Most borrowers assume their student loan strategy is something they can revisit later. Once income increases. Once life stabilizes. Once things feel more certain. But the reality is, this is no longer a system that rewards waiting. With the end of the SAVE plan, new repayment structures, and stricter eligibility rules, the margin for error just got a lot smaller. 

In the latest installment of Financial Fortitude, Michael and Brady talk about the major policy shifts taking effect on July 1, as borrowers will step into an entirely new landscape where old strategies may no longer work and costly mistakes are easier to make than ever.

From the elimination of key repayment plans to the introduction of new structures, caps, and rules, this conversation breaks down what’s actually happening—and what it means for your financial future.

Key Takeaways:

   • What the elimination of the SAVE plan means and why many borrowers are underestimating the impact.
   • How the new Tiered Standard and WRAP repayment plans actually work—and who they benefit most.
   • Why your loan type (Stafford, FFEL, PLUS) now plays a critical role in determining your options.
   • The consolidation deadline most borrowers don’t realize exists—and how missing it could limit your flexibility forever.
   • Whether Public Service Loan Forgiveness is still a viable path—and what hasn’t changed despite the noise.
   • The step-by-step framework for auditing your loans and building a strategy based on your actual goals.
   • How to decide between full repayment, forgiveness, or hybrid strategies based on your income trajectory.
   • The tax implications of time-based forgiveness now that policies have shifted back—and what that means long term.
   • Why doing nothing is still a decision—and often the most expensive one you can make right now.
   • When it makes sense to bring in a professional and how that can help prevent costly mistakes.

Whether you’re pursuing forgiveness, planning aggressive repayment, or simply trying to make sense of the chaos, this episode gives you the clarity and direction you need. 

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – The End Of SAVE And What It Means For Your Repayment Strategy
(09:12) – Hidden Risks Borrowers Are Overlooking Right Now
(12:36) – Why Loan Types Matter More Than Ever Before
(16:08) – Consolidation Deadlines And The Cost Of Waiting Too Long
(19:42) – Income Driven Repayment Eligibility Changes You Must Understand
(26:21) – Tradeoffs Between High Income Careers And Student Debt Burden
(28:10) – Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness Still Worth It In 2026
(31:02) – Step By Step Student Loan Audit How To Assess Your Situation
(36:27) – Tax Implications Of Time Based Forgiveness Explained
(39:15) – Why Doing Nothing Could Be The Most Expensive Mistake
(41:50) – When To Work With A Student Loan Professional
(44:18) – Building A Long Term Financial Plan Around Your Loans

 Key Topics Discussed:

Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Student Loan Debt, Finance Guidance for High Earners, Business Owner Finances, Hiring a Financial Advisor, Student Loan Forgiveness, Investing Strategies, Financial Guidance for High Earners, Smart Money Moves for High-Income Professionals, Financial Planning for Doctors, Lawyers & Execs, Wealth Management Tips for High-Income Earners, The Dave Ramsey Show, BiggerPockets Podcast, The Motley Fool Money Show, We Study Billionaires, ChooseFI, Afford Anything

Mentions: 

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/
Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/
Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/
Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelraco

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice.  Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own.  Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. 

Guest speakers and the firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by Securities Guardian or Genesis. Wealth Planning, LC and opinion stated are their own. Guardian subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation.

All investments in investment strategies contain risk and may lose value. All scenarios. Names mentioned here are purely fictional and have been created solely for educational purposes. Any resemblance to existing situations, person or fictional characters is coincidental. The information presented should not be used as the basis for any specific investment advice.

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Michael Acosta and Brady Hemmerle are Registered Representatives and Financial Advisors of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Michael Acosta'sCA Insurance License # 0M50974. Brady Hemmerle’s CA Insurance License # 4353077.  7237198.38  Exp 7/28

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