You're entering residency. Don't guess with your loans. Start with a plan.

For MS4s Entering Residency

Your student loans.
Finally explained.

Many MS4s can start residency with a $0 payment if they set things up the right way. You just need to know the right steps and the right timing. Here's everything you need, free, in one place.

CFP® Professional
Built for early-career physicians
No jargon. Just answers.
Michael Putterman, CFP® Professional
Michael Putterman, CFP®
Dream Bigger Financial · Physician Financial Planner

Hey, I'm Michael. I help MS4s and early-career physicians figure out exactly what to do with their student loans so you can move forward with a clear plan, not guesswork.

I put this page together to show you the right next steps and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Everything here is free. No catch.

Free Guide

Start here. It changes everything.

The most common and costly mistakes happen before intern year even starts. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in the right order, so you don't leave thousands of dollars on the table.

The MS4 Guide to $0 Student Loan Payments in Residency
Free Download

The MS4 Guide to $0 Payments in Residency

Learn how to set up the lowest payment possible and start your PSLF clock the right way before your grace period ends.

The 3 deadlines that determine your first payment
How IDR actually works, in plain English
How to start your PSLF clock from day one
Why your tax return matters
What to know about recent consolidation changes
Open My Free Guide

Opens as a PDF. No email required.

Free Tool

See exactly where your loans stand.

Upload your loan file and answer a few quick questions. You'll get a personalized snapshot of your payments, your PSLF timeline, and your best repayment options.

Prefer a full screen experience? Open the tool in a new tab →

Learn the Basics

Want to understand how this actually works?

Simple breakdowns of IDR plans, repayment strategies, and how different decisions affect your loans over time.

IDR Calculator

IDR Payment Calculator

See how different IDR plans compare and what your payment could look like.

View IDR Breakdown →
IBR Calculator

IBR Payment Calculator

Understand your IBR income and what your payment could look like based on when you borrowed.

Explore IBR →
RAP Calculator

RAP Payment Calculator

Estimate your payment under the new REPAYE replacement and see how it may change over time.

Explore RAP →
Married Couples

Student Loans for Married Couples

See how filing taxes jointly or separately can affect your student loan payments.

Explore Payment Options →
Beyond MS4

I work with early-career physicians at every stage.

This page was built for MS4s, but I also help residents, fellows, early-career attendings, and their families navigate student loans, taxes, investing, and long-term financial planning.

Most people come for the student loans. They stay for everything else.

Learn About Dream Bigger Financial →