Help with repayment strategy

Hello all,

Looking for some guidance on repayment strategy.

Here are my current details:

• Currently in SAVE forbearance
• Loan amount total = $106,567.79, some undergrad, some grad, varying interest rates (4.30 – 6.80%, unfortunately larger loans have higher interest rates).
  • I have not consolidated minus a small portion of these loans which were initially Stafford…consolidated those to be Direct to qualify for PSLF.
  • Loans are dated from approx 2008 to 2019
• Filing taxes single
• PSLF: varying counts due to undergrad and grad loans, approx. $90,000 of my debt will have only 30 payments. Currently in a public service job.
• 2024 income = AGI $109,000
• 2025 income = ~$200,000, I have not filed 2025 taxes so that I can get 1 more year of payments out of my 2024 income
• Current repayment based on 2024 income says RAP = $908/month; IBR = $1063/month
• When my 2025 income kicks in: RAP = $1458/month; IBR = $1177/month

Given my income level, I am in a very fortunate position that the monthly payment is doable, though certainly impacts my ability to save and afford housing in the HCOL area where I reside.

1. Can I switch from SAVE to RAP until my 2025 income recertification, and then switch to IBR? What are the consequences of this? I've read it could cause my interest to capitalize? Currently my loan balance on StudentAid.gov reads as a principal balance of $84,938.87 and an interest balance of $21,628.92 (=total $106,567.79). This has to mean my interest has NOT capitalized despite the fact that I switched from IBR to SAVE, right?
2. If I remain in autopay, I see there is a 1% interest rate reduction. I know technically this doesn't affect my payment amount, but it will mean I pay more toward principal balance in the event I leave public service and decide not to pursue PSLF. Is there any caution about this current "offer" people are/should be aware of before doing it?

Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge!