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April 18, 2025 43 mins

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Ever wondered why student loans feel like a black hole of debt?


In this episode of 'Women and Money - The Shit We Don’t Talk About', we cover the often overwhelming topic of student loans with our guest, Elaine Rubin. Elaine is a bilingual student loan and financial aid expert with more than 15 years of experience in federal and private student aid. 


Elaine shares her personal experiences with student loan debt, offering strategies for managing loans effectively. This episode covers the pitfalls of taking out too many loans, the importance of long-term planning and budgeting, and the various repayment options available. She also stresses the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of student loans to avoid long-term financial burdens. Many challenges faced by first-generation college students bring heavy impact on women's financial independence, especially when balancing career and family. The episode expands the need for smarter financial decisions and the importance of seeking expert advice to navigate the intricacies of student loans.


Listen to this episode to learn about effective strategies for loan repayment, the pros and cons of Parent PLUS loans, and practical advice for managing student loans without sacrificing your financial future. 


00:00 Intro

05:57 Expert Insights on Student Loans

08:37 Elaine's Personal Journey 

13:13 Common Mistakes and Strategies for Managing Student Loans

16:31 The Impact of Student Loans on Families and Future Planning

23:57 Strategizing Loan Repayment

25:04 Simplifying Financial Aid

26:14 Scholarship Strategies

29:06 Advice to My Younger Self

32:16 Understanding Loan Interest Rates

37:24 Balancing Debt and Life


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