Your SAVE Exit Clock Is Ticking: The September 29 Deadline Explained

Derek Wu flies solo this week to break down the SAVE plan deadline that's been all over the news, and why the date you've heard might not be the date that applies to you. He walks through what happens if you miss your 90-day window, the real differences between RAP and IBR, and a same-night action plan to help you avoid an expensive default outcome. If you have a loan currently in the SAVE plan, this episode explains why servicer notices from Nelnet are rolling out in waves into 2027, what the automatic fallback plan means for your monthly payment and forgiveness timeline, and why switching from IBR to RAP is a one-way door. Derek closes with concrete steps you can take tonight, including an Auto Pay deadline worth knowing about. - The widely-cited SAVE deadline is only the earliest possible date, not a universal one - Missing your 90-day window triggers an automatic plan with higher payments and lost forgiveness progress - RAP offers sliding payments and interest forgiveness, but switching from IBR to RAP can't be undone - You can apply for a new repayment plan at StudentAid.gov without waiting for your official notice - Enabling Auto Pay by September 30, 2026 unlocks a bigger interest rate discount Made a decision after listening? Subscribe so you're ready for the next episode, and drop any money question you're stuck on in the reviews for a chance to have it covered next week.