Phase 1 is about minimizing what your debt costs you so you can start building the runway to a balanced life. That means optimizing your expenses, finding ways to add income on a capped salary, and picking the student loan strategy that fits your situation. The goal is a net worth of $0 as soon as possible.
Start Here:
Student Loan Repayment Guide for PTs, OTs, and SLPs
Physical therapists, OTs, and SLPs typically graduate with $100,000–$180,000 in federal student debt and three realistic repayment options. The right strategy depends almost entirely on where you work and how long you plan to stay there.
Austin Hagel
Rehab Wealth Project — Financial Calculators for Therapists
A calm, clear path from student debt to financial autonomy, built for therapists.
Aggressive Loan Payoff Strategies
- Pay it off ASAP - Strategies to pay off your loans rapidly and minimize interest paid.
- When to Refinance (And When Not To) - How refinancing can save you thousands but also affect your flexibility.
- Our Vetted Lenders - Refinancing lenders who meet the needs of rehab clincians.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- How to invest 400k and pay off your loans in 10 years with PSLF.
- PSLF and Marriage - how to file your taxes to maximize savings.
- AGI Optimization - Reduce your Adjusted Gross Income through strategic investing to reduce your monthly loan payment under PSLF.
Income-Based Repayment (Non-PSLF)
Why Income-Based Repayment is now a Financial Trap
Continue to Phase 2 - Build The Runway→