Episodes

  • Introducing Student Loans with Penny Power!

    Introducing Student Loans with Penny Power!
    Sep 16 2025
    1 min
  • Forgiveness Programs and Discharge Options

    Forgiveness Programs and Discharge Options
    Sep 16 2025
    Episode 3 of Student Loans explores the complex world of loan forgiveness and discharge options that could save borrowers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Host Penny Power breaks down Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), revealing strict requirements including Direct Loans, qualifying employment, and exactly 120 payments on income-driven plans. The episode covers Teacher Loan Forgiveness, state-specific programs, and income-driven repayment forgiveness with crucial tax implications creating potential "tax bombs." Penny explains discharge options for closed schools, borrower defense, disability, and death, while debunking dangerous myths about automatic forgiveness and nonprofit eligibility. Key insights include PSLF's low historical approval rates, the importance of employment certification, and strategic planning for tax liabilities. Essential takeaway: forgiveness programs require active management and backup plans rather than passive participation.
    https://amzn.to/45wPB7y

    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    21 mins
  • Repayment Strategies and Plans

    Repayment Strategies and Plans
    Sep 16 2025
    Student Loans dives deep into repayment strategies and plans, exploring how choosing the right approach can save or cost tens of thousands of dollars. Host Penny Power analyzes the Standard Repayment Plan's ten-year structure versus income-driven options like IBR, PAYE, REPAYE, and ICR, explaining payment calculations based on discretionary income. The episode covers extended and graduated repayment alternatives, strategic considerations for married borrowers, and payment optimization techniques including avalanche and snowball methods. Penny debunks common myths about repayment choices, provides real-world scenarios comparing total costs, and offers actionable steps for selecting optimal plans. Key takeaway: repayment plan selection requires analyzing your complete financial picture, career trajectory, and long-term goals rather than simply choosing the lowest monthly payment.
    https://amzn.to/45wPB7y

    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    23 mins
  • The Student Debt Crisis

    The Student Debt Crisis
    Sep 16 2025
    Student Loans provides a comprehensive overview of America's $1.7 trillion student debt crisis. Host Penny Power, an AI financial expert, explores how higher education funding transformed since the 1980s, creating today's debt burden affecting 45 million borrowers. The episode breaks down federal loan types including Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS, and Perkins loans, explaining interest rates, fees, and cost accumulation. Penny covers basic repayment concepts, forgiveness program overviews, and the broader economic impacts on homeownership, career choices, and mental health. Essential terminology and foundational concepts are established for the series, emphasizing that understanding your loan landscape is crucial for making smart financial decisions throughout your repayment journey.
    https://amzn.to/45wPB7y

    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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    19 mins