EPISODE RESOURCES

Read the Dept of Ed Announcement on Wage Garnishment

Try the Reddit Backdoor Payment Tracker

Download our Guide to IDR Plans

Essential Updates on Federal and Private Student Loans: January '26

In this episode of the Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast, we share updates on federal and private student loans in January 2026.

Key topics include the delay of wage garnishments for defaulted loans, the elimination of the partial financial hardship requirement for income-based repayment plans, and the discontinuation of the forgiveness tracker on studentaid.gov.

Additionally, we cover the Department of Education's stance on student loan forgiveness under income-driven repayment plans and the impact of international politics on private loan interest rates.

Tune in for information to help on your student loan journey!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:03 Wage Garnishments Update
04:39 The Death of the Forgiveness Tracker
09:38 Partial Financial Hardship Removal
12:28 Fate of the SAVE Plan
16:34 Forgiveness Updates and Delays
18:39 Impact of International Politics on Loan Interest Rates
19:34 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Navigating the Big Beautiful Bill Act: Strategies for Student Loan Borrowers

EPISODE RESOURCES

The Smart College Buyer Podcast

The Smart College Buyer YouTube

Check out this replay from our appearance on The Smart College Buyer podcast hosted by Jack Wang. The conversation focuses on changes brought by the Big Beautiful Bill Act and their impact on student loans and financial planning. Key topics include the importance of understanding Income Driven Repayment plans, the strategic use of financial tools to lower student loan payments, and the crucial dates of July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2028, for student loan borrowers. Brenton and Jack also discuss the interconnected nature of financial decisions, the importance of liquidity, and the practicality of transparent conversations about career paths and education costs.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:10 Rebroadcast of Smart College Buyer Podcast
02:52 Meet Brenton Harrison
07:13 Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill Act
13:47 Financial Strategies for Parents and Students
25:33 Tips for Managing Student Loan Repayment
31:02 Final Thoughts and Advice
34:45 Conclusion and Farewell

EPISODE RESOURCES

ESLD Guide to Income Driven Repayment Plans

SAVE Settlement Details

Navigating the End of the SAVE Plan: What's Next for Your Student Loans?

In this episode we talk the end of the SAVE Repayment plan and explore the implications for borrowers. Find out who benefits from different Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and the importance of immediately switching plans for those eligible for forgiveness. Between alternative IDR plan options, changing federal policies, and important deadlines, this episode equips listeners with crucial information to make informed financial decisions regarding their federal student loans.

00:41 Understanding the Impact of Forbearance
02:51 Settlement and the Future of the SAVE Plan
06:27 Income Driven Repayment Plans: Options and Changes
15:29 Urgent Actions for Loan Forgiveness
20:49 Conclusion: Preparing for the Future