Finance for Physicians

Are student loan repayment plans about to get completely overhauled? And what does that mean for physicians? In this episode, I’m joined once again by student loan expert Jeff Wenger to break down the proposed federal student loan changes that could reshape how physicians manage repayment, forgiveness, and financial planning. Listen in as we explore the potential elimination of popular IDR plans l...

Have you ever felt like you’re way behind on your finances? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Bill Yount, practicing ER physician and host of the Catching Up to FI podcast, who's here to share how he turned his financial life around, starting at age 50. Listen in as we talk about real mistakes, real lessons, and the mindset shifts that helped him go from overwhelmed and burnt out to confident and...

How do you teach your kids about money? In this episode, I sit down with Heather Lovallo to explore practical, real-life strategies for teaching our children financial responsibility. Listen in as we explore simple ways to help your children build strong financial habits—without needing to be a money expert yourself. Plus, you'll hear about resources, including books and activities, to make learni...

Are you chasing financial freedom or just another shiny object? Your buddy tells you about the next big investment—crypto, rental properties, AI stocks—and it all sounds too good to miss, right? So you dive in, and then... April Fools! You've lost it all. In today’s episode, I’m joined again by Jackie Griggs to shed light on one of the biggest pitfalls we see in financial planning: shiny objects....

Are you ready to take the leap from residency to your first attending job, but wondering how to ensure your finances—and your family's future—are set up for success? In today's episode, I’m sitting down with Jordan, a second-year internal medicine resident who's preparing for his first attending role. He’s got his finances in solid shape, but he wants to make sure he and his family are set up for...

Disability insurance is a crucial safety net for physicians, but many don’t realize the hidden risks that could leave them financially vulnerable. In this episode, we welcome back Lawrence Keller, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RHU®, LUTCF, a 34-year veteran in the insurance industry, to break down the complexities of disability coverage. With the landscape of disability insurance constantly evolving, underst...

Feeling stuck in your career? If you're unhappy, making a change might be the key to a better life—especially as a physician. In this episode, Dr. Ben Stone shares his journey of navigating burnout, balancing work and life, and making smart financial decisions. He opens up about his transition to earning physician-level income, avoiding lifestyle creep, and how his perspective on patient care evol...

Is the push to retire early actually making your life harder? In this episode, we break down the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and why so many physicians feel pressured to work excessive hours just to exit their careers sooner. We discuss the hidden costs of this mindset—burnout, stress, and missed life moments—and explore a more balanced approach to financial freedom. Inste...

Is real estate the key to diversification, or is it a step toward concentration? Today we dive into the complexities of diversification in real estate investing with Certified Financial Planner™ Jeff Wenger. Listen in as we explore common misconceptions and discuss what true diversification looks like, particularly when it comes to balancing real estate with other investment options. You’ll learn...

What does your money say about your values and priorities? In this episode, we dive into the power of budgeting—not as a punishment, but as a tool to feel empowered and in control of your finances. Listen in to learn how to take a snapshot of where your money is going, organize your spending into categories, and align your financial habits with your goals. Whether it's planning for retirement, sav...

With the recent election now over and year-end tax planning on the horizon, many investors are feeling anxious about the future of their portfolios. In this episode, we'll cut through the noise and provide practical advice to help you navigate these uncertain times. You'll learn how to maintain a long-term perspective, avoid impulsive decisions, and understand the potential impact of upcoming tax...

How much house is the right amount? In this episode, Jen Quire, Partner and CFO, explores the financial and emotional complexities of buying a home. From changing American expectations of home size to navigating lender recommendations, Jen emphasizes the importance of aligning home purchases with your financial goals and lifestyle priorities. She shares insights on evaluating trade-offs, such as t...

Are you unknowingly paying more taxes than you should? Double taxation is a common but avoidable issue that costs people thousands of dollars each year. In this episode, financial planner Hugh Baker joins us to break down three critical tax strategies that are often misused. Listen in to learn how to recognize the pitfalls of the backdoor Roth strategy, why mixing account types is a bad idea, and...

We’re back! After a brief hiatus, we’re excited to relaunch Finance for Physicians with fresh insights and a commitment to bringing you new episodes twice a month. Today, I’m sitting down with student loan expert Jeff Wenger, and together we’re tackling the latest in student loan chaos—specifically, the SAVE Plan, which has recently been hit with a court injunction, throwing many borrowers into un...

We’re going into the vault again to bring back the stories of Drs. Diana Girnita, Anastasia Boyer, and Daniel Paull, to give you side-by-side examples of physicians deciding to take the leap into direct care. Each of them had slightly different reasons to do it.  They all agreed their patients needed better care.  They all had to deal with a tricky financial (and social) transition. Let’s rewind,...

You’re going to die after listening to this. That’s a hard truth, but most of us don’t act that way. In this podcast, we talk to a couple of doctors that did. And in doing so, found a way to align their passions with their paychecks. They found a way to love what they do. So listen in as we talk to Doctors Jordan Grumet and Andy Berkowski whose brushes with death gave them the courage to take real...

In speaking to hundreds of doctors a month, it's obvious that many feel trapped by their hospital salary, and that can lead to burnout, but it doesn't need to be this way! That's why we went back into our past episodes to give you 3 examples of physicians like you who have broken free of the golden handcuffs put on them by hospitals. You'll see that they each had 3 commonalities: There was an "AHA...

It's completely normal to want to increase your spending as soon as you become an attending physician (you definitely earned it), but if your monthly expenses are forcing you to stay in a situation you don't like, it's a real problem. The best way to free yourself from that burden is to live a little below your means until you find yourself in a sustainable situation. That's why we put together th...

Join Daniel Wrenne in this episode of Finance for Physicians as he sits down with mortgage expert Richard Ricci. Together, they unravel key insights to guide physicians through the journey of buying their dream homes. Discover the importance of a solid financial plan, the magic credit score number for optimal mortgage terms, and how timing can be the game-changer in your home-buying process. Tune...

Embark on a transformative journey with Daniel Wrenne, the trusted financial advisor dedicated to physicians' financial well-being. In this compelling episode of Finance for Physicians, Daniel unravels the art of intentional living through values-centric decision-making. Clarifying Your Values: Daniel guides you through thought-provoking questions, helping you uncover and prioritize your core valu...

Join Daniel Wrenne in this episode of Finance for Physicians as he tackles the common question among physicians - can real estate income replace your salary? Daniel provides a high-level overview of real estate investment options, from ultra-passive REITs to more hands-on approaches like owning single-family homes. Discover the pros and cons of each method, considering factors like time commitment...

Welcome back to Finance for Physicians. Today, Daniel Wrenne continues the discussion on crucial questions from physician families. In this episode, he delves into the realm of product-based advisors and the complex world of "jack of all trades" advisors. Daniel breaks down the product-based advisor model, emphasizing their focus on selling financial products like disability insurance and life ins...

Join Daniel Wrenne on Finance for Physicians as he tackles a burning question: Is the AUM Advisor approach the right fit for physicians? In this episode, Daniel breaks down the 1% fee structure, sheds light on service levels tied to account size, and unveils potential conflicts of interest. Discover the ins and outs of AUM advisors, from manageable fees for smaller balances to potential drawbacks...

Today, we delve into a crucial topic that concerns many of us with aging parents and their financial well-being. Daniel Wrenne here, and in this episode, we're sharing a real-life case study that uncovers potential pitfalls in managing a family's wealth, especially when cognitive decline becomes a factor. In this eye-opening episode, we discuss the story of Josh and Mary (not their real names), a...

In this episode of Finance for Physicians, Daniel Wrenne dives into a common question many new clients face as they transition into practice or a new stage of life. Whether it's a higher income, starting a family, or moving to a new location, the overwhelming nature of change can leave you wondering, "Where do I even start?" Daniel addresses the following: - The importance of not rushing decisions...