Why Graduated Repayment Is A Student Loan Trap
Graduated repayment costs $3,400 more than the 10-year Standard plan on a $35,000 loan, and early payments don’t count toward PSLF. Here’s what to use instead.
Robert’s latest articles
Report: Federal Student Aid Could Become Independent Agency By October 2027
The Education Department called a report that it will spin off Federal Student Aid by 2027 “fake news.” The move would require an act of Congress.
SAVE Borrowers Who Miss The 90-Day Deadline Get A Final 30-Day Notice
SAVE borrowers who miss the 90-day deadline get a final 30-day notice before servicers move them to the Standard or Tiered Standard plan.
Goldman Sachs: More Than A Third Of $500K Earners Say They Live Paycheck To Paycheck
Goldman Sachs found 36.6% of Americans earning above $500,000 live paycheck to paycheck. See the income data and other key retirement survey findings.
10 Pre-Tax Moves That Lower Your Student Loan Payment Under RAP And IBR In 2026
RAP and IBR payments are set by your AGI, not your salary. Here are 10 pre-tax moves, from 401(k) and HSA contributions to a dependent care FSA, that lower both in 2026.
Student Loan Live Q&A with Robert: PSLF Trackers, SAVE Forbearance, and Navigating RAP vs. IBR
This week’s latest live student loan Q&A session covers the PSLF tracker, SAVE forbearance, and RAP.
Social Security Benefits Rise 3.6% In 2027, The Largest COLA Since 2023
Social Security’s 2027 COLA is 3.6%, the largest since 2023. See what it adds to average checks and why a 22% benefit cut looms in 2032.
Inflation Hits 3.7% In September As Gas Prices Jump 9.1%
September inflation numbers rose 3.7% from a year ago as gas jumped 9.1%. What it means for I bond rates, the 3.6% Social Security COLA and your savings.
What Is College Counseling? What It Covers, What It Costs, And When To Start
College counseling covers the college list, financial fit, testing, essays, and applications. Here’s what counselors do, what they charge, and when to start.
Bank Of America To Pay $1.2 Billion, Including Record $750 Million OCC Penalty
The OCC fined Bank of America $750 million for anti-money laundering failures, its largest penalty ever, as part of a $1.2 billion Treasury penalty action.
How PSLF Buyback Amounts Are Calculated
Estimate your PSLF Buyback lump sum with our calculator. See how IBR and PAYE set the price, the 12-month rule, and when buying back months is worth it.