Today I'll do the usual weekly update then make a special podcast announcement at the end for our dentist readers.

Student loans are really different from most kinds of debt.

After all, you can't pay income driven repayment on your mortgage.

But in one big way, your student loans are actually very similar to other kinds of debt.

That big way is the level of interest you're charged.

Right now, there's renewed fears of conflict in the Middle East, which is pushing interest rates to a 2026 high.

Is this a big deal for you and your student loans?

Probably not in the grand scheme of things, but there are still some things you can do if you're trying to cut your interest rate cost.

Here's a list of 3 different ways depending on what stage of repayment you're in.

Using the RAP plan

The RAP plan subsidizes your interest if your required IDR payment is lower than your interest.

So sometimes signing up for the RAP plan is a way to cut your interest rate, although that's evaluated on a yearly basis when your recertify your payment.

If you're trying to evaluate this, we can help.

Keep in mind that not everyone on an IDR plan should be using RAP. A lot of people are better off on IBR or PAYE at the moment. It's a very case by case situation.

Applying to refinance

If you know you don't get subsidies on the RAP plan, and you know you need to pay off your loans, than refinancing with a private lender can be a smart way to cut your interest rate.

We've got the best bonuses on the internet for that here.

With interest rates increasing, it's often a good strategy to apply quickly if you know you need to before all the lenders adjust their pricing.

It's kind of like how I go fill up my car sometimes when I hear that oil prices went up a bunch that day. Sometimes you can get yesterday's pricing before it moves.

Applying for new student loans

We're seeing a lot of current students who aren't eligible for unlimited Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS apply for student loans through our bonus marketplace.

If interest rates are going up, it can be a good time to lock in rates now in case they continue to increase.

Keep in mind with private loans, you generally want to go for fixed rates if possible and longer repayment terms to not saddle yourself with big monthly payments right after graduation.

Our Dentist Podcast is Back!

We're bringing back our Financially Free Dentists podcast! New shows drop on Wednesdays. It's a perfect mid-week boost to help you refocus on your financial dreams.

If you're a dentist, dental specialist, or dental student, I know you're going to love this show.

It's hosted by one of our senior dental financial planners, Jake Courtney.

Find out all the best wealth growth hacks so six figure dental school loans don't hold you back from achieving your financial dreams.

Subscribe to the show here on Spotify and on Apple so you don't miss an episode.

We hope to release at least 2 more profession-specific shows soon.

And keep in mind that our Friday show "Financially Free Era" (Spotify link and Apple link) is for everyone trying to grow wealth.

Have a great rest of your week!

Travis