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EPISODE RESOURCES New Payment Guidelines Details Repayment Assistance Plan Explained Two Federal Student Loan “Deadlines” SAVE 90-Day Notices and the Auto-Pay Interest Discount Extension In an off-schedule New Money, New Problems/Escape Student Loan Debt episode, Brenton Harrison explains two federal student loan “pseudo deadlines” and related policy changes. First, some SAVE plan borrowers received a July 1 notice starting a 90-day window to switch repayment plans; those who don’t switch risk being moved to a potentially unaffordable Standard Repayment Plan, and Brenton recommends using studentaid.gov, reviewing whether IRS tax access should be granted or revoked, and using alternative income documentation when needed. He emphasizes the real deadline depends on each borrower’s notice date, with some not receiving notices until as late as spring 2027. Second, a hard September 30 deadline to enroll in auto-pay for a temporary 1% interest rate reduction was extended to December 31, 2026; he discusses savings, servicer autopay errors, and why autopay may help ensure forgiveness credit given new rules. He also warns that borrowers receiving RAP interest subsidies and principal reductions should not pay extra due to Department of Education processing limitations, and urges careful documentation and staying current on Department of Education announcements. 00:00 Two Key Loan Deadlines 00:49 Podcast Crossover Update 02:36 SAVE Plan 90 Day Clock 04:20 Switch Plans on StudentAid 06:35 Why Today May Not Matter 07:50 Autopay Discount Extension 12:01 Why Autopay Protects Credits 13:31 RAP Subsidy Explained 15:59 Dont Pay Extra Warning 17:14 Document Everything Next Steps Support the show

For long-term investors, years where the stock market goes down can represent an opportunity, not an obstacle. In this episode, we prove it to you. Support the show

EPISODE RESOURCES Check out our episode on PMI National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database Workers Owed Wages Database Mortgage Insurance Premium Refund Database Find Your Money Online: Unclaimed Property, PMI Refunds, Unpaid Wages & Lost 401(k)s Brenton opens the New Money, New Problems podcast by sharing recent heavy travel and an upcoming trip to São Paulo, Brazil to speak on building a digital footprint and niche as a financial advisor, thanking listeners for enabling the opportunity. He then explains legitimate ways to find money owed to you online, organized by where you’ve lived, worked, and how you live. He highlights state unclaimed property divisions for refunds like utilities or insurance reimbursements, noting claims may be larger than displayed and can include overlooked life insurance benefits. He discusses removing or refunding mortgage insurance premiums (PMI), including requesting removal at 80% loan-to-value, using appraisals after home value increases, or refinancing. He covers searching for unpaid wages and locating forgotten employer retirement accounts via a Department of Labor site, and suggests reviewing subscriptions with tools like Rocket Money or Monarch and reselling valuable unused clothing or shoes. 00:00 Free Money Intro 00:45 Host Update Thanks 02:43 Unclaimed Property Basics 05:49 PMI Refunds Removal 10:59 Unpaid Wages Old 401k 13:59 Subscriptions Reselling 16:23 Wrap Up Next Week Support the show

Estate Planning Starts Sooner Than You Think: Wills, Trusts, Incapacity, and Protecting Family Wealth EPISODE RESOURCES The Law Office of Sheuvaun Vernon Connect With Her Online! Host Brenton Harrison welcomes estate planning attorney Sheuvan Vernon (The Trusted Esquire), founder of the Law Office of Sheuvaun Vernon serving New York and New Jersey, to discuss how estate planning begins earlier than most people expect and intersects with every life stage. Using public examples like Chadwick Boseman and Nipsey Hussle, they explain common misconceptions (estate planning is only for older people, only a will is needed, trusts are only for the rich) and emphasize planning for incapacity through HIPAA authorizations, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney. They outline needs across ages: at 18, parents lose automatic authority; in the 20s–30s, relationships, beneficiary forms, prenups, and guardianship become key; for parents, trusts can prevent an ex from controlling a minor child’s inheritance; in midlife, wills vs revocable living trusts, funding trusts, probate privacy, and Medicaid planning risks arise; in later years, documents should be reviewed for life changes, divorce, retirement, and long-term care. Vernon advises finding a trusted professional and shares how to contact her. 00:00 Estate Planning Matters 02:26 Meet The Trusted Esquire 04:17 Why Community Wealth 06:03 Common Estate Myths 08:06 Turning 18 Changes Everything 12:30 Mid 20s Money Moves 15:50 Prenups And Planning 18:50 Kids Guardians Trusts 21:24 Wills Vs Trusts 25:50 Medicaid Sandwich Generation 29:11 Retirement Plan Checkup 31:55 First Steps And Finding Help 34:05 Where To Find Shevonne Support the show

EPISODE RESOURCES Updated Payment Guidance from Department of Ed Federal Student Loan Updates: MOHELA Default Letters, IDR Recertification Tips, New On‑Time Rules, PSLF Tracker Issues, Borrowing Limits Lawsuit, and PSLF Buyback Progress In this episode, we share major federal student loan updates, focusing on errors and rule changes affecting forgiveness and repayment. MOHELA mistakenly sent default-risk notices to thousands of borrowers who were current. With income recertification restarting after the 2020 pause, we share alternate forms of documentation that might be preferable to a tax return. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the grace period for on-time payments is removed for IDR and PSLF credit, creating concerns about weekends and autopay timing; Repayment Assistance Plan borrowers also risk losing interest subsidy and $50 principal reduction if late, and guidance suggests extra payments may disrupt subsidies. The PSLF tracker temporarily disappeared and some counts were reduced, potentially correcting prior adjustment-era credits. A lawsuit has temporarily paused lower graduate borrowing limits, and PSLF Buyback processing appears to be improving after streamlining to a button-based application. 00:00 Student Loan News Intro 00:44 Back in Studio Updates 02:15 MOHELA Default Letter Error 03:37 Recertify Income Smartly 07:45 Grace Period Removed Shock 10:43 RAP Subsidy and Extra Pay 13:58 PSLF Tracker Disappears 18:11 Borrowing Limits Lawsuit 20:22 PSLF Buyback Speeds Up 21:57 Wrap Up and Next Steps Support the show

Trump Accounts Explained: Pros, Cons, and Whether Politics Should Matter In this episode we cover Trump Accounts, launched July 2026, which offer a $1,000 initial contribution for children born January 1, 2025–December 31, 2028. Brenton discusses the political and moral hesitation some parents feel, especially for marginalized communities. For those interested, we cover how to open the account current custody options, investment limitations, tax features and more. We then compare the functionality of the Trump Account to other accounts commonly used to save for children's futures: a custodial IRA, Uniform Gift to Minors Accounts, brokerage accounts and a 529 savings plan. 00:00 Can You Turn Down 191K 00:47 Back to School Chaos 01:33 What Are Trump Accounts 02:21 Politics and Parenting Pressure 05:33 Dave Ramsey Clips 07:13 How to Open and Invest 08:57 Comparing Kids Savings Options 11:34 Limits and Tax Basics 17:18 Withdrawals and Ownership Rules 21:54 Messenger vs Message Wrap Up 24:01 Compound Interest Reality Check 25:21 Final Takeaways Support the show

Why the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve May Not Be Worth It (and How to Get Out of the Trap) In this episode, we explain why premium rewards cards like the AmEx Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve can be a costly trap, especially for high-income earners who may feel less urgency about carrying balances. Citing research that rewards incentives increase spending and debt, we argue that multipliers often push luxury purchases whose rewards don’t cover the added cost. We review rising annual fees (Amex Platinum $895 plus $195 per authorized user; Chase Sapphire Reserve $795 plus nearly $200 per user), show how sign-up bonuses require high spend, and note that redeeming points for cash can be low-value (Chase ~1¢ per point; Amex ~0.6¢). Using an Amex Platinum example, we demonstrate how credits and points may still deliver limited net value after fees and overspending. In the second half, we give tips to listeners who realize they've fallen into the trap but desperately want to escape. 00:00 Premium Card Myth 00:46 Show Intro and Updates 01:26 Why Premium Cards Trap 03:46 High Income Debt Risk 05:31 Multipliers and Overspending 07:26 Signup Bonus Pressure 09:19 Points Cash Value Reality 12:18 Amex Annual Value Breakdown 14:59 Rescue Plan Basics 16:52 Downgrade Without New Cards 18:15 Exit Strategy and Credit 20:24 Wrap Up and Next Week Support the show

When You’re the One in the Family Who “Has the Money”: Boundaries, Planning, and Real Stories This week we join you from Maryland to share an episode on what it’s like to be the family member who “has the money". Brenton draws on what he observed with his parents and why it shaped New Money New Problems’ focus on high earners building wealth. Based on a Pew Research Center study, at least 70% if high-income households African American households and immigrants of any income help their extended family with money. We offer tools on communication and “scripting” to set giving boundaries, budgeting for family support, adjusting emergency reserves, and considering insurance needs (life, disability, long-term care). We also covers estate planning and property issues (POAs, wills, inheritance conflicts, trustees, custody roles) and the emotional toll and money disorders. In the second half of the episode, we share community stories describing the responsibility, saving pressure, feeling taken advantage of, guilt, marital strain, and perceived entitlement that comes from being the one with money. 0:00 — Intro & episode teaser0:46 — Welcome & episode overview (Brazil trip, why this topic matters)6:58 — Establishing when, why, and how you give to family12:31 — Estate planning and property management19:04 — Sponsor break / newsletter signup19:26 — Community Q1: How being "the one with money" impacts wealth-building23:42 — Community Q3: Negative experiences with extended family/spouse25:10 — Community Q4: Is your family "off-base" about you and money?28:07 — Wrap-up & closingSupport the show

How Childhood Trauma Shapes Money Disorders (Throwback Episode) This week we post a throwback wayyy back to the second New Money New Problems episode to set up a forthcoming discussion about being the only person in a family who “has money”. In the replay, we discuss how “money disorders” are foundational to understanding wealth building and reference a CNN article by Jean Sahadi on how early traumas and financially volatile childhoods can imprint adult money behaviors. Drawing from Brad and Ted Klontz’s book Mind Over Money, we talk through three examples relevant to first-generation high earners: financial denial (money avoidance), overspending (money worship), and financial infidelity (relational).  00:37 Why Money Stories Matter 02:41 Replay Begins Episode Setup 03:53 CNN Article Early Trauma 05:25 What Are Money Disorders 07:33 Money Avoidance Financial Denial 09:24 Money Worship Overspending 11:14 Relational Disorder Financial Infidelity 13:18 Break And Gap Finder 14:04 Confronting Your Money Disorder 14:49 My Trigger Workaholism Support the show

How Leases Work and Who Should Consider Them In this episode, we explain how car leasing works , comparing it to other overstated money “rules” like avoiding PMI on a home loan. We breaks down the elements of a lease payment: depreciation, interest, and taxes, and end-of-lease options such as walking away or a trade-in. We offer decision rules based on residual versus fair market value and highlights benefits like warranty coverage and sometimes included maintenance.  We then outline who leasing may fit: certain students, people who switch cars every 3–5 years (especially luxury vehicles, trucks, and SUVs), low-mileage drivers without cash to buy, and those with competing financial priorities. 00:00 Leasing Car Myth 01:09 Why Rules Stick 02:51 Lease Basics 04:48 Fees And Limits 06:14 End Of Lease Options 10:36 Walk Buy Or Trade 12:39 Ownership Cost Tradeoffs 15:09 Ad Break 16:19 Who Should Lease 18:27 Luxury And Trucks 20:12 Low Mileage Priorities 21:50 Personal Example 22:58 Wrap Up Takeaways Support the show

You Might Already Own SpaceX: How IPOs, Index Rules, and Heavy Weightings Can Increase Portfolio Risk In this episode, we explains how investors may already own SpaceX through index funds and 401(k)s, even without knowing it. Using SpaceX’s IPO as a case study, we distinguish stock exchanges (NYSE/Nasdaq) from stock indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, FTSE Russell, MSCI ACWI), how each makes money (fees, data, licensing), and how index inclusion rules work (longevity, availability/float, profitability, location/industry). We then discuss the larger issue in the increasing concentration and interconnection among top tech/“Mag Seven” firms, making major indices less diversified than many assume. 00:00 SpaceX In Your Portfolio 00:48 Holiday Highs And Lows 01:50 Why SpaceX IPO Matters 03:50 Stock Exchange Basics 06:04 Stock Index Explained 09:09 S&P 500 Inclusion Rules 10:38 Indices Bend For SpaceX 13:23 How You Already Own It 14:42 Break And Gap Finder 15:51 Hidden Risk In Indices 16:49 Mag Seven Connections 18:51 Weighting And Concentration 21:50 Risk Tolerance Reality Check 22:47 Do Your Homework Closing Support the show

Who Should Avoid Roth Retirement Accounts? Key Scenarios Where Pre-Tax May Win Join us from our new recording studio as we explain when Roth retirement account benefits like tax-free withdrawals and no required minimum distributions, are not ideal for everyone. We contrast Roth versus pre-tax taxation timing and outlines cases where Roth contributions may be disadvantageous. Scenarios include people currently in much higher tax situations than they expect in retirement, those likely to move from high-tax states to lower-tax states in retirement and borrowers on federal income-driven student loan repayment who can lower payments via pre-tax contributions. Tune in and see if a Roth is right for you (or not)! 00:00 Roth Hype vs Reality 00:14 Show Intro and New Studio 01:51 Why This Roth Episode 03:06 Roth vs Pretax Basics 05:31 High Taxes Now 10:07 Retire to Lower Tax State 12:17 Newsletter Break 12:35 Student Loans and AGI 13:57 Cash Flow Crunch 16:19 Near Retirement Medicare Traps 18:34 When You Have Other Assets 20:01 Wrap Up and Thanks Support the show

Mortgage Recasting 101 In this episode, we discuss the most important question one can ask when determining their home down payment: “Can this mortgage be recast?” Using a $500,000 home example, Brenton explains amortization schedules and how recasting works: after a lump-sum principal payment, the lender recalculates the payment to keep the original payoff timeline while lowering monthly payments. We cover scenarios where recasting makes sense, questions to consider, and the opportunity costs of giving up large sums for a 20% down payment. 00:00 Down Payment Dilemma 01:05 Home Buying Season 01:59 Why Smaller Down 04:49 Ask About Recasting 05:04 Amortization Basics 09:20 Recast Example Numbers 11:13 Break And Promo 12:23 PMI And Affordability 15:14 Investing Opportunity Cost 17:51 Final Takeaways Support the show

EPISODE RESOURCES Escape Student Loan Debt Podcast July 1 Deadline Changes, SAVE Ending, New Borrowing Caps, and Myth-Busting In this episode we explore major federal student loan changes tied to the key July 1 deadline and dispels common myths about what's to come. Key updates include new borrowing caps for Parent PLUS loans and the important distinction between a "standard" graduate student and a "professional" student. A new income-driven option, the Repayment Assistance Plan, arrives July 1, while PAYE and ICR will be phased out by July 1, 2028. Parent PLUS borrowers can lose access to IDR and PSLF after July 1 without required steps, and any new Parent PLUS borrowing after July 1 removes IDR/PSLF eligibility. SAVE is ending, with a 90-day window starting July 1 to choose a new plan. Consolidation must be completed and disbursed before July 1, and unnecessary consolidation can erase forgiveness credit. The episode also covers plan-switching credit rules, exemptions for already-enrolled students from new caps, and pending lawsuits challenging PSLF employer restrictions and graduate borrowing limits. 00:00 July 1st Changes Overview 02:11 New Borrowing Limits 04:27 New Repayment Plans 06:46 SAVE Plan Deadline 10:18 Consolidation and PSLF Risks 11:41 Parent PLUS Myth Busting 14:46 SAVE Letters and Timing 16:24 PAYE and IBR Updates 19:35 RAP Credit Transfer Rules 21:33 New Loans Change Eligibility 22:38 Borrowing Limits Exemptions 23:09 Lawsuits and Final Takeaways Support the show

10 Things I’d Do If I Had to Start Over Financially and Professionally In this episode, Brenton shares what he would do if he had to start over at ground zero in a new city with no money or relationships, inspired by a recent article about financial advice for Gen Z. He covers 10 steps he feels would give him a leg up, from collecting and organize email addresses, to prioritizing accessible capital over retirement funds. He then talks about wider a transferable skill set as a “generalist specialist” in an AI-disrupted economy and the dangers of comparing yourself to others. 00:00 Starting Over Blueprint 00:10 Podcast Intro 00:48 Why This Episode 02:50 Build Your Email List 05:24 Prioritize Accessible Cash 08:16 Lock In Insurance Early 09:04 Rent Or Buy Commitment 12:08 Rental Property All In 13:09 Learn Taxes Fast 14:42 Avoid Student Debt 17:58 Public Presence And Side Income 20:06 Generalist Specialist Career 22:16 Keep Your Focus 22:50 Wrap Up And Call In Support the show