MoneyRx for CRNAs and NPs

If you are a high-earning nurse making $120,000 as NP or over $200,000 as a CRNA, you probably think Medicare will be simple and affordable because you have paid your taxes for decades. However, many nurses are shocked to receive premium notices for $649 per month instead of the standard $202. This episode breaks down the "IRMAA" surcharge and why your income from two years ago dictates...

If you're a nurse around age 50 thinking you can do this for about 10 more years, then this episode is for you. Burnout from nursing changes the game. When you're tired, you don't want more complexity in your life. You want a plan that creates options. Today, we're talking about five money moves to make in 2026. Not theory, not vague motivation, but real moves that you can impl...

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn't running out of money, but spending too little? When you've accumulated $3 million through decades of hard work and discipline, the fear shifts from "Can we afford to retire?" to "How much can we spend without getting this wrong?" Brett covers: Why identical portfolios can lead to completely different retirement outcome...

"I can't retire early because of healthcare." If this is the voice holding you back, this episode changes everything. Healthcare costs terrify so many CRNAs approaching early retirement. You've saved enough money, you're burned out, and these are your good health years. But one fear keeps you working: what if healthcare costs blow up your plan? In this episode, Brett revea...

Many CRNAs hit the $1 million savings mark and assume they are automatically ready to retire. While reaching that milestone is a huge achievement, retiring well isn't just about the balance in your accounts. It is about timing, flexibility, and protecting yourself from the hidden dangers that appear in the final decade of your career. In this episode, Brett Fellows, CFP®, shares five powerful...

What if you’re making a Social Security benefits mistake that could cost you 5 figures? It almost happened to a CRNA. Brett Fellows recently reviewed a retirement plan with a couple where the wife had worked full-time as a CRNA for 25 years while her husband worked part-time to raise their children.  They assumed that because he had his own earnings history, he could not claim spousal benefits. Th...

We constantly hear headlines about how Americans are undersaving for retirement. While that is often true, there is a side of the story that rarely gets discussed. What happens if you never stop saving? For many high-income CRNAs, over-saving can quietly cost you in unexpected ways. You might find yourself with less time, fewer experiences, and missed opportunities with your family. In this episod...

You may have heard the general rule of thumb for retirement withdrawals: Spend your taxable accounts first, then tax-deferred accounts, and save your Roth IRAs for last. While there IS truth to that logic because it preserves tax-favored money, it fails to address how to minimize your overall tax bracket throughout retirement. In this episode, Brett Fellows, CFP®, explains why the conventional wit...

You've likely heard the advice: wait until age 70 to claim Social Security for the biggest check and safest retirement. But is that really the best choice for CRNAs? In this episode, Brett Fellows, CFP®, dives into the overlooked risks of delaying Social Security, proving the decision is far more personal than a break-even chart suggests. It's about maximizing dollars yes, but it’s also...

Cole Dill and Tanner Hulin, co-founders of Core Anesthesia, join the podcast to share the unexpected story of how their study conversations turned into a leading educational platform used by 75% of current CRNA students nationwide. Cole and Tanner discuss the raw, scrappy start of their business, from recording terrible quality audio in their car to cashing out almost everything they made to fuel...

Jenny Finnell, CRNA, founder and CEO of CRNA School Prep Academy (CSPA) and Teach RN, joins the Money RX for CRNAs podcast to discuss her journey from clinical CRNA to building a dual-business enterprise. Jenny shares the organic, passion-driven story behind CSPA, which has mentored almost 10,000 ICU nurses pursuing CRNA school in just five years, and explains how she launched the scalable peer-to...

Download your Retirement Readiness Checklist here: https://moneyrxforcrnasnewslettersignup.kit.com/4764a9941d How much money do you really need to retire as a CRNA? If you've got savings but still feel uncertain about when you can safely stop working, this episode is for you. Brett explores: The three retirement spending levels every CRNA needs to understand (survival, comfortable, and premiu...

Download your Retirement Readiness Checklist here: https://moneyrxforcrnasnewslettersignup.kit.com/4764a9941d If you're a CRNA, chances are a big part of your retirement nest egg is tied up in your 401(k) or 403(b). But many healthcare professionals have no idea what to do with that money once they retire to make sure it works best for them. Here's the problem: There are three critical d...

You survived the grueling school years, mastered one of healthcare's most demanding roles, and saved diligently for decades. Now you're staring at your account statements showing seven figures and asking yourself the million-dollar question: Can I finally retire at 60? But when many CRNAs with substantial savings seek answers to retirement planning, they often fall into the million-dolla...

Dr. Joe Rodriguez, co-founder of Guide Anesthesia (managing over 150 providers) and a respected voice in the CRNA community, joins the podcast for a candid discussion on CRNA entrepreneurship, advocacy, and the true meaning of career success. Joe shares the origin story of his company, built from a single negative experience, and offers important lessons learned from operating in the complex healt...

You should be proud of yourself for saving $2 million for retirement, but instead, you're terrified. The problem? You don't know how much you can spend.  A couple, Sarah and Mike, found that their initial plan with a 12% withdrawal rate would have left them broke by age 75. With a few strategic changes, their retirement plan not only worked, but it also allowed them to retire years earli...

You've worked for decades, saved a solid nest egg, and achieved financial independence. But what if that's not enough? While most people focus on the financial side of retirement, the real work happens after you stop working.  This is the story of Matthew, a retiree who did everything right financially, but is now terrified. He missed the other parts of retirement planning, and his story...

You’re 58, ready to retire, and your 401k is solid. But then reality hits: Medicare doesn't start until age 65. That's up to seven years of needing health insurance on your own. This "healthcare gap" could cost you over $30,000 a year, threatening to derail your early retirement dreams. In this episode, we provide a clear roadmap for navigating healthcare costs before Medicare...

What if what worked for your parents' retirement could be a financial disaster for yours? For many CRNAs, traditional pre-tax retirement savings could be a ticking time bomb. With the Secure Act, historically low tax rates, and a massive wealth transfer on the horizon, the old rules of retirement planning have changed dramatically. In this episode, we reveal why traditional pre-tax contributi...

Did you know the government has a legal way to tax the same dollar twice? This happens to thousands of people every year through something most have never heard of called "provisional income." You may assume Social Security is tax-free, but for most CRNAs with decent retirement savings, up to 85% of your benefits will become taxable. In this episode, we're showing you how to avoid t...

Melissa is a CRNA who thinks she’s doing everything right, but she’s missing out on a powerful retirement savings tool. She’s been walking past what we call the "triple tax advantage" because she dismissed high-deductible health plans. This oversight could cost her hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes over her lifetime. In this episode, we're talking about Health Savings Accoun...

You've worked for decades as a CRNA, built a solid nest egg, and retirement day has finally arrived. The paycheck you depended on for 30 years is gone. Now what? Choosing the wrong retirement account to withdraw from first could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your retirement. In this episode, we share everything you need to know about building a tax-efficient, sustainable reti...

Is a W2 salary always better than a 1099 contract? This episode of the "Money Rx for CRNA's" podcast, hosted by Brett Fellows, breaks down a critical career decision many CRNAs face. Using a framework for confident decision-making, the episode compares the real financial differences and tax implications between traditional W2 employment and independent 1099 contracting. It also help...

Homeownership is often the most complex and emotional financial decision we make. In this episode, we're joined by Becky Sims, a mortgage loan officer with over 30 years of experience, to clarify the home-buying process for CRNAs. Becky shares her expertise on the unique challenges and opportunities CRNAs face, from student loan debt considerations to securing their first home. Brett explores...

Welcome to the Money RX for CRNA's podcast! Is the new tax law creating confusion or an opportunity for your retirement? This episode discusses the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) and what CRNAs need to know to optimize their financial future.  Learn how recent legislative changes could impact your Roth conversions, RMDs, and more, helping you keep more of your hard-earned mone...