Physician Cents

The ever-changing world of student loans is a subject at the top of every doctor's mind right now. With new regulations rolling out, interest resuming, and federal repayment plan changes looming, there's a lot of confusion about the best steps to take next. On this episode, you'll hear the latest updates on student loan forgiveness programs, shifts in income-driven repayment plans, and the tricky...

In this episode, we're opening our mailbag and answering some of the most common and nuanced financial questions facing doctors and medical trainees today. Let's break down the real numbers behind everything from choosing the right future rate of return for investment planning and calculating safe withdrawal rates in retirement, to tackling student loan strategies for dual-income families and navi...

If you're wondering what's really happening with Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), curious about creative strategies for paying down your loans, or stressed about how your med school debt might impact buying a home, we've got your back. This week, we're breaking down the current state and future of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), discussing student loan management strategies—includin...

It's easy to assume you're prepared for an emergency just because you have credit cards, a 401 (k), or home equity available—but those options can quietly turn an urgent expense into a long-term financial headache. In this episode, we delve into why these seemingly convenient backstops often come with significant costs, including high interest rates and lost investment growth. We outline exactly h...

Many physicians don't realize they're leaving extra money on the table by "tipping" Uncle Sam through simple, avoidable tax mistakes. While it's easy to assume your accountant has everything covered, the truth is even experienced professionals (and software) often miss key physician-specific issues. This episode shines a light on common errors doctors make, from mishandled Backdoor Roth contributi...

Most physicians assume qualifying for a mortgage is straightforward; after all, you're highly educated, creditworthy, and well-compensated. But buying a home as a doctor comes with hidden pitfalls that can leave you paying way more than you should, getting rejected unexpectedly, or locking in a rate you'll regret. Many don't realize that standard mortgage rules aren't designed for your unique care...

If you're a freshly minted physician just stepping out of residency or fellowship, the last thing you need is another decision demanding your urgent attention. But there's a flurry of emails, conversations in hospital cafeterias, and ads in your inbox pushing one message hard: "Get disability insurance now, or else." It's intense, it's relentless, and it's not the full story. What's often left uns...

You might think that making more money solves more problems, but early-career physicians know it can have the opposite effect. The moment you or your partner graduate, sign a contract, or even get engaged, your financial world shifts. And if one of you has massive student loans tied to forgiveness programs like PSLF, those life events don't just change your lifestyle; they can completely upend you...

Imagine waking up tomorrow and not being able to work, no more surgeries, clinic, or call shifts. For most physicians, your ability to earn an income is your single greatest financial asset, yet few stop to consider how vulnerable it is. If you've never heard of "own occupation" disability insurance or assumed your employer coverage is enough, this episode is your wake-up call. Hosts Chad and Tyle...

It's not like physicians wake up thinking about disability insurance. But you might wish you had. Today, Dr. Stephanie Pearson shares a raw, firsthand account of the career-ending injury that forced her to trade the OR for the insurance world. Her story doesn't just highlight the importance of coverage, it exposes the hidden traps in policies that too many doctors assume are solid. The goal here i...

Physicians assume that once their income stabilizes and their savings plans are in place, they will have peace of mind. But what if that peace never shows up? What if, despite doing everything "right," they still feel anxious, distracted, or perpetually behind? In this episode, we explore a surprising culprit: the emotional toll of financial noise - the relentless stream of news, updates, social m...

Physicians don't realize they're financially exposed — not just to malpractice, but to everyday events like fender benders, lawsuits, or even divorce. Asset protection sounds like something complex or reserved for the ultra-wealthy, but in reality, there are basic, easy-to-implement steps that can make a big difference. This episode starts by opening your eyes to just how vulnerable your assets mi...

You've matched—congrats! But now what? As you transition from med school to residency, financial decisions are about to get real, and the steps you take now can make a huge difference in your financial future.  Many new residents don't realize how much financial planning matters at this stage—things like student loans, budgeting, and even insurance may seem like details you can handle later, but g...

Most physicians assume their first contract is a "standard agreement" that everyone signs without question. But as Kyle Claussen, CEO of Resolve, reveals in this episode, there's no such thing as a truly standard physician contract.  From compensation structures to non-compete clauses and tail coverage, every detail can significantly impact your financial future and career flexibility. Yet, many d...

Lots of physicians wonder: If I can manage my own investments, why pay an advisor? It's a fair question. If you're comfortable picking index funds and setting up automated contributions, what's left for an advisor to do? This conversation unpacks the real value of financial planning beyond investments. From student loans and tax decisions to asset protection and estate planning, there's much more...

Managing your own investments can feel empowering—especially when you've done the research and built a solid plan. But when does the complexity of financial planning cross the line from DIY-friendly to requiring professional help? That's exactly what Dr. W is wondering. As a resident who's been diligently managing an all-equity portfolio, he's now questioning when and if a financial advisor would...

What does it take to pave the way for the next generation while navigating the scars of being first? When we sat down with Steve Sample, an emergency medicine physician, we were struck by his mix of gratitude, hard-earned wisdom, and tough decisions.  From his untraditional path into medicine—starting as a young father with dreams of becoming Garth Brooks—to now supporting his daughter through med...

In the last couple of episodes, we've started to scratch the surface when it comes to the importance of disability insurance. Navigating the world of disability insurance as a physician can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding how medical conditions impact coverage eligibility.  In this episode of  Physician Cents , Larry Keller breaks down the most common medical issues that lead...

Is your financial house in order for 2025?  In this special episode of  Physician Cents,  we're joined by Jim Dahle, the one and only "White Coat Investor," to help you tackle the financial "resolutions" every physician should embrace. From crafting a rock-solid financial plan to protecting your health and wealth, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to start the year strong. Looking...

Debt is a reality that most medical professionals face, with  78% of graduating medical students  carrying substantial loans. It's not the easiest topic to discuss, but it's a critical one. For most, debt is a significant piece of the financial puzzle—and knowing how to manage it effectively can shape your future. In this episode, Jenny Twomey—the Community Communications Lead at Earnest—joins us...

As a physician, your income is your most valuable asset—but what happens if you're unable to work due to illness or injury? Disability insurance is critical to protecting the investment you've made in your education and career. It ensures financial stability in the face of unforeseen challenges, whether it's a car accident or a cancer diagnosis.  While premiums can be costly, especially during res...

If you have a family member whose expenses you plan to cover every month, how do you go about it? This listener wants to give a parent a few thousand dollars a month to help them cover expenses and have spending money.  Many physicians are the highest income earners in their families. They often try to support their loved ones. How do you do this responsibly? How do you give generously without hur...

Most physicians aren't planning ahead for their finances during their training and residency—they're surviving. Many assume that once they're a full-fledged doctor, any financial issues will be resolved. You may be thinking about marriage, kids, or buying a home. But financial decisions aren't typically top-of-mind.  So in this episode of Physician Cents, we'll cover some of the basic things newly...

We are often asked whether or not physicians should buy or lease a vehicle. While doctors are stereotyped for having expensive and flashy vehicles, we all want to make wise financial decisions when it comes to choosing a vehicle.  People often spout that leasing a vehicle is just throwing money away. But is it? It can be argued that there is a time and place for leasing a vehicle over buying. We d...

What are some important things to consider the year you leave your residency and enter your first attending job? Transitions, no matter what they are, are typically accompanied by financial considerations. But there are many things that new physicians have to consider, from bonuses and contract negotiations to tail insurance and benefits packages. We tackle a few need-to-know topics in this episod...