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The Best Way To Pay Off Student Loans Early

Student loan debt should be a priority for every medical professional transitioning from education to practice. Organizing your financial situation and creating a solid strategy to pay off your student loans fast can free you to pursue other vital financial matters like disability insurance and tax planning.

Using extra money to pay off your loans can fortify your personal finance and set you up for long-term success. Keep reading to learn the benefits of paying off student loans early and how to settle your accounts effectively.

Why You Should Pay Off Your Student Loans Early

Medical professionals are in high demand, but job availability doesn’t necessarily translate to positive cash flow. Completing medical school is a significant investment that can impact your financial situation well after you’ve graduated. Federal student loans restrict your cash flow and prevent you from establishing the financial foundation you need to achieve your short- and long-term personal and professional goals.

The more you understand about your federal student loans and your options for repayment, the better you can manage your debt and chart a path to a debt-free post-graduate life. Your first mission after graduating should be to gain financial literacy and source the tools and resources to address your debt and pay off your student loans faster. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, we have a few tips that can help.

How To Pay Off Your Student Loans Fast

Pay More Than the Minimum

Paying more than the minimum is a simple and effective strategy for tackling your student loan balance. However, ensuring those extra payments work for you requires careful planning. Every loan servicer handles additional payments differently. Lenders may push your extra cash to the next payment or contribute it to the interest.

If you can, communicate to your lender where you want your extra payments to land. A good idea is to put as much as possible towards the principal balance or the loan with the highest interest rate.

Explore Options for Refinancing

Refinancing your student loans helps you pay off loans faster without extra payments. This approach can secure you a lower interest rate and potentially save you money over the life of a loan. Refinancing also allows you to consolidate multiple student loans into a single private loan.

You can select a shorter loan term that may increase your monthly payment but save you more money on interest. For the best term, ensure your credit score is in good shape or apply with an impressive cosigner.

The stress of student loan debt can weigh you down. Physician’s Resource Services recommends strategies to pursue your financial goals.

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Revise Your Repayment Plan To Shorten or Extend Student Loan Payments

A shorter payment term can help you pay off student loans faster, albeit at a higher monthly payment. Borrowers with federal student loans can change their repayment timeline by contacting the lender or adjusting their accounts through the portal.

Private student loans typically lock payment plans once the loan is finalized. You may have to refinance with a new lender to adjust your repayment timeline. Private lenders offer terms between 5 and 20 years. The shorter the term, the higher the monthly payment, but keep in mind that the interest rate is often lower than longer terms.

Don’t Let Capitalized Interest Overwhelm You

Interest can accrue while you attend medical school, throughout your grace period, and during periods of forbearance or deferment. Once repayment begins, the interest is added to your student loan balance, and you pay interest on a larger amount.

Make monthly interest payments to address interest and prevent capitalization. Offering a lump-sum payment or contributing extra money like your tax refund is also a solid strategy for repayment. While interest payments don’t shorten your repayment timeline directly, they lessen the impact of deferment and forbearance.

Sign Up for Automatic Payments

Autopay can potentially lower your student loan interest rate. Some federal student loan lenders offer a quarter-point interest rate discount if you allow them direct access to your bank account. The savings are minimal, but you’ll make payments on time and save a little extra money for other endeavors.

Leverage Your Windfalls

Windfalls like tax refunds, work bonuses, and other unexpected extra cash are excellent for student loan payments. You don’t need to allocate all your extra money to your student loan balance, but diverting a little can make your debt more manageable. After you’ve covered your immediate needs and reinforced your emergency fund, apply what’s left to your student loan debt.

Benefits of Paying Off Student Loans Early

Paying off your private and federal student loans is an excellent way to save money and give yourself the flexibility to focus on other financial matters. You can save hundreds or thousands of dollars and invest in your retirement plan or investment management strategy.

With less financial stress, you also can enjoy post-graduate life to the fullest and confidently invest in your medical practice. Excessive student loan debt can severely impact your cash flow and positivity. Finding the resources to repay over $200,000 in debt after paying insurance, taxes, mortgages, and living expenses can take a material and emotional toll that may worsen with time. Timely repayment increases your mobility and keeps you on track for sustained financial success.

Define Your Debt Management Plan With Physician’s Resource Services

The specter of medical school loans can hang over your head and prevent you from feeling accomplished after graduation. It’s a major source of stress that requires careful planning and the right resources to handle successfully. Physician’s Resource Services is your guide to student loans and debt management strategy.

We help you assess your financial state and repay your student loans quickly, tailoring our debt management program to your unique situation. Are you ready to set your student loan balance straight? Reach out to our professional team.

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Robin Bales – AGENT

Robin has owned a Commercial Leasing Company providing financing to doctors and other operators for their equipment beginning in 2007. After the global crash of 2008, she went to work for NYL and spent 3 years there working with other entrepreneurs securing their retirement future and safeguarding their personal asset risks. Robin opened her own agency in 2017 Legacy by Design and has run a national firm coast to coast with 50-70 agents. Today the agency is much smaller serving 5 agents who share the same vision and passion for our clients focusing on health insurance, Medicare, and annuities.

Robin is most connected to ethos of PRS mission to improve the lives of doctors and their families. Supporting those who run the leading infrastructure of our country.

Robin has been married for 22 years to her husband Steven. Together they have 3 girls and have built a family with strong values and commitment to each others successes. Robin’s family are home bodies by nature and enjoy their 3 dogs hanging in living room or kitchen.

Karli Allen – HEAD OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Karli is a graduate of The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA, and has a business degree with emphases in accounting, finance, and management. Karli has been in the financial services industry since 2014 and joined the PRS team in 2018.

Karli oversees investment and financial planning operations and assists with the onboarding and service of the firm’s advisory clients.  Karli was a key part of our firm’s custodial transition to Fidelity in 2019 as part of our decision to become an independent investment advisory firm.  Before joining PRS, Karli worked in personal financial planning in Orange County, California.  She also holds a FINRA Series 65 license. Karli is grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.

Outside of work, Karli enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with her husband and their goldendoodle.

Gabriela Chavez – ANALYST

At Physicians Resource Service Gabby plays a pivotal role in Paul’s advisory team, staying in close contact with clients, driving business development, and lending a hand in daily operational tasks. Additionally, she collaborates with CPA Erin Anderson to prepare tax returns, conduct withholding reviews and undertake various tasks across the division.

Gabby is currently double-majoring in accounting and finance at the University of the Incarnate World in San Antonio, and she plans to sit for her Certified Financial Planning exam in the fall of 2022. Before transferring to UIW, she attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. Gabby was born in Germany and is Mexican American. She loves to travel and has visited 11 different countries. She has a five-year-old pug named Penny.

Chris Fullbright – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Chris brings experience in financial services and the perspective of a successful entrepreneur who has launched several businesses. With over a decade in the industry, he has served as both an advisor and in a management role coaching new advisors. Chris attended the University of Georgia and Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.

He currently holds many financial services licenses and designations including FINRA Group One, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, Series 7, ARPC, and Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC). In his free time he enjoys being involved in the local community through organizations such as Comfort Crew for Military Kids. Chris is also an active member of Austin Christian Fellowship Church, and enjoys spending time there as well as reading, fishing, and going to sporting events. He is happily married to Monique with two wonderful sons. In addition to serving physicians, Chris specializes in working with special needs families.

Kevin Burris – PARAPLANNER

Kevin received his BA and MBA from Indiana University, earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the University of Georgia, and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College. Kevin is looking forward to helping physicians live their best life. Kevin enjoys spending time on the lake with his wife, playing golf, and watching Indiana University sports.

Michael Kohles – AGENT

Michael attended Lake Michigan College and Siena Heights University, graduating magna cum lade with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a major in Finance and minor in Marketing. Michael has been in the financial services industry since 2015 and has experience with multiple insurance verticals. Michael is excited to help physicians achieve their financial goals by providing insurance solutions. Michael is married to Erin and has 4 children. Michael also enjoys reading, golfing, playing poker, learning, and traveling.

Erin Kohles – UNDERWRITING PROCESSOR

Erin supports our advisors and clients during the insurance underwriting process in multiple ways. On a given day, she helps by processing applications, tracking and following up on open cases, and answering client questions. She appreciates the part she plays in helping clients prepare for the future, and she strives to make the process as simple and efficient as possible.

Erin has been in the insurance industry for two years and brings with her six and eight years of experience in accounting and quality control, respectively. She graduated from Ball State University and has her life & health and property & casualty insurance licenses. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her two boys who play basketball, soccer, and baseball; traveling with her husband; and playing with their Yorkie, Mingo.

Erin Anderson – CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

As a certified public accountant, Erin is a valuable part of our tax division at PRS. She enjoys working with our advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies, and she strives to provide clarity for every client she serves. Erin started her career as an accountant after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2012 with a master’s degree. She earned her CPA license in 2018. Erin and her husband have two little boys, and they love spending time outdoors as a family and watching OSU football.

Alex Simmons – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Alex oversees Business Development at Physician’s Resource Services. She works with each department to assist in continually improving PRS so we remain a leading competitor in the industry. Alex graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Energy Commerce. She is a Texas native who loves to spend her free time traveling and taking her pup, Teddi, to the dog park.

Jennifer Khan- UNDERWRITING SPECIALIST

Jennifer is an Underwriting Specialist at Physician’s Resource Services, with an extensive background in customer service and administration. Jennifer grew up in Texas, graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BFA in Theatre, and spent six years in Chicago performing sketch and improv. She is a graduate of the Conservatory Program at The Second City and iO Chicago. Jennifer and her husband, Qamar, moved to Texas with their dachshund mix, Dobby, to be closer to family, sunshine, and good BBQ.

Cheryl Breeden – OFFICE MANAGER

Cheryl is the Business Manager for the firm and a licensed service assistant. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She has years of experience in the areas of process management, customer service, benefits, and insurance. Cheryl has three girls — Ashley, Hannah, & Olivia. She brings this experience to our firm where she manages the underwriting and service process. She also manages the business operations for the firm.

John C. Jackson IV – ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

John is an agent from Austin, TX, a graduate of Westlake High School and The University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration. While at UT, John was a 2-Time Captain and 4-Time All-Conference performer for the men’s lacrosse team. While away from the office, John coaches with the Westlake Youth Lacrosse program and volunteers with Austin’s Young Men’s Business League, and Austin Sunshine Camps.

Paul Smith, CFP® ChFC® MSFS – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Paul has helped his clients in financial, business, and estate planning for over 10 years. Paul is a graduate of Texas State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He has also completed the extensive studies necessary to earn the Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. Paul is actively involved in the community through his volunteer work and service on Community Action Board for the Helping Hand Home for Children. Paul is married to Heather and they have two children, Nyla and Hazel.

Richard Cunningham – MANAGING DIRECTOR

For 30 years, Richard has been helping clients reach their financial goals with sincerity and integrity. He works with GME program administrators, individual physicians and their families to help doctors achieve financial security. Richard is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He studied in Paris at the Sorbonne. Richard supports numerous charitable organizations, is actively involved in Austin Recovery, and he participates in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society as a survivor of CML. Richard is married to Adrienne with two children, Raven and Coates.