Physician Cents

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...

As a woman in medicine, you've been in medical training, residency, and fellowship for years. You have to come up with the mental space and courage to ask for help with student debt or saving for retirement. You may have randomly looked for someone to work with—and found yourself often disappointed.  In this episode, Meg Bartelt, CFP®, RICP®, MS—the owner of "FLOW Financial Planning"—shares a few...

Most traditional mortgages require at least 5% down on the home. Depending on where you're located, you may be looking at putting $10,000 down plus the addition of closing costs of 3% of the purchase price. That's a lot of cash to have on hand, which most physicians don't have right out of training.  Enter the physician mortgage. For many physicians, this is the answer they've been looking for.  B...

The most powerful tool in personal finance is compound interest. That's why we advise physicians to stop overthinking and just get started. Ultimately, there's no magic secret sauce to investing.  Start by diversifying, lowering your costs, and controlling your emotions. We share why it's so important to get started and how to choose your investment approach in this episode of Physician Cents. Loo...

The average American spends more time planning a vacation than they do insurance planning. There aren't a lot of big ticket items that need to be more carefully considered than health insurance.  And as we're moving into open enrollment season, there are a few things you'll want to know when it comes to choosing healthcare coverage for the following year.  Keep in mind that we will never tell a cl...

Why would a physician consider a side gig? If you're still in training, you can go from making $15 an hour to 6-8x that. Someone who's completed training may take on work to supplement their income.  Moonlighting could look like anything from expert witness testimony work to medical record reviews. Whatever the dollar amount is, you have to remember you'll have to set money aside for taxes. If you...

A Backdoor Roth allows you to create tax-free growth on some of your excess savings. It gets a lot of attention because it feels like you're doing something wrong (you're not, we promise). So what do you need to know about the Backdoor Roth IRA? What errors do we commonly see?  The Backdoor Roth is a fantastic tool. And while converting money into a Backdoor Roth IRA isn't as complicated as it's m...

You're tackling your debt, building up an emergency fund, and planning a much-needed vacation. What's next for new attendings? Risk management, estate planning, and investing your new income. In this episode of Physician Cents, we'll share where we think you should start to give yourself the future you deserve.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Risk Management: Disabi...