You’re coming off years of low or no student loan payments, only to face 10-20x jumps seemingly overnight. We get into why payments are up so sharply, what to do (and not do) if your budget’s getting squeezed, and how to use tax and filing strategies to lower your monthly student loan bill.
We also share how to navigate marriage, family size, and community property rules when recertifying, so you can keep more options (and cash) in your hands.
Key moments:
(00:00) Payment shock: increases up to 20x after years of forbearance and SAVE
(07:12) How retirement contributions and pre-tax accounts lower student loan payments
(09:27) Married filing separately, and when it drops your payment
(16:09) PAYE goes away July 2028, and who should switch before the deadline
(20:19) Forgiveness is now taxable, and what to plan for if it’s in your future
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