Michael and Brady dive into the rapidly shifting landscape of federal student loans — and why now is the time to pay attention. From the return of online applications at studentaid.gov to the major legal uncertainty around the SAVE plan, we unpack what borrowers need to do today to stay on track. Whether you're navigating income-driven repayment, thinking about loan consolidation, or just trying to avoid costly mistakes during tax season, this episode gives you clear insights and action steps. You'll learn how to choose between PSLF and time-based forgiveness — why your 2024 tax return could make or break your student loan payment — what happens if popular repayment plans like SAVE, PAYE, or ICR disappear ­— how to take control in a confusing, lawsuit-laden loan environment. Confused? Overwhelmed? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to be unprepared. Tune in to feel empowered, not paralyzed.

Key Takeaways:

• What recent legal and administrative developments have impacted the availability and structure of federal student loan repayment plans?

• How can borrowers use tax filing strategies to potentially reduce their monthly student loan payments?

• What are the differences in impact between public service loan forgiveness and time-based forgiveness amid ongoing changes in loan policy?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Recent Developments in Student Loans

(05:00) - Impact on Borrowers

(09:00) - Where We Stand Now

(12:00) - Why Borrowers May Want to Act Now

(15:00) - Tax Filing and Loan Strategy

(20:00) - Extension Strategy

(22:00) - Married Couple (Resident + Working Spouse)

(25:00) - Number Crunching: SAVE vs IBR

(30:00) - Long-Term Planning Outlook

Key Topics Discussed:

Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Student Loan Debt, Finance Guidance for High Earners, Business Owner Finances, Hiring a Financial Advisor, Student Loan Forgiveness, Tax Strategies, Retirement Planning, Investing Strategies, Stock Market Crashes, Millennial Financial Planning, Gen Z Money Struggles, Overcoming Financial Stress, Building Financial Confidence, Modern Financial Goals Strategy, Federal Student Loan Forgiveness 2025, Income-Driven Repayment Plan Updates, SAVE Plan Lawsuit and Implications, Student Loan Tax Strategy 2024, PSLF Buyback Program Explained

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/

Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and...