You might assume the CARES Act's student loan payment pause is just a temporary break — but if you're on an income-driven repayment plan, those suspended months still count toward forgiveness. Travis from Student Loan Planner reveals how borrowers can reclaim thousands by understanding this quirk, and whether your debt-to-income ratio means you should chase forgiveness or pay off loans aggressively. The core decision for student loan borrowers: repay in full or pursue forgiveness? Travis explains how federal loan repayment and forgiveness programs work under the CARES Act, which pauses both payments and interest. Critically, payments made (or not made) between March 13 and September 30 count toward income-driven repayment and forgiveness — even zero-dollar payments. Borrowers who made automatic payments during the pause can request refunds from their loan servicers. Chapters [00:01:20] Overview of Student Loan Situations The core decision: should you pay back your student loans or pursue forgiveness? [00:02:00] CARES Act and Student Loan Payments Payments made between March 13 and September 30 count towards income-driven repayment and forgiveness, even if those payments were zero. Borrowers can request refunds for payments made during the pause. [00:06:31] Understanding Loan Types and Forgiveness Differentiation between federal and private loans and eligibility for relief. [00:09:18] Strategies for Recent Graduates Recent grads must assess their debt-to-income ratio to determine if they should focus on repayment or explore forgiveness options. [00:15:06] Key Insights on Loan Repayment and Interest Simple interest vs. compound interest on student loans clarifies the financial burden for borrowers. [00:24:21] Consultation and Resources Seeking professional guidance for tailored financial plans based on individual loan circumstances. Key Points Switch to an income-driven repayment plan to take advantage of the zero payment period under the CARES Act. [00:06:00] Call your loan servicer to request refunds for any payments made during the suspension period. [00:03:32] Assess your overall financial situation and consider a consult if your student debt exceeds your income. [00:20:43] If you owe more than what you earn, consider forgiveness. [00:11:16] Decide if your student loan is a tax burden or just debt. [00:12:22] Resources Student Loan Planner - Consult for personalized student loan strategies. ▶ Listen Next: Ep. 203 — Real Estate Investing During a Recession Or Financial Crisis With Coach Carson | Essential Listening