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A Financial Plan Built for Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists, especially those working in public schools, are among the most reliably PSLF-eligible professionals in Michigan. Yet the majority have never had their eligibility verified, are on the wrong repayment plan, or have unknowingly reduced their forgiveness potential. PSLF can represent more value for a school-based SLP than any other single financial decision they will make.
The Financial Challenges Speech-Language Pathologists Face
These are not generic financial planning issues. They are specific to your profession, your income structure, and the decisions you are likely facing right now.
PSLF for school-based speech-language pathologists
SLPs working full-time in public school districts qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. After 120 qualifying payments on an income-driven repayment plan, any remaining federal loan balance is forgiven tax-free. For an SLP with $80,000 to $120,000 in graduate school debt and a school district salary, PSLF can be worth $40,000 to $80,000 in forgiven debt or more. We verify your eligibility and manage the process.
Graduate school debt strategy for SLPs
A master's degree in speech-language pathology requires five or more years of education and leaves graduates with significant federal student debt. Whether you are school-based (PSLF-eligible), hospital-based (PSLF-eligible at nonprofits), or in private practice (not eligible), the repayment strategy is different. We identify the right approach for your specific situation before you take any action.
Building retirement savings on a school district salary
School-based SLPs have access to the Michigan MPSERS pension and a supplemental 403(b). Understanding what the pension will actually pay, how much to contribute to the 403(b), and whether a Roth or traditional 403(b) makes sense requires more analysis than most school HR offices can provide.
Managing the income difference between settings
Hospital-based and private practice SLPs earn more than school-based SLPs, but may lose PSLF eligibility in the transition. Before changing practice settings, we model the full financial picture: the loss of PSLF value, benefits differences, and income trajectory.
A financial advisor who makes sure you're actually building the life you want.
Chris started Villaire Financial because the financial services industry has largely overlooked people in their 20s and 30s for decades. He built this firm specifically for young professionals to give them clarity and direction with their finances.
Meet ChrisWhat a Financial Plan for Speech-Language Pathologists Covers
Villaire Financial is a fee-only, fiduciary financial planning firm built for young professionals. No asset minimums. No commissions. A real plan built around your actual situation.
What clients say about working with Chris
"I'm so glad I started working with Chris early on in my career. He worked with me to create a plan that's unique to my financial goals and helped me get started with investing and planning for retirement."
"Chris has always been on top of his work and has helped me better my financial future. He truly cares about his clients and is continually trying to improve. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for financial growth and guidance."
"Working with Villaire Financial has been great. I wouldn't have started investing my money if it wasn't for Chris, and I'm glad I did. Chris is easy to communicate with and really understands how to help Gen Z put their money in the right places."
Testimonials from current clients of Villaire Financial, LLC. No compensation was provided. Individual experiences and results will vary.
Common Questions from Speech-Language Pathologists
Do school-based speech-language pathologists qualify for PSLF?
Yes. SLPs employed full-time by public school districts qualify for PSLF. This is one of the clearest PSLF eligibility cases there is. The keys are having Direct federal loans, being enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan, and filing annual employer certification. We verify all three and confirm your payment count is progressing correctly.
How much can PSLF save an SLP?
That depends on your loan balance, income, and repayment plan. An SLP with $100,000 in federal loans making income-driven payments of $400 per month for 10 years would pay roughly $48,000 and have the remaining balance forgiven tax-free. The lower your income-driven payment relative to your loan balance, the more valuable PSLF becomes.
What if I want to move from schools to a hospital or private practice?
Hospital-based SLPs at nonprofit health systems retain PSLF eligibility. Private practice SLPs do not qualify. Before any transition, we model the full financial impact: loss of PSLF value, income change, benefits comparison, and retirement plan differences. That analysis often changes the decision.
Should I contribute to the MPSERS pension supplement 403(b)?
For most school-based SLPs, yes. The pension provides a foundation, but the 403(b) adds flexibility, especially if you want to retire before your full pension benefit is accessible, or if you want to build savings that are not tied to a single state system. How much to contribute and which funds to use are both worth working through.
How does Villaire Financial charge for its services?
There is a one-time $250 onboarding fee that covers your full financial plan. Ongoing planning is $75 per month, waived once you reach $100,000 in managed assets. Investment management is charged at 1.00 to 1.50% of assets annually. No asset minimums.
Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call
No sales pitch, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about your financial situation and what working together would look like. The call is free and there is no pressure to move forward.
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