Menninger & Associates Articles

Financial Planning Articles by Michael Menninger, CFP and Kyle Ryan, CFP, ChFC

Michael and the team are widely quoted in publications nationwide. Check out some articles on financial planning that they have been featured in.

*Topics discussed and disclosures displayed in articles dated prior to November 28, 2022 reflect the requirements from previous Broker-Dealers. Please see the footer of the website for how services are currently provided.

7 Smart Ways to Get Help With Student Loan Debt in 2026

Discover seven ways to get help with student loan debt in 2026, from repayment assistance and income-driven plans to refinancing considerations and other relief options.

10 Reasons Your Student Loan Payment Increased (and What to Do About It)

August 12, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn why your student loan payment may have increased and discover practical steps to review your repayment plan, manage costs, and explore available alternatives.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Student Loan in 2026?

August 11, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Student Loans for Continuing Education

August 10, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore student loan options for continuing education, including eligibility requirements, federal and private financing, and ways to manage the cost of further study.

10 Must-Know Pros and Cons of Refinancing Student Loans

June 22, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Evaluate whether refinancing student debt could lower your borrowing costs, simplify repayment, or expose you to risks such as losing federal loan benefits.

Can You Make Principal-Only Payments on Student Loans?

June 22, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What’s the Difference?

June 21, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare federal and private student loans by interest rates, repayment options, eligibility, and borrower protections to choose financing that fits your college plans.

How to File the FAFSA With Divorced Parents

May 18, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to complete the FAFSA with divorced parents, including which parent's financial information may be required and how to avoid common financial aid application mistakes.

Best Checking Accounts for College Students in 2026: Compare Top Banks

April 22, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare the best checking accounts for college students in 2026 by fees, minimum balance requirements, ATM access, and mobile banking features.

How Many Times Can You Refinance a Student Loan?

March 9, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Find out how many times you can refinance a student loan, what lenders consider, and how repeated refinancing may affect interest rates, repayment terms, and borrower protections.

Should Married Couples Consolidate Student Loans?

March 5, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn whether married couples should consolidate student loans by comparing repayment options, potential savings, eligibility, and the risks of combining financial obligations.

10 Ways to Pay for College With No Money

March 5, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore 10 ways to pay for college with limited savings, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loan options.

Do Deferred Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score?

February 28, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand how deferred student loans can affect your credit score, credit report, and debt-to-income ratio while preparing for future borrowing needs.

How to Read Your Student Loan Statement

January 9, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand student loan balances, accrued interest, payment history, and repayment details so you can monitor your education debt and plan your next payment.

Are Student Loans Installment or Revolving Credit?

January 7, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn why student loans are generally classified as installment credit, how they differ from revolving credit cards, and how each type of debt can affect your credit score.

Scholarships for Lefties

December 11, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore scholarships for left-handed students, learn how to evaluate eligibility requirements, and discover tips for finding legitimate college scholarship opportunities.

How to Ask for More Financial Aid (Even Mid-Semester)

December 11, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to appeal your financial aid award during the semester, document changes in your financial circumstances, and work with your college to explore additional assistance.

How to Pay Off $100K in Student Loans in 6 Steps

November 14, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to pay off $100,000 in student loans in six steps, including choosing the right repayment plan, reducing interest costs, exploring loan forgiveness programs, and creating a realistic budget to accelerate debt repayment.

Student Loan Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Calculator

July 9, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Use a student loan income-based repayment (IBR) calculator to estimate monthly federal student loan payments based on your income and family size, check eligibility, and understand your long-term repayment costs.

How to Add More Than 20 Schools to the FAFSA

June 13, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to add more than 20 colleges to your FAFSA, update your school list, and ensure your financial aid information reaches every college you're considering.

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