Learn how to choose the right repayment plan, maximize forgiveness programs, and build wealth without sacrificing your quality of life.

Student debt can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to start your career, manage real-life expenses, and make smart financial decisions all at the same time. This workbook was created to give OT, PT, and SLP graduates a clear, practical plan for handling student loans, budgeting with confidence, and building a strong financial future.

Whether you are thinking about PSLF, comparing repayment plans, deciding whether to refinance, or simply trying to make your first paycheck stretch further, this guide walks you through the process step by step.

Is this workbook for you?

This workbook is designed for:

• New occupational therapy graduates.

• New physical therapy graduates.

• New speech-language pathology graduates.

• Clinicians who feel overwhelmed by student loan decisions.

• New grads trying to balance debt payoff and investing.

• Anyone who wants a clear financial roadmap instead of vague advice.

If you want a simple system to help you move from confusion to confidence, this workbook is for you.

What’s inside

This workbook includes:

• 10 chapters on student loans, budgeting, repayment, investing, home buying, and private practice.

• A student loan glossary to help you understand the terminology.

• A repayment decision flowchart to help you choose a path.

• Budget worksheets, debt trackers, and savings planners.

• A retirement projection section.

• A salary planning section for OT, PT, and SLP graduates.

• A private practice financial planning section.

• Bonus checklists, trackers, and printable resources.

• 10 linked Google spreadsheets to help you put the plan into action.

Why this workbook matters

Most new graduates are told to “just budget better” or “pay off debt faster,” but that advice is rarely enough. You need a strategy that fits your actual career path, your income, your loan type, and your long-term goals.

This workbook helps you:

• Understand your loans.

• Compare repayment options.

• Decide whether forgiveness or refinancing makes sense.

• Build a monthly budget that works in real life.

• Protect your future while paying down debt.

• Make informed decisions without feeling stuck.

Included tools and spreadsheets

You’ll also get access to 10 linked spreadsheets, including:

• Milestone Tracker

• Student Loan Payoff & Timeline.

• Monthly Budget Dashboard.

• Debt Snowball/Avalanche Tracker.

• Multi-Loan Repayment Calculator.

• Repayment Plan Decision Guide.

• PSLF Progress Tracker.

• Refinancing Decision .

• Payoff Loans vs Invest.

• Net Worth Tracker.

These tools are designed to help you take what you learn in the workbook and actually use it.

My Six Figures of Student Loan Debt

I began repayment in the summer of 2017.

The first time I logged into Great Lakes and saw over $150,000 in student loan debt was overwhelming.

Many healthcare providers know this feeling.

Instead of viewing the loans as permanent, I created a plan.

While aggressively paying off debt, I also cash-flowed my Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, investing approximately $37,000 without taking on additional student loans.

On May 7, 2019, I paid off $151,000 in student loan debt.

Rather than buying something extravagant, I celebrated by throwing myself a rooftop party to honor both earning my doctorate and becoming debt free.

Financial Lessons:

• Debt is a math problem—not a life sentence.

• Income matters, but intentional spending matters more.

• Celebrate milestones along the journey.

Frequently asked questions:

Is this workbook only for new graduates?

No. It was designed with new grads in mind, but it can also help clinicians who are a few years into practice and still want a clearer financial plan.

Is this a PDF or editable workbook?

You can offer it as a PDF, Google Docs copy, or downloadable workbook depending on how you choose to download & view it.

Do I need Google Sheets?

The workbook includes linked spreadsheets, so Google Sheets is recommended for the best experience.

Is this only for occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists?

The content is tailored to OT, PT, and SLP graduates, but other healthcare professionals may still find it helpful.

What if I have private loans?

The workbook covers both federal and private loan strategy, including when refinancing may or may not make sense.

Can I use this if I’m pursuing PSLF?

Yes. In fact, the workbook includes sections specifically about PSLF and repayment planning for public service careers.