In this episode, we tell you why.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Private Student Loan Offers
Current Federal Loan Rates
Check it out! And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In this episode, we compare federal student loans to what you'd find by refinancing with a private lender
Check it out! And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Federal student loan interest is about to kick in for the first time in 3 years.
In this episode, we tell you how interest on student loans works in the first place. Tune in ...
EPISODE RESOURCES
Interest Capitalization
The SAVE Plan
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
The Supreme Court just struck down the Biden Student Loan Forgiveness Program!
In this episode, we talk about why the rationale used to cancel the program is a key indicator of what's next for student loans, and how it impacts your student loan journey.
Sign up for more updates at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Having a federal student loan default is one of the worst things that can happen to your finances.
Fortunately, a TEMPORARY program will help defaulted borrowers restore their loans to good order with as little as a phone call. Check out this episode to see how
EPISODE RESOURCES
Fresh Start Program Details
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start
And if you haven't already, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
The recent negotiations that we've seen for the Debt ceiling have confirmed that there is no extension coming. Student Loan payments will restart in the fall of this year.
In this episode, we talk about how those Debt ceiling negotiations will affect your loans and how to make sure you're prepared when those payments actually do kick back in.
After months of waiting, the Department of Education has (finally) released more details about the guidelines and timeline for the enacting the Income Driven Repayment Plan Waiver.
Join us as we dig into the details of the waiver, and walk you through a sample student aid file to show how you can check your own progress towards loan forgiveness.
EPISODE RESOURCES
IDR Waiver FAQ
And if you haven't already, subscribe to the podcast and join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
As student loan guidelines change and they apply past credit to borrowers' accounts, it's important you know how to review your loan history.
In this episode, we discuss how to download and review your NSLDS data file, and easter eggs in the document that could lead to faster loan forgiveness than you think.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Student Aid Website
And if you haven't already, subscribe to the podcast and join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
Round 2 of The Showdown!
In one corner, Pay As You Earn (PAYE): the IDR plan that will be unavailable to new borrowers starting in July 2023.
In the other, the (revised) Revised Pay As You Earn: the updated plan that if chosen by borrowers eligible for PAYE, will be a permanent decision that renders them unable to return to PAYE.
Tune in as we start weighting the pros and cons of each repayment option!
And if you haven't already, subscribe to the podcast and join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
It's time for the Showdown, Pt. 1
In one corner, Pay As You Earn (PAYE): the IDR plan that will be unavailable to new borrowers starting in July 2023.
In the other, the (revised) Revised Pay As You Earn: the updated plan that if chosen by borrowers eligible for PAYE, will be a permanent decision that renders them unable to return to PAYE.
Tune in as we start weighting the pros and cons of each repayment option!
In July of this year, federal borrowers currently eligible for the Pay As You Earn plan will have to make the permanent decision to stay on the plan, or take advantage of the updated Revised Pay As You Earn plan.
In this episode, we start the process of updating you on the (many) changes to the plan, with the goal of giving you the tools to decide which plan is right for you!
EPISODE RESOURCES
New REPAYE Fact Sheet
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
In late February, the Supreme Court heard arguments in two lawsuits challenging the Biden Administration's authority to forgive either $10,000 or $20,000 of federal student loans for eligible borrowers.
In this episode, we discuss the status of the case, and how the timing of the Supreme Court's decision might be even more important to some borrowers than whether or not the forgiveness program is allowed to proceed.
And if you haven't aready, join our email list at escapestudentloandebt.com!
In July of this year, major changes are coming to one of the flagship Income Driven Repayment plans for federal student loan borrowers. But a consequence of accepting the changes offered by this new plan is that in doing so, you will be shut out of participating in another popular IDR plan.
As we get closer to July, we're building up your knowledge on IDR plans so that when the time comes to make your choice, you truly understand the right option for you. Join us for Part 2!
EPISODE RESOURCES
IDR Plans
Federal Student Aid Website
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
In July of this year, major changes are coming to one of the flagship Income Driven Repayment plans for federal student loan borrowers. But a consequence of accepting the changes offered by this new plan is that in doing so, you will be shut out of participating in another popular IDR plan.
As we get closer to July, we're building up your knowledge on IDR plans so that when the time comes to make your choice, you truly understand the right option for you. Join us in Part 1!
EPISODE RESOURCES
IDR Plans
Federal Student Aid Website
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
There are several key upcoming dates for student loans in 2023.
Check out our episode to know what steps are needed to keep your loans in check in the new year
Episode Resources
Federal Student Aid Website
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
Since the launch of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, state employment laws have made it difficult for many physicians in Texas and California to qualify. But a HUGE update recently announced by the Department of Education could mean these docs are much closer to loan forgiveness than ever before.
Join us as we recap these changes and how they might impact you!!
EPISODE Resources
Future of PSLF Fact Sheet
PSLF Help Tool
IRS Corporate Practice of Medicine Explainer
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
Shortly after the expiration of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Limited Waiver, the Department of Education (kind of) extended it!
Join us for Part 2 to learn some temporary and some permanent changes to PSLF, as well as Income Driven Repayment Plans!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Future of PSLF Fact Sheet
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
Just before the Thanksgiving Holiday, student loan borrowers were given their first holiday gift: ANOTHER extension of the student loan payment freeze!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Department of Ed Press Release
Future of PSLF Fact Sheet
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
Shortly after the expiration of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Limited Waiver, the Department of Education (kind of) extended it!
Check out some temporary and some permanent changes to PSLF, as well as Income Driven Repayment Plans!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Future of PSLF Fact Sheet
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
With less than two weeks before the expiration of the PSLF Waiver on 10/31/2022, people are starting to sweat.
Tune in for these last-minute tips to make sure you don't miss out on this once in a lifetime student loan opportunity!
EPISODE RESOURCES
PSLF Help Tool
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
With the announcement of the Income Driven Repayment Plan Waiver, millions of student loan borrowers are closer to having their balances forgiven in full.
Check out our podcast episode where we cover the details of the waiver, when you can expect to see your forgiveness credits applied, and how to ensure you don't miss this (literal) one-time only opportunity!
Also, for the first time ever, a Question and Answer from our subscribers!
To submit a question, send proof you've subscribed to our podcast with your question to us on Instagram (@escapestudentloandebt).
EPISODE RESOURCES
IDR Plan Waiver Announcement
Direct Consolidation Application
Federal Student Aid Website
Subscribe to the podcast and learn more about our flagship student loan course, Escape Student Loan Debt, at https://www.escapestudentloandebt.com/
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a student loan forgiveness program for borrowers working in the nonprofit or government sectors. But because of a series of confusing rules and requirements, over 95% of applicants have seen their forgiveness delayed and past payments considered ineligible.
Join us as we cover the Limited PSLF Waiver that offers these borrowers a ONE-TIME opportunity to have these previously ineligible payments counted towards their forgiveness credits, and how to make sure you get in on the fun before the offer expires!
Episode Resources
Federal Student Aid Website
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employment Certification
Join the waitlist for our flagship course, Escape Student Loan Debt!
In the final part of our series covering the Biden administration's recent student loan announcement, we cover the details of potential impact of the new Income Driven Repayment plan.
Music produced by Jesse Rugless of Trailmix Studios
This week's news from the Biden administration will have a major impact on your relationship with your loans over the next few months. Join us for Part 2 of a miniseries on the details of this recently released plan!
Music produced by Jesse Rugless of Trailmix Studios
This week's news from the Biden administration will have a major impact on your relationship with your loans over the next few months. Join us for Part 1 of a miniseries on the details of this recently released plan!
Music produced by Jesse Rugless of Trailmix Studios
In Part 2 of The History of Student Loans, we cover how the government went from creating and supporting Sallie Mae's role in the explosion of student loan debt, and how a major legislative change pitted these two entities against each other in a battle for the souls of student loan borrowers.
Music produced by Jesse Wilson of Trailmix Studios
The Student Loan Crisis didn't appear out of thin air. Join us for Part 1 in our series on the history of student loans in this country, and how the government partnered with private banks to conceal the amount of money really being funneled towards higher education
Music provided by Jesse Rugless of Trailmix Studios
In this short, introductory episode, find out more about the why, what, and how of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast. Learn what the podcast is about, who it's for, what the format is, and what listeners can and should expect from the show.
Music produced by Jesse Rugless of Trailmix Studios
For listeners with private and federal loans, the ESCAPE STUDENT LOAN DEBT PODCAST**demystifies Student Loans, and how to get student loan payments or balances forgiven, reduced, re-organized or expedited. Hosted by Brenton Harrison.
Music provided by Jesse Rugless of Trailmix Studios