The new federal student loan regulations are about to throw a wrench into grad and professional borrowers’ repayment options, and we’re tackling some of the most pressing questions borrowers are calling in with. We break down why one loan disbursed after July 2026 can flip somebody from a clear forgiveness path to being stuck in a repayment plan that costs you double (or more). You’ll also learn strategies for handling PSLF account issues, navigating income certification if your income drops, and the mental health toll all these changes might take.

Key moments:

(01:23) Why a single loan disbursed after July can potentially double your total repayment

(08:54) Using pay stubs vs. tax returns to certify IDR plan income

(15:26) Mental health, financial hopelessness, and why no student loan situation is truly unrecoverable

(24:21) Calculating physician debt-to-income ratio for PSLF as a resident vs. attending

(28:53) Why federal loan caps will trigger chaos in grad school funding and may force program closures or major tuition shifts

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Starting to think beyond your student loans? Check out our other show, Financially Free Era. It's about what comes next, investing, building wealth, and designing a life you actually want. Find "Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth" in your podcast app.