What's New With Student Loans In 2026 + Listener Q&A

2026 may be the most confusing year for student loans yet. Find out what’s actually changing with repayment plans, forgiveness, and Parent PLUS loans — and learn what you should be paying attention to right now. We’ll also hear real listener questions about PSLF during a government shutdown, IDR recertification delays, getting out of SAVE forbearance, and whether PSLF buyback is worth counting on. If you’re feeling anxious heading into 2026, this episode can help you make smart decisions without overreacting. Key moments: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Does government shutdown time count for PSLF? 08:26 Moving out of the SAVE forbearance, PSLF buyback and family size rules 20:10 Considerations for filing taxes jointly vs. separately 29:30 Warning for Parent PLUS borrowers who are still borrowing or who haven’t yet consolidated 35:31 RAP plan rollout and what borrowers should expect next 📩 Get the brand new 2025 IDR calculator that minimizes your student loan payments so you can use the money on better stuff: https://www.studentloanplanner.com/st... 💸 Join the SLP insiders email list: https://join.studentloanplanner.com/i... ➡️ Book a student loan consult: https://www.studentloanplanner.com/yo... #StudentLoans #ParentPLUSloans #PSLF #StudentLoanForgiveness #StudentLoanPlanner