261 episodes

Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $50,000 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.

Student Loan Planner Travis Hornsby

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 135 Ratings

Travis helps you navigate the insane world of student loans, especially if you owe $50,000 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.

    Your Top Questions as Payments Resume

    Your Top Questions as Payments Resume

    I’m covering your most pressing questions as we prepare for student loan payments to resume. The forbearance period is ending, and there’s a lot of uncertainty and confusion about how to navigate the repayment landscape. I’ll discuss the recent developments with the PSLF waiver and IDR waiver, shedding some light on how these changes might affect your chances of loan forgiveness. Learn your next steps, whether you’re considering refinancing, changing repayment plans, or just want to understand the new regulations.
    In today’s episode, you'll find out:
    The pros and cons of refinancing your student loans, including when it's worth it to switch to a private lender The complexities involved in qualifying for PSLF and the IDR waiver How the IDR waiver can significantly impact your loan forgiveness eligibility When to consider forbearance as a short-term strategy Why you might want to wait until 2024 to make any changes to your repayment plan Why you should be cautious when considering switching to the new SAVE plan How new borrowers as of July 2014 have different options compared to those with older loans The political changes that could impact future loan repayment options How to amend your tax returns to maximize your benefits under PSLF How we’re planning to help you with tax preparation   
    Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

    Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!
     

    • 48 min
    From Borrowing to Empowering: Navigating Student Loans with Meredith Jones, CSLP®, AFC®, and Gabe Rooker

    From Borrowing to Empowering: Navigating Student Loans with Meredith Jones, CSLP®, AFC®, and Gabe Rooker

    Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, hosts two incredible guests, Meredith Jones, DVM, CSLP®, AFC®, and Gabe Rooker, who will share their experiences and insights into the world of student loan planning. Meredith, known for running a debt-free veterinarian Facebook group, sheds light on the common finance-related questions and struggles shared within the group. And Gabe, with a background in engineering, shares his journey of working for Intel and tutoring high school students on his days off to becoming an authority in college planning and student loan guidance.
    Gabe and Meredith are both part of our dedicated team of student loan advisors, and their expertise and passion for helping others will inspire and empower you in your student loan journey.
    In today’s episode, you'll find out:
    The initial shock of realizing scholarships don’t cover as much as you’d think Why it’s crucial to discuss uncomfortable topics like student loans The trickle-down effect of student loan planning into other areas of personal finance Common finance-related questions and struggles shared by fellow veterinarians The new rule change that helps certain physicians qualify for PSLF The breakdown of the student loan planning process and its benefits Strategies for adapting to the constant changes and updates in student loan planning How to overcome the fear and confusion surrounding student loans Thoughts about leaving a stable job to pursue a passion for helping others with student loans How student loan consultants and doctors/veterinarians share similar client interaction and goal-oriented approaches The unique paths that led Gabe and Meredith to become part of the Student Loan Planner consultant team Why student loan planners aren’t afraid of uncomfortable conversations about student loans  
    Resources mentioned:
    Virtual Veterinary Financial Summit: https://vetfinancialsummit.com/summit  Book a student loan consult with Meredith  Book a student loan consult with Gabe  

    Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

    Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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  
    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!
     

    • 34 min
    Top Questions About The SAVE Plan Answered

    Top Questions About The SAVE Plan Answered

    The SAVE plan has become a hot topic for many borrowers, and we’re getting a lot of questions. I will answer the top questions we see, including what it is and when you need to sign up for it. I’ll cover important deadlines and major red flags you need to know about student loans. You’ll learn how the SAVE plan can impact your loans, why it might not be the best option for every borrower, and what to do if you’re unsure about your repayment strategy. 
    In today’s episode, you'll find out:
    The pros and cons of the SAVE plan and why it isn’t the right fit for everyone When to choose PAYE over SAVE for a more cost-effective repayment option Final dates for taking advantage of the IDR account adjustment Deadlines for signing up for PAYE and ICR repayment plans If the SAVE plan is better than the new REPAYE plan people have been talking about Why our student loan advice for 2023 is still valid in light of the new SAVE plan When and how to apply for the SAVE plan What Parent PLUS borrowers need to know about consolidations and access to the SAVE plan The real reason why higher education is so expensive Upcoming consultation openings in October More information on SLP Wealth and tax services Links mentioned:
     
    SAVE Repayment Plan
    Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plan
    Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Request
    Like the show? There are several ways you can help!

    Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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 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!
     

    • 25 min
    Master Student Loan Consolidation, Income Recertification and Parent PLUS Repayment

    Master Student Loan Consolidation, Income Recertification and Parent PLUS Repayment

    Arm yourself with “quick hits” — essential tips to guide you through the labyrinth of recent student loan updates. As student loan payments restart, Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, and Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, share how to maximize opportunities on your student loan repayment journey. Discover the revamped consolidation application designed for better efficiency and ease. Learn the benefits of removing the spousal sign-off requirements and the improved IRS data retrieval tool. Get the lowdown on the double consolidation process for Parent PLUS loans and why you shouldn’t wait to take action. Listen in to stay ahead of the game when managing your student loans.
    In today’s episode, you'll find out:
    How changes to the consolidation application can influence your decision to consolidate How your spouse’s information can affect student loan consolidation, regardless of separate finances How to get real-time payment estimates with the IRS data retrieval tool The new option of uploading income certification documentation digitally versus traditional mailing Top pros and cons of the double consolidation legal loophole for Parent PLUS loan borrowers Why parents with student loans need to add the July 2025 deadline to their calendar Common problems borrowers face when consolidating or choosing an income-driven plan Why interest capitalization isn’t as bad as you think The importance of considering your entire financial picture when evaluating your student loan repayment strategy Links mentioned: 
    Direct Consolidation Loan Application
    Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Request
    The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT)

    • 23 min
    The Student Loan Pause Has Ended. Now What?

    The Student Loan Pause Has Ended. Now What?

    If you’re looking for effective ways to manage your student loan debt now that the student loan pause is over, this episode is your ticket to the next steps. Listen in as I explore the nuances of different loan repayment options for various professions. You’ll discover how our powerful student loan calculator can pinpoint repayment amounts and how to use the information to optimize your repayment strategy — your payments could be as low as $0 with the new SAVE plan. I’ll also talk about the importance of keeping cash flow low and whether investing in the stock market outweighs using the extra money to pay down student loans. So, let's get started! In today’s episode, you'll find out: Ways your student loan payment and interest could be as low as $0 a month Subsidized payment options for resident physicians and other borrowers Why keeping cash flow low is crucial, especially if you're not well-compensated The difference in interest rates between 10-year and 20-year loans and why it may not matter If you should invest in the stock market or use the extra money to pay down your student loans How to overcome income uncertainty in the first years of practice How short-term interest rates can impact your student loan repayment journey Why 5-year loans are typically cheaper than 20-year loans How to compare your current payment to the SAVE plan and determine the best course of action When to wait to recertify your income for income-driven repayment The risks in authorizing loan servicers to pull data from the IRS for income recertification Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts 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

    • 34 min
    Emergency pod: Deadline to ask for student loan refunds is next week

    Emergency pod: Deadline to ask for student loan refunds is next week

    Which borrowers need to take urgent action to get refunds before next weeks deadline.

    • 14 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
135 Ratings

135 Ratings

karen from Dallas ,

A must for anyone with student loans.

Thank you so much Travis and your team for all that you. Looking out for us with student loans, with compassion and nonjudgmental .

BaylorBear 11 ,

Thank you

This is an amazing resource for student loan borrowers. Thank you!

erincathmeyer ,

Thankful for this podcast!

So thankful to have found this podcast after listening to so many Dave Ramsey rants against PSLF. Ramsey had me terrified with all of his opinions and assumptions about loan forgiveness based on media sound bites. I am going to hang in there as I’m confident I will qualify.

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