Waller Tax and Financial Services

10/13/2026

Need some strategies for managing student loan debt? Here are some ideas for managing your student loan debt.

Income-Driven Repayment Programs — There are four different types of income-driven repayment choices that may help to manage your monthly federal student loan payments:1
• Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE Plan)
• Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE Plan)
• Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR Plan)
• Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR Plan)

You may be eligible for one or more of these payment choices depending on the types of student loans you have, your family size, your income, and certain other factors.
Under these income-driven repayment plans, any remaining loan balance may be forgiven at the end of the payment period. Payment periods vary depending on the payment option you enroll in, but typically range between 20-25 years.
A financial professional may help you to determine which of these income-driven repayment choices you might be eligible for.1
Public Service Loan Forgiveness — Certain federal loans may be forgiven after 10 years of qualifying payments if you take a job with federal, state, or local government; a non-profit; or certain other public service organizations.1
Volunteer — There are a number of programs, such as AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and the military, in which service may accrue a benefit that reduces an outstanding loan balance in an amount that varies depending upon the program.2
Pre-Pay Principal — Pre-payment of principal may help lower the lifetime interest costs of a loan. To raise cash to fund pre-payments, one idea is to ask that birthday and holiday gifts be cash to put toward pre-payments. You could also direct any raises, bonuses or overtime pay to pre-payments. If you do pre-pay principal, be sure to target the loans with the highest rate of interest.
Loan Consolidation — You can consolidate your federal loans through the Direct Loan program, or through a private lender if you have private loans. However, this may only make sense if you can obtain an overall lower interest rate.1
1. StudentAid.gov, 2025
2. Credible.com, April 23, 2025
*The programs listed are not intended as tax or legal advice. The programs are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered a substitute for a more comprehensive student loan evaluation.

10/12/2026

This October 12th, we recognize the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples across North America. It is a day to reflect on the deep-rooted heritage that shapes our shared landscapes and to acknowledge the resilience and vibrant traditions that continue to influence our community today. We join in celebrating the voices and stories that enrich our history.

10/06/2026

October is a month we set aside for a special focus. Most months, it makes sense to look at anything that might need immediate attention, such as a major expense or questions you might have. But once a year, there’s real value in stepping back and looking at everything at once. Not just the parts under pressure. All of it. That’s the posture we try to bring to October.
Not writing to put anything on your calendar, I just want you to know the waller tax and I are here if you’d like to use this time to talk. Why? Because the full picture is almost always more useful than a series of close-ups.
If a conversation sounds worthwhile, reach out and let's get you on the schedule.

09/30/2026

As we come to the end of College Savings Month, remember that the cost of college doesn't have to be intimidating. Consider the One-Third Rule:
📌 Save 1/3
💡Allocate 1/3 of your income
📚 Rely on other financial aid for 1/3.
Involve family by asking for education contributions instead of gifts. Good grades could also lead to cost-cutting aid. As a financial professional, working with families to help them pursue their goals is always top of mind. If college is in your family’s future, don’t hesitate to reach out.

09/29/2026

When it comes to helping with college costs, grandparents don't have to commit to one big move to make a difference. There are more ways to get involved than most people realize. A little at a time. An annual gift is one of the...

09/28/2026

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2027-28 opens to all on October 1, 2026.

Your student's FAFSA can unlock grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans. There's no cost to complete it, and it's an important step for your student to take when qualifying for aid.

Don’t forget to check your state and school deadlines. You can apply today at studentaid.gov.

09/27/2026

🏈 Football is back, and The Eagles play tomorrow against The Chicago Bears. This new season means fresh storylines, surprise contenders, and those moments you just can’t script.
Whether you’re following your hometown team, setting a fantasy lineup, or just counting down to Sundays on the couch, now’s a great time to catch up on what changed during the offseason.
🏆 Which team are you watching most closely this season? 💪

NBC Sports has 32 team previews full of stats, storylines and projections that could shape your favorite team’s season.

09/25/2026

Most grandparents want to be part of the grandchildren’s life, but for years they were told to stay on the sidelines when it came to helping with college costs. Money from a grandparent-owned 529 college savings plan could count as...

09/23/2026

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the U.S. 💛💙❤️
National Hispanic Heritage Month started as a week of recognition in 1968 and was expanded in 1988 into the month-long celebration we know of today.
Whether you celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month by spending time with your familia and hearing their stories, or whether you’re taking this opportunity to learn more about these rich and diverse cultures, we wish you an amazing National Hispanic Heritage Month!

09/15/2026

September is College Savings Month, and it's a good time to think about what you want your child's future to look like. Every family's situation is different. If you have questions about what college savings options might make sense for your household, reach out.
That's exactly what we're here for.