The student loan chaos continues.

The big shocker this week was that the Dept. of Ed took down the online consolidation and online IDR applications.

I've seen that happen before even during the Biden administration.

But what I haven't seen before was them taking down the live IDR paper application.

That suggests they're about to roll out huge changes with how online and paper applications for student loans get processed.

Why did they take these applications down?

The 8th Circuit Court made their preliminary injunction a permanent one, and they said the lower courts didn't go far enough and that no plan created from the ICR statute can provide forgiveness.

Practically speaking, right now that means you can't get forgiveness on PAYE, ICR, or SAVE (unless you're going for PSLF on PAYE or ICR, or you're doing PSLF buy back on the SAVE forbearance).

But payments made on all these plans DO COUNT for forgiveness, including the 20 and 25 year variety.

So rather than switch off of ICR or PAYE, you should keep making payments and be patient.

If you're on the SAVE forbearance, you can't even apply to get into IBR right now anyway.

So it's literally the case that you have no choice but to wait right now and keep doing what you've been doing. At least until Dept of Ed unblocks these applications.

I expect we will only have to wait somewhere between 1 to 4 weeks, and obviously I'll keep you updated.

I also expect we're going to see an actual court ruling on SAVE sooner than we think.

Here's what else I've got for ya:

• We cover 4 looming threats to loan forgiveness for medical professionals. I want to go on the record that I'm NOT particularly worried about the GOP proposal to change non-profit hospitals to for-profits. That's the most serious threat to PSLF right now, but I don't think it has a chance of passing (we will definitely email you about this if it's actually a real threat)
• Jared from our planning team covers top investing strategies for doctors
• With tax season upon us, I go into the best S-Corp strategies for physicians and other medical professionals
• If you know anyone with a spousal joint consolidation loan, the application to separate this type of loan is finally available after years of waiting
• On the SLP podcast this week, I shared my detailed thoughts on the recent SAVE plan court ruling. I would definitely suggest following the show if you're nervous about all the legal battles happening as the podcast and our Instagram profile are where I go to share breaking news first

Now a random note.

Thank you so much for reading my emails. I know all this student loan chaos is exhausting, but I consider it a privilege that you allow our stuff into your inbox.

When I get exhausted or tired sometimes with all the policy whiplash, I'm reminded that it's really rewarding to try and help borrowers reduce stress levels, encourage folks, and try to translate all the anxiety inducing headlines into what really affects you.

So that's all. I'm grateful for you. And thanks always to folks who reply and send random notes of encouragement now and then.

Have a great week,

Travis