Smarter Vet Financial Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast , cohost Tom Seeko sits down with Dr. Link Welborn—veterinarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Veterinary Management Groups (VMG)—to explore the evolving landscape of veterinary practice ownership. They dive into the core traits of successful owners, the ongoing pressures of inflation and client affordability, and the growing role of AI in...

Send us Fan Mail Life insurance is about more than just replacing income — especially for veterinary practice owners. In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast , Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett break down the five key insurable interests every practice owner should understand: human life value, business value, key person coverage, outstanding debts and mortgages, and estate planning strategies. You’ll l...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about buying a home? In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast , Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett unpack what every veterinary professional should know before purchasing property. From financial preparedness and market timing to avoiding overspending and aligning your purchase with personal and lifestyle goals, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tom and CJ also hig...

Send us Fan Mail In this eye-opening episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, hosts Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett sit down with Dr. William Anton, founder of CEOeffectiveness.com , for a powerful discussion on personal development and the often-overlooked importance of mental health—especially among high-performing professionals. Dr. Anton challenges the outdated stigma around therapy and psycholo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast , Dr. Peter Weinstein shares his journey from veterinarian to business leader and offers practical insights on improving veterinary practice operations. He discusses the growing challenges of work-life balance, financial stress, and corporate influence in the industry. The conversation centers on the need for better systems, processes, an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Smarter Vet Podcast, Tom Seeko is joined by estate planning specialist Eileen Rice to unpack the critical components of a solid estate plan. They discuss why estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for anyone with assets or dependents who wants to avoid unnecessary complications and costs. Eileen explains key documents like medical directi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Smarter Vet Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett tackle the common myths and misconceptions about annuities. From misunderstandings about high fees to assumptions that annuities are only for retirees, they break down what you really need to know. Tom and CJ explain key features like surrender charges, internal costs, and guaranteed income options, highlighting...

Send us Fan Mail In this lighthearted "nonsense episode," we rewind the clock to reminisce about the music that shaped our younger years—think 90s boy bands, 80s rock anthems, hip-hop classics, and even the occasional children's song. Fast-forward to today, and our playlists have evolved to feature everything from EDM to Christian rap. Join us as we share laughs, swap memories, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast , host Tom Seeko talks with Dr. Jennifer Merlo, Vice President of Veterinary Affairs at Fear Free . Dr. Merlo shares her unique career path—from clinic ownership to corporate leadership—highlighting the real challenges of HR, marketing, and financial stress in veterinary practice. She opens up about the importance of financial planning, e...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko break down how current global events, inflation, and rising interest rates are affecting both the economy and everyday financial decisions—from buying a home to running a veterinary practice. They explore why pricing adjustments are crucial for business owners, how to navigate uncertain investment oppor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko break down the critical role life insurance plays for veterinarians and business owners. They cover the key differences between term and permanent policies, common uses beyond just death benefits—like income replacement and business buyouts—and why reviewing your coverage regularly is essential. Whether...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burton simplify financial health by comparing it to checking a patient’s vitals. You’ll learn the four key "financial vital signs"—cash flow, net worth, debt, and emergency fund—and how small steps like tracking spending can improve them. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to less stress and more control....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, we dive into Chapter 4 of our book, “Unleashed: The Financial Clarity Every Veterinarian Needs,” focusing on one of the most powerful yet often ignored habits: intentional saving. We explain why aiming to save 20% of your income creates more than just wealth—it builds stability, flexibility, and confidence in your financial fut...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, we chat with Dr. Ernie Ward—veterinarian, author, and pet advocate—about finding joy in veterinary life and beyond. He shares insights on overcoming self-doubt and navigating toxic work environments, and debunks the myth that price is the primary concern for clients. Dr. Ward highlights the power of self-leadership, staying cur...

Send us Fan Mail Cohosts CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko dive into the anxiety many veterinarians feel about current events, like tariffs and economic uncertainty. While we can’t control everything, they highlight how having a financial plan in place ahead of time can help you stay calm and avoid knee-jerk decisions. Just like preventative care in veterinary medicine, a solid financial plan helps you pre...

Send us Fan Mail Cohosts CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko discuss a heavily felt topic that is not often talked about openly. There are good reasons why people stress, and sometimes those stressors can be a result of poorly communicated expectations and prior life experiences. This episode is meant to help expand your mind and, hopefully, see things a bit differently than before to "unstuck" you...

Send us Fan Mail Cohosts CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko discuss a common question people ask when a veterinarian starts a new job or when a practice owner starts a 401(k). Before combining all your IRAs into an employer-provided 401(k), there are a few vital considerations and questions to ask. Join CJ and Tom before taking that next step so you can get the most from your savings and investments.  Disco...

Send us Fan Mail Selling a veterinary practice is a major decision that requires careful planning and strategy. In this episode, Tom Seeko, co-founder of Florida Veterinary Advisors, sits down with Bill Murray, founder of Wicklow Healthcare Advisory, to discuss the evolving landscape of practice sales. With 25 years of experience in the veterinary industry—primarily in lending—Bill now helps veter...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Financial Podcast , hosts CJ Bernett and Tom Seeko break down financial strategies for high-income earners. They discuss how marriage impacts money decisions, common mistakes with Roth IRAs, the "backdoor Roth" strategy, and maximizing 401(k) contributions. We also highlight the importance of balancing tax savings with long-term financi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet™ Podcast , hosts Tom Seeko and CJ Bernett dive into the financial struggles many face—especially moms living paycheck to paycheck. They explore why so many married couples aren’t truly “finance married,” operating on separate financial islands that lead to inefficiencies, stress, and a lack of financial clarity. Key takeaways include the importan...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of The SmarterVet Podcast , hosts Tom Seeko and CJ Bernett explore the root causes of financial struggles veterinarians face. Why does money management often feels overwhelming? How do factors like time constraints, misinformation, and lack of financial education contribute to the problem? By shifting mindsets, breaking financial planning into manageable steps, an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Jones—veterinarian, practice owner, and Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Veterinary Software—to discuss the keys to achieving financial clarity and preventing burnout in veterinary medicine. Dr. Jones shares her journey in practice ownership, how curiosity drives her success, and how lever...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Smarter Vet Podcast , financial advisors CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko break down the truth about credit scores—what they really mean, how they’re calculated, and why a high income doesn’t automatically guarantee a great score. They explore the history of credit cards, the key factors that influence credit scores (like payment history and credit utilization), and...

Send us Fan Mail What are the most Googled financial questions in America? In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, hosts Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett break down the top-searched money topics by state—revealing trends in student loans, mortgages, car loans, and retirement planning. They analyze what these searches say about financial habits, debt culture, and the growing need for financia...

Send us Fan Mail We are thrilled for the release of our new book, Unleashed: The Financial Clarity Every Veterinarian Needs. You can find a copy of our book on Amazon in paperback and the Kindle app or device. Grab your copy today. >> Buy a copy now << Listen now to the introduction read by co-Author, CJ Burnett. ----- Extra resources galore! Listen to more episodes: https://flveterina...