Latest Posts in Pedro Gomez, CFP®

Pedro Gomez is the new Student Loan Sherpa and a Certified Financial Planner™ with over a decade of experience helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. He is the founder of Global Financial Plan, where he writes about international living, geoarbitrage, and strategies for retiring young, and also leads Brickell Financial Group, a registered investment advisory firm focused on accelerating financial freedom. Pedro is the architect behind the “12 Levels of Financial Freedom” framework and blends student loan strategy with long-term planning, tax efficiency, and investing. His work is especially geared toward upwardly mobile professionals, entrepreneurs, and those looking to design a life beyond the default path. Pedro is available for strategy sessions and press inquiries.

Student Loan Tips for October 2025: 5 Smart Moves to Make This Month

Forgiveness is restarting, interest is back, and new repayment plans are taking shape for 2026. Here are five timely tips to keep your student loans under control this October.

Laurel Road vs. Earnest Student Loan Refinance Showdown

Earnest and Laurel Road are two top refinance lenders, but they target borrowers using very different strategies.

PSLF Repayment Plans: What Qualifies, What Doesn’t, and How to Fix Mistakes

Not all federal repayment plans count toward PSLF — and choosing the wrong one can cost you years of progress. This guide covers every qualifying plan, what’s changed under the 2026 OBBB overhaul, and what to do if you’ve already been on the wrong plan.

What is the Difference Between the Limited Waiver and Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

The Limited Waiver and TEPSLF were both created to help more borrowers qualify for PSLF.

Expanded PSLF Means Huge Refunds for Some Borrowers

The recent changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness may mean that borrowers who had FFELP or Perkins loans get a huge refund.

PSLF: Ten Years or 120 Payments?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness takes ten years, but the 120 certified payment requirement is much more accurate.

Earnest vs. Splash Financial: Student Loan Refinance Showdown

Slight differences in interest rates, loan terms, and approval chances give Splash Financial the edge over Earnest.

Student Loan Servicer Changes: How to Handle Loan Transfers

Borrowers usually can’t prevent loan servicing changes or student loan transfers, but they can take steps to avoid problems. Here’s what to do if your student loan servicer changes.

Old IBR vs. IBR for New Borrowers: Comparing IBR Plans

IBR and IBR for New Borrowers sound similar, but the two plans have different monthly payments and different rules for student loan forgiveness.