Abstract

Part I. Veterinary Student Debt: How Did Debt Burdens Get So Huge?

• Grad PLUS program and how it allowed schools to charge unlimited amounts
• Cliche that “student debt is good debt”
• Change in the way Congress sets interest rates

Part II. Repayment Plans: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

• PAYE, REPAYE, IBR
• Tax filing status with your spouse and how it impacts your payment
• Forgiveness vs. refinancing: what you should know

Part III. Loan Forgiveness Programs That Zoo Veterinarians Can Utilize

• PSLF
• 20 to 25 year IDR forgiveness
• Other programs

Part IV. The Most Important Statistic in Your Financial Life Is Not Your Debt

• When can you afford retirement?
• How important is it to choose the right loan strategy?
• What action steps do you need to take right now to make sure you’re financially secure?

Part V. Q&A, If Time Allows

• Audience participation