Thinking Ahead: Paying for College and Staying Out of Debt

Send us Fan MailApril 28, 2026: Do you like options? The more the merrier, right? The Department of Education has a different idea bout that when it comes to student loan repayment. In fact, they’re changing the standards and expectations when it comes to repayment in general. Will the new plans on July 1st save higher education and borrowers? Or are they trying to treat a symptom of the bigger cost of rising education? Just have your knowledge of T.R.A.P. (Tiered or Repayment Assistance Plans)...https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-court-actionshttps://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13075https://www.nerdwallet.com/student-loans/learn/what-is-the-new-repayment-assistance-plan-rap-for-student-loanshttps://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/higher-education-policy/negotiated-rulemaking-for-higher-education-2025-2026https://www.studentloanplanner.com/repayment-assistance-plan-rap-calculator/https://thecollegeinvestor.com/58820/repayment-assistance-plan-rap-student-loan-calculator/Music by NEST-BEATZ Official from PixabayMusic by Aliabbas Abasov from PixabayMusic by OctoSound from Pixabay#StudentLoans #LoanRepayment 

Send us Fan MailEDIT: I accidentally uploaded the wrong audio the first time, so if you notice that it's a repeat episode please let me know and I'll reach out to the platform so that all files are updated. April 16, 2026: One of the most frustrating and anxiety riddled facts about student loans is the repayment terms. And now the game has changed… again. Today, I take another check-up on the student loan terms and updates from the US Department of Education. With SAVE officially out of the picture, and a July 1 deadline looming, decisions must be made by borrowers. Court rulings and beautiful bills aside, you’ll want to listen whether you’re in repayment, or planning to take out a student loan. Sources:https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-court-actionshttps://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13075https://www.nerdwallet.com/student-loans/learn/what-is-the-new-repayment-assistance-plan-rap-for-student-loanshttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/10/save-plan-for-student-loan-borrowers-is-over-federal-appeals-court-.htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2026/02/27/student-loans-in-save-plan-thrust-into-new-uncertainty-after-major-court-ruling/AFT v Dept of Ed: https://clearinghouse.net/case/46244/https://www.studentloanplanner.com/repayment-assistance-plan-rap-calculator/https://thecollegeinvestor.com/58820/repayment-assistance-plan-rap-student-loan-calculator/ Questions or Comments? [email protected] #StudentLoans  #LoanRepayment

Send us Fan MailThe talking heads say that things are both fantastic and terrible in the job market. What’s the reality? I talk to job seekers, some of which aren’t the first type you’d think to find at a career fair, which speaks to the changing American labor market. EDIT: I recorded this episode before the ramp-up of the Iran War, but in my opinion the job market and prices will be affected for a while. *** Occupational Outlook Handbook** https://www.bls.gov/ooh/SOURCES:https://blog.theinterviewguys.com/how-many-applications-it-takes-to-get-hired-in-2025/https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/beyond-online-applications-job-search/https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-job-search-strategies-madeline-mann/https://veteran.employflorida.com/vosnet/Default.aspx##https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vetshttps://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t09.htmhttps://www.self.inc/info/americans-with-two-or-more-jobs/https://www.statista.com/chart/35609/number-of-americans-who-have-multiple-jobs/https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/10/21/career-change-after-50-why-midlife-is-the-best-time-to-pivot/https://www.aarp.org/work/careers/50s-career-shift/#JobSeekers #ItsHardOutHere 

Send us Fan MailThe first time anybody brings up college, university, or getting degree there is one lingering question that a lot of folks have… how do I pay for all this? In today’s episode, we get into the many ways of financing your post-secondary education, as well as some methods that think outside the box. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series."Too Cool" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Sources:https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/slideshows/tuition-free-collegeshttps://www.usnews.com/education/articles/completing-the-css-profile-everything-you-need-to-knowhttps://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdfLive Better U: Walmart’s Education & Career Benefitshttps://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pellhttps://finaid.org/scholarships/https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/how-to-pay-for-college-without-loans-or-financial-aid/#PayingForCollege #FundingHigherEducation

Send us Fan MailThe first time anybody brings up college, university, or getting degree there is one lingering question that a lot of folks have… how do I pay for all this? In today’s episode, we get into the many ways of financing your post-secondary education,  whether it's college, university, or vocational school. #PayingForCollege #FinancingHigherEducation Links/Sources:https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/slideshows/tuition-free-collegeshttps://www.usnews.com/education/articles/completing-the-css-profile-everything-you-need-to-knowhttps://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdfLive Better U: Walmart’s Education & Career Benefitshttps://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/

Send us Fan MailWhen it comes to choosing a college, we try to base our decisions on where we really want to go. When it comes to choosing a job, we tend to base our decisions on who will pay us more. What if there are other factors that make these searches more similar than you think? I’ll discuss those in today’s episode including: Location, Size, Popularity, Incentives, and more…#GameOfLife #LocationLocationLocationwww.glassdoor.comwww.niche.comhttps://www.onlineu.com/www.gradreports.com (A bit spammy with trying to get your info)https://www.bestcolleges.com/ (Online only schools)

Send us Fan Mail2026 has arrived, and with that some new goals as well as some old goals with new revisions. And just as you have to take care in choosing your goals, you have to take care in choosing your interests, college major, career path, and even the jobs you apply to. #Goals2026 #WhatTheFocusWORKSHEET: Know ThyselfWORKSHEET: Friend Interview

Send us Fan MailIn this final episode of 2025, I go over some of the changes that recently came out from the Department of Education and the RISE (Reimagining and Improving Student Education Committee) meetings, and how that could impact your borrowing options in 2026. After all, the show is called “Thinking Ahead”. #StudentLoanUpdate, #FederalStudentAid Sources:ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES: https://www.aamc.org/https://studentaid.gov/ https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/higher-education-policy/negotiated-rulemaking-for-higher-education-2025-2026https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/part-674/subpart-A/section-674.1https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12585https://studentaccounts.ucf.edu/tf-doctorofmedicine/https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-court-actions

Send us Fan MailThe holiday season is a time of friends, family… and worrying about finances. In this episode, I discuss why everything is NOT a money problem, even when it feels like it. In case you are dealing with money issues, here is some recommended reading:https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/https://www.yourmentalwealth.com/Dave Ramsey’s “The Total Money Makeover”#PovertyMindset, #Choices 

Send us Fan MailThis time of the semester can be stressful for students of any age. Let’s take the stress off, by discussing the top 10 tips for studying, as well as some stories from around the web of students whose exams didn’t go exactly as planned. #FinalsWeek, #StudyTips Finals Study Plan WorksheetDexters Lab – Study Now, Party Later (A Warning): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5F2suIGB7UHow to Learn (Python Programmer): https://www.youtube.com/@gilesmcmullenMy favorite Study Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui7Hb4cvamY

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, I tell you my top 5 book recommendations for kickstarting a change in your life. Career? Focus? Money? It’s right here. Discover the Best Jobs For You by Ronald L. Krannich & Caryl Rae Krannich Atomic Habits by James Clear The Compound Effect by Darren HardyThe One Thing by Gary Keller with Jay PapasanI Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode we discuss credit card tips and warnings for first-time and new credit card users. Credit cards a tricky, but they are a part of everyday life. If you get your mindset, knowledge, and habits right early, you'll save yourself a lot of pain and money!Sources:I Will Teach you To Be Rich: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/books/Ramit Sethi: 3 Best Credit Cardshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vxEdadW5DsSpending Statistics Cash vs Credit: https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/cash-vs-credit-card-spending-statistics/133985Nerdwallet.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I go to a job fair with the intent of seeing how the people doing the hiring feel about the job market. Is it all doom and gloom? Is AI taking off of the jobs? Or is there more to the job market, and thus the job search, than meets the eye. 3-year Timeline Tracking Worksheethttps://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htmTheir website is nice and boring… like the government is supposed to be. St. Lucie Fire District https://www.slcfd.com/Employment Simplified Inc.  https://www.esiworks.com/Background music, “Thinking Music”, provided by Kevin Macleod at Incompetech.com.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I give updates about the effect of the OBBB (One Big Beautiful Bill) effect on student loans, and those considering student loans:https://www.career.org/web/Multimedia/Blog/BDR-Case-Returns-to-District-Court--GE-in-Limbo--Bare-Minimum-to-be-Re-Regulated.aspxhttps://ticas.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PPSL-and-TICAS-Borrower-Defense-101-Primer.pdfhttps://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2025-07-18/federal-student-loan-program-provisions-effective-upon-enactment-under-one-big-beautiful-bill-acthttps://studentloanborrowerassistance.org/sallie-mae-saga-government-created-student-debt-fueled-profit-machine/https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/big-beautiful-bill-student-loanshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2025/09/12/5-takeaways-after-student-loan-forgiveness-delays-get-challenged-in-new-class-action/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I discuss JOB FAIRS and some important things to remember and prepare for a job fair. Career/Job/Employment Fairs are a great way to see what jobs and career choices are available in your area, and they are great interview practice. SHOW NOTES:https://jobs.fidelity.com/en/life-at-fidelity/our-stories/career-advice/what-to-do-at-a-job-fair-and-how-you-can-prepare/Monster Job Interview Dress Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylI371c2HSUhttps://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-dress-for-job-fairs https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-ways-to-stand-out-at-a-career-fairhttps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/dos-and-donts-of-job-fairCAREER FAIR BINGO download (Click Here)  

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I go over how to network and find professionals in the field that you want to learn more about. I also interview a professional to show you an example of how simple an interview can be. To quote that guy from the crowd in The Waterboy, YOU CAN DO IT!NETWORKING:https://hbr.org/2023/03/a-beginners-guide-to-networkingQUESTIONS TO ASK A PROFESSIONAL:- Did you go to college to get a degree for this specific job? What was your major?- What led you to apply for this job or were you promoted to it from within?- What skillsets do you find most useful for this job?- What educational route do you think would best prepare one for this job?- What did you find most surprising about this job?- Does this job support the lifestyle you want?- What advice do you have for someone trying to get into this job or career?Guide/Worksheet for interviewing professionals:CH-02_WORKSHEET_Interview-JobResearch.pdf

Send us Fan MailDisclaimer: Summer allergies are affecting my breathing. Sorry.In this episode I discuss the Skills Vs. Desire  chart, the pitfalls that come into being in each quadrant, and different ways to overcome those pitfalls. Those 4 quadrants are:  I know what I want to do, and I know what I’m good at.  I know what I want to do, but I don’t know what I’m good at. I don’t know what I want to do, but I know what I’m good at.  I don’t know what I want to do, or what I’m good at.  Action steps to help you move forward:- Create a Vision Board- Create a list of your skills- Create a job interest listGuide sheet for interviewing professionals:CH-02_WORKSHEET_Interview-JobResearch.pdf

Send us Fan Mail**Due to a mistake on my part, the episode, although recorded several weeks ago, didn't make it to the directory until May 31st. My apologies. **In this episode, I give an update on the state of student loans in the United States. At one point, I said $330 and $350 million, when I meant BILLION with a B. Huge difference.Sources:•https://www.ed.gov/higher-education/manage-your-loans/save-plan •https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-court-actions•https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaharziv/2025/04/30/republican-student-loan-plans-inflation-trap-repayment-assistance-plan-may-make-student-loan-bills-soar/ •https://thecollegeinvestor.com/39673/does-the-government-profit-off-of-student-loans/•https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412406•https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-105365•https://www.fool.com/research/student-loan-debt-statistics/•https://www.ed.gov/higher-education/manage-your-loans/save-plan

Send us Fan MailHello friends!In this episode I begin the long discussion about how to decide if college is where you belong, and what other options are available along with their Pros and Cons. "Know Thyself" Worksheet:Ch-02_WORKSHEET_KnowThyself.pdf

Send us Fan MailSome necessary thinking to do before you or your child start down the higher education path. 

Send us Fan MailThe unplanned first episode of the Thinking Ahead Podcast due to a bombshell of an executive order calling for the closure of the Department of Education. It's pretty bad, but not as bad as you think.