You Can't Out-Earn a Broken System With Kendra Harvey | Episode 64

What I’d Tell My 30-Year-Old Physician Self About Money, Family & Success with Dr. Tim Regan | Episode 66

What would happen if you could sit down with your younger physician self and share everything you've learned about money, family, success, and life? In this episode, James Nutter sits down with Dr. Tim Regan, Chief Medical Officer of Lakeland Regional Health, for a candid conversation about the financial mistakes, lessons, and decisions that shaped his career and family over the last three decades. Dr. Regan doesn't hold back. From graduating with nearly $400,000 in student loan debt to leasing a brand-new Cadillac Escalade with his first attending paycheck, Tim shares the decisions he wishes he could take back—and the lessons that continue to guide him today. But this conversation goes far beyond investing. As a physician leader, husband, father of three, and healthcare executive, Tim reflects on the realities of delayed gratification, lifestyle inflation, raising financially responsible children, choosing the right life partner, and learning that success isn't measured by what you drive or what appears on social media. One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Tim discusses the weight physicians often carry alone. For most of his career, Tim served as the de facto "Family CFO," managing the financial decisions, planning, and responsibility for his family. While he did an exceptional job navigating a demanding medical career, raising a family, and building financial success, there eventually came a point when the complexity—and the weight of being solely responsible for every major financial decision—became too great to carry alone. Today, Tim and his wife Tanya are entering their second year working with IM Wealth and James Nutter, having made the intentional decision to shift from managing everything themselves to partnering with a team that could help provide clarity, coordination, and confidence as life became increasingly complex. Whether you're a resident just beginning your journey, an attending physician experiencing your first significant paycheck, or a seasoned physician navigating new challenges, this episode offers timeless wisdom from someone who has lived every stage of the path.   IN THIS EPISODE * What Dr. Regan would tell his 30-year-old physician self * The expensive lesson behind his first attending paycheck * Why lifestyle inflation is one of the biggest threats to physician wealth * Growing up in a family where money conversations were difficult * The financial opportunities many physicians miss early in their careers * Why teaching children about money matters more than most parents realize * The role spouses and partners play in long-term financial success * How social comparison silently drives poor financial decisions * Why experiences often create more happiness than possessions * The hidden burden of being the "Family CFO" * Knowing when to seek guidance, even when you're capable of doing it yourself * What financial success really means after decades in medicine   KEY TAKEAWAY The goal isn't to manage every financial decision perfectly. The goal is to build a life where your money supports what matters most. As Dr. Regan shares throughout this conversation, true financial confidence doesn't come from having all the answers—it comes from creating the right systems, surrounding yourself with the right people, and making decisions that align with your values, your family, and the life you want to live.   ABOUT DR. TIM REGAN Dr. Tim Regan is the Chief Medical Officer of Lakeland Regional Health, one of Florida's largest and most respected healthcare systems. Throughout his career, he has served as a physician, healthcare executive, husband, father, mentor, and leader dedicated to improving the lives of patients, physicians, and families alike. His journey—from substantial student debt to healthcare leadership—offers a powerful perspective on money, success, family, and what truly matters over the course of a life well lived.   RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS: * Download the PSLF Hacks Checklist [https://info.imwealth.com/pslf] * Book a free financial wellness session [https://calendly.com/yourmeaningfuljourney/financial-wellness-diagnostic] with James * Get access to exclusive physician financial tools at www.imwealth.com [http://www.imwealth.com] * 1% of IM Wealth’s revenue is dedicated to providing scholarship funds to medical students. Learn more about the Meaningful Journeys Scholarship and how you can join the fight here [https://www.imwealth.com/meaningful-journeys-scholarship]. * Learn more about the impact IM Wealth is making in the lives of physicians here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-stories]. * Gain FREE immediate access to all of IM Wealth’s exclusive physician financial wellness resources here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-nest-signup].     ABOUT THE SHOW: This isn’t just another finance podcast—it’s a movement. We’re challenging the status quo, cutting through the noise, and giving physicians real strategies to take control of their money and their future.  Because true wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. Find and follow the show on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@imwealth1].    ABOUT JAMES NUTTER: James Nutter is on a mission to help physicians reclaim their financial power. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges doctors face, he provides real-world strategies that cut through the noise and lead to lasting financial freedom. Follow James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamesnutter_imwealth/].  A Physician’s Guide to Wealth Podcast — Brought to you by IM Wealth: Helping physicians take control of their money so they can live a purposeful life. For more resources, visit IMWealth.com [https://www.imwealth.com]. Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Sign Your First Contract Like a Pro Athlete—With Jon Appino | Episode 65

Your first physician contract may be one of the most important financial documents you'll ever sign. In this rerun of one of our most popular episodes, James Nutter sits down with Jon Appino, founder of Contract Diagnostics, alongside CFP® Jeff McPherson, to discuss the hidden risks and opportunities buried inside physician employment agreements. Jon shares a shocking story about an OB-GYN who unknowingly signed a contract that left her responsible for a $140,000 malpractice tail insurance bill after leaving her position. The lesson? What you don't know can cost you. Throughout the conversation, Jon explains why physicians should approach contract negotiations the same way professional athletes approach their careers—with preparation, expert guidance, and a trusted team behind them. The discussion covers compensation structures, call expectations, restrictive covenants, outside income opportunities, termination provisions, malpractice coverage, and the questions every physician should ask before signing on the dotted line. Whether you're a resident, fellow, new attending, or established physician evaluating a new opportunity, this episode provides practical strategies to help you protect your earning potential and avoid costly mistakes. Key Takeaways 1. Know Who Pays for Tail Insurance — One overlooked contract provision can create a six-figure financial obligation. 2. Ask Better Questions, Not Just for Better Terms — Even if a contract is "non-negotiable," you still need to understand expectations around compensation, call, schedule, and productivity. 3. Your Contract Shapes Your Lifestyle — Schedule, call burden, clinic responsibilities, outreach locations, and administrative duties all impact quality of life. 4. Understand How to Exit Before You Enter — Termination provisions, restrictive covenants, and tail insurance obligations matter long before you decide to leave. 5. Build Your Professional Team Early — Physicians should treat contract reviews the same way they approach preventive care: proactively, not reactively. About the Guest Jon Appino is the founder of Contract Diagnostics, a physician-focused contract review and compensation consulting company. Through Contract Diagnostics and Compensation Rx, Jon helps physicians understand compensation structures, evaluate employment agreements, and make informed career decisions.   RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS: * Download the PSLF Hacks Checklist [https://info.imwealth.com/pslf] * Book a free financial wellness session [https://calendly.com/yourmeaningfuljourney/financial-wellness-diagnostic] with James * Get access to exclusive physician financial tools at www.imwealth.com [http://www.imwealth.com] * 1% of IM Wealth’s revenue is dedicated to providing scholarship funds to medical students. Learn more about the Meaningful Journeys Scholarship and how you can join the fight here [https://www.imwealth.com/meaningful-journeys-scholarship]. * Learn more about the impact IM Wealth is making in the lives of physicians here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-stories]. * Gain FREE immediate access to all of IM Wealth’s exclusive physician financial wellness resources here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-nest-signup]. ABOUT THE SHOW: This isn’t just another finance podcast—it’s a movement. We’re challenging the status quo, cutting through the noise, and giving physicians real strategies to take control of their money and their future.  Because true wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. Find and follow the show on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@imwealth1].  ABOUT JAMES NUTTER: James Nutter is on a mission to help physicians reclaim their financial power. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges doctors face, he provides real-world strategies that cut through the noise and lead to lasting financial freedom. Follow James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamesnutter_imwealth/]. A Physician’s Guide to Wealth Podcast — Brought to you by IM Wealth: Helping physicians take control of their money so they can live a purposeful life. For more resources, visit IMWealth.com [https://www.imwealth.com]. Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Real Estate, Relocation & Building Wealth with Zoe Taylor | Episode 64

In this week’s episode of A Life Well Lived: A Physician’s Guide to Wealth, James welcomes Zoe Taylor, a nationally recognized realtor and founder of Moving Medicine Partners—a nationwide network of 83 realtors who are all married to physicians and uniquely understand the challenges of relocating for medical careers. Zoe shares hard-earned insights on the biggest mistakes physicians make when buying a home, how to know when it’s truly time to buy or sell, and what to expect from the 2026 housing market. Together, they explore the realities of physician loans, delayed gratification, and how comparison culture on social media leads many to overbuy. This conversation is part real estate playbook, part mindset reset. You’ll walk away knowing how to plan smarter, build equity intentionally, and protect your financial freedom—without burning out in the process. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE * The top financial mistakes physicians make when buying a home * How to know if now is the right time to buy, sell, or wait * What to understand about physician loans vs. conventional loans * How lifestyle creep and “Pinterest-perfect” homes derail long-term goals * Why renting isn’t always “throwing money away” * The truth about “passive” real estate investing * How Zoe balances business, motherhood, and wellness through mindful living NEXT STEPS 🏡 Evaluate whether your current housing fits your 1-, 5-, and 10-year life plans 💰 Talk to multiple lenders before choosing a physician loan 📈 Reassess your buying power based on overall financial goals—not emotions 📋 Connect with a financial advisor to plan your next real estate move ☕ Start your day with intention—quiet time, coffee, or journaling—to stay grounded amid career chaos   ABOUT ZOE TAYLOR Zoe Taylor is the founder of Moving Medicine Partners, a nationwide network of realtors who specialize in helping physicians and their families buy, sell, and relocate with ease. Based in St. Louis, Zoe blends years of medical office management experience with her passion for real estate to help doctors make confident, informed decisions. She’s helped hundreds of medical professionals align their home purchases with their careers, finances, and lifestyle goals. 🔗 Learn more: movingmedicinepartners.com ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  * Download the PSLF Hacks Checklist [https://info.imwealth.com/pslf] * Book a free financial wellness session [https://calendly.com/yourmeaningfuljourney/financial-wellness-diagnostic] with James * Get access to exclusive physician financial tools at www.imwealth.com [http://www.imwealth.com] * 1% of IM Wealth’s revenue is dedicated to providing scholarship funds to medical students. Learn more about the Meaningful Journeys Scholarship and how you can join the fight here [https://www.imwealth.com/meaningful-journeys-scholarship]. * Learn more about the impact IM Wealth is making in the lives of physicians here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-stories]. * Gain FREE immediate access to all of IM Wealth’s exclusive physician financial wellness resources here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-nest-signup]. ABOUT THE SHOW: This isn’t just another finance podcast—it’s a movement. We’re challenging the status quo, cutting through the noise, and giving physicians real strategies to take control of their money and their future.  Because true wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. Find and follow the show on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@imwealth1].  ABOUT JAMES NUTTER: James Nutter is on a mission to help physicians reclaim their financial power. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges doctors face, he provides real-world strategies that cut through the noise and lead to lasting financial freedom. Follow James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamesnutter_imwealth/].  DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Any financial decisions should be made in the context of your unique circumstances and in partnership with a trusted financial advisor who understands your personal plan. A Physician’s Guide to Wealth Podcast — Brought to you by IM Wealth: Helping physicians take control of their money so they can live a purposeful life. For more resources, visit IMWealth.com [https://www.imwealth.com]. Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

You Can't Out-Earn a Broken System With Kendra Harvey | Episode 64

After years of sacrifice, physician families often expect one moment to fix everything: The contract. The income. The house. The “arrival.” But what happens when the dream comes true… and you still don’t feel okay? In this deeply honest conversation, Kendra — coach, speaker, and founder of It Gets Better Now — unpacks the hidden emotional cost of medical training and the quiet survival patterns that follow families long after residency ends. She works primarily with physician spouses (often women married to male physicians) who have spent years over-functioning, self-neglecting, and protecting the “golden goose”… only to wake up wondering where they went. We explore: * Why more money doesn’t automatically mean more peace * The survival patterns physician spouses develop (and why they’re so hard to break) * How logistics quietly replace connection in marriages * Why saying “I’m fine” is often the most dangerous phrase * The difference between consuming self-help and actually transforming * The seven types of rest (and why sleep isn’t enough) * How to say no — with conviction * Why you are not a victim of the system * The shift from “It will get better” to “I can get better” Kendra’s core message is simple but radical: Life isn’t happening to you. You have agency. And you don’t have to keep living on autopilot. FREE GIFT FROM KENDRA 🎁 Kendra is offering her ebook completely free. Instead of a discount code, she created a special page where you can enter your name and email — and receive the ebook immediately. 👉 Get your free ebook here: https://itgetsbetternow.com/ebook-sales-page-free/ [https://itgetsbetternow.com/ebook-sales-page-free/]     RESOURCES MENTIONED 🧠 Sacred Rest by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith Take the rest assessment quiz: https://www.restquiz.com [https://www.restquiz.com] 📘 The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron     CONNECT WITH KENDRA Instagram: @kendra_itgetsbetternow Podcast Instagram: @supportingphysicianspouses Podcast: Supporting Physician Spouses Website: www.itgetsbetternow.com [http://www.itgetsbetternow.com] She offers consultation calls for physician spouses who are ready to stop surviving and start building something sustainable.     ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  * Download the PSLF Hacks Checklist [https://info.imwealth.com/pslf] * Book a free financial wellness session [https://calendly.com/yourmeaningfuljourney/financial-wellness-diagnostic] with James * Get access to exclusive physician financial tools at www.imwealth.com [http://www.imwealth.com] * 1% of IM Wealth’s revenue is dedicated to providing scholarship funds to medical students. Learn more about the Meaningful Journeys Scholarship and how you can join the fight here [https://www.imwealth.com/meaningful-journeys-scholarship]. * Learn more about the impact IM Wealth is making in the lives of physicians here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-stories]. * Gain FREE immediate access to all of IM Wealth’s exclusive physician financial wellness resources here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-nest-signup].     ABOUT THE SHOW: This isn’t just another finance podcast—it’s a movement. We’re challenging the status quo, cutting through the noise, and giving physicians real strategies to take control of their money and their future.  Because true wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. Find and follow the show on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@imwealth1].    ABOUT JAMES NUTTER: James Nutter is on a mission to help physicians reclaim their financial power. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges doctors face, he provides real-world strategies that cut through the noise and lead to lasting financial freedom. Follow James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamesnutter_imwealth/].  DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Any financial decisions should be made in the context of your unique circumstances and in partnership with a trusted financial advisor who understands your personal plan. A Physician’s Guide to Wealth Podcast — Brought to you by IM Wealth: Helping physicians take control of their money so they can live a purposeful life. For more resources, visit IMWealth.com [https://www.imwealth.com]. Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

From Burnout to Breakout: How One Psychiatrist Built $800K of Independent Income Before 30 | Episode 63

Most physicians don't have an income problem. They have an optionality problem. In this episode, James Nutter is joined by Donovan Miske — CEO and founder of Kona Medical Consulting and advisor to over 12,000 physicians across four countries — for a candid, story-driven conversation on what it actually takes to build freedom outside the hospital walls. Donovan walks through the three core pathways physicians use to stack independent income — medical directorships, locums work, and simple clinics — plus a few obscure ones most doctors have never considered (event medicine at major festivals, hotel-associated physicians for high-profile guests, personal physicians with a tiny private roster). He shares the hard-earned lessons too: the doctor who quit his hospital job before a credentialing board could meet and spent three months in financial freefall, and the now-infamous "dry cleaning" doctor who optimized his way toward bankruptcy by treating an income problem like an expense problem. Then James and Donovan dig into the playbook that changed one young psychiatrist's life — how thoughtful stacking during residency, prioritizing low risk over high comp, and forming a separate professional entity early built a runway most attendings never get. If you've ever felt like you're floating down a river with no paddle, this episode is the paddle. About the Guest Donovan Miske is the CEO and founder of Kona Medical Consulting — named, fittingly, after his dog. Before launching Kona, Donovan ran a hospitality MSO, and his pivot into medicine started with a single favor: looking into a failing clinic on the brink of bankruptcy. He uncovered embezzlement, built a recovery game plan rooted in hospitality operations, and discovered an entire industry hungry for that kind of forensic, systems-level thinking. That first engagement evolved into Kona's Business Wellness Exam — now run more than a thousand times. Kona's MSO clients consistently operate in the top decile of MGMA DataDrive performance, with average clinic overhead around 41%. 📍 Learn more or book a free consult: https://www.konamedicalconsulting.com [https://www.konamedicalconsulting.com] (mention the podcast for extended consult time) Top 5 Takeaways * Form your own entity first. Even if you're W-2 at a hospital, set up the company that will hold the stacked income. This is step zero, not step five. * Stack for low risk, not high comp. A handful of $500–$3,000/month medical directorships with strong indemnification almost always beats one high-paying directorship with exposure. Boring is the goal. * Residency is the cheat code window. The 28-year-old psychiatrist in this episode stacked six non-clinical roles (board seats, VC medical councils) during training — two days of focus apiece — before he ever needed a credentialing form. * Expense-cutting can't fix an income problem. The "dry cleaning doctor" blocked two hours every Tuesday to save money on errands and missed the thousand dollars he could have earned instead. Build the cushion; don't shrink your way to safety. * Budget time before you budget money. Most physicians call an MSO when they're already ready to quit. Donovan's #1 piece of advice: pump the brakes, give it a few months of real consideration, then move. RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS: * Download the PSLF Hacks Checklist [https://info.imwealth.com/pslf] * Join the waitlist for a  free financial wellness session [https://www.imwealth.com/takecontrol]with James * Get access to exclusive physician financial tools at www.imwealth.com [http://www.imwealth.com] * 1% of IM Wealth’s revenue is dedicated to providing scholarship funds to medical students. Learn more about the Meaningful Journeys Scholarship and how you can join the fight here [https://www.imwealth.com/meaningful-journeys-scholarship]. * Learn more about the impact IM Wealth is making in the lives of physicians here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-stories]. * Gain FREE immediate access to all of IM Wealth’s exclusive physician financial wellness resources here [https://www.imwealth.com/im-nest-signup]. ABOUT THE SHOW: This isn’t just another finance podcast—it’s a movement. We’re challenging the status quo, cutting through the noise, and giving physicians real strategies to take control of their money and their future.  Because true wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. Find and follow the show on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@imwealth1].  ABOUT JAMES NUTTER: James Nutter is on a mission to help physicians reclaim their financial power. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges doctors face, he provides real-world strategies that cut through the noise and lead to lasting financial freedom. Follow James on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jamesnutter_imwealth/] A Physician’s Guide to Wealth Podcast — Brought to you by IM Wealth: Helping physicians take control of their money so they can live a purposeful life. For more resources, visit IMWealth.com [https://www.imwealth.com]. Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.