Skip the Residency, Buy the Practice? With Dr. Cole Smith

Thank You — See You on Financially Free Era

Tune in to the new show, Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth, discover the biggest misconceptions people have about being "financially free," the various forms of FIRE ("Financial Independence, Retire Early"), and more. We're excited to launch this new podcast and hope you subscribe on your favorite podcast app! * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-era-by-slp-wealth/id1813259511], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1rnb0hzdEOkuChvvwXq7kp], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e307a4d7-23f3-4fb3-a1ca-41da38123163/financially-free-era-by-slp-wealth], iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-financially-free-era-by-sl-274528480/], or Pocket Casts [https://pca.st/nzch0uvn]

Life Insurance for Dentists: When It Matters, What to Buy, and Common Mistakes

Life insurance isn't the most exciting topic — but it can be an important one, especially as your career and family grow. We sit down with Ben Lacomis, CSLP®, a financial planner here at SLP Wealth, who started his career at one of the big Fortune 100 mutual insurance companies. Now, as a fiduciary advisor, he brings a balanced perspective on how to think through your options. We talk about when life insurance makes sense, how your needs change over time, and what to know about term vs. permanent policies. You'll also hear some offbeat real-life examples (yes, people really do insure their hair) and learn how to think through your own situation, whether it's paying off debt or leaving something behind for the people you love. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a clear conversation to help you figure out what fits your life and goals. Key moments: (06:18) Why life insurance is often a must-have early in your career — especially for young professionals (14:09) The big differences between term and whole life insurance, and how each works (20:01) Understanding the "three G's" of life insurance (30:50) What to know about cash value and why some policies take longer to build it up (37:51) The 4% retirement rule and how to make your retirement spending feel more flexible Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today [https://slpwealth.com/vet]. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth [https://slpwealth.com/]. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/439ZXswJpzqu34y1mLAqJ6], or Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a18263c6-7000-441b-b792-489aea349027/financially-free-dentists] * Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699] * YouTube at Financially Free Dentists [https://www.youtube.com/@FinanciallyFreeDentists]

Skip the Residency, Buy the Practice? With Dr. Cole Smith

What career decisions would you reconsider with the wisdom of hindsight? Dr. Cole Smith, DDS, shares the career move he'd revise if given a second chance, and why he might suggest skipping a general residency program. Learn how this Austin-area dentist transitioned to practice ownership without a down payment, discover tips to manage practice profits, and get an inside look at how he's redefined work-life balance. Recent graduates and associates eyeing practice ownership — prepare for an honest conversation that might just save you years of trial and error on your own dental journey. Key moments: (04:16) Dr. Smith shares his perspective on AEGD/GPR value versus direct experience (09:57) How Dr. Smith purchased his practice without a down payment (16:03) The profit problem no one talks about: What to do when your practice is generating too much cash (20:37) How targeted CE can accelerate your career trajectory (25:02) Creating a schedule that prioritizes both family and practice success Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today [https://slpwealth.com/vet]. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth [https://slpwealth.com/]. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/439ZXswJpzqu34y1mLAqJ6], or Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a18263c6-7000-441b-b792-489aea349027/financially-free-dentists] * Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699] * YouTube at Financially Free Dentists [https://www.youtube.com/@FinanciallyFreeDentists]

Blending the Right Ingredients For Your Investment Smoothie

So many dentists we work with are literally throwing money away at retirement — we're talking tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes. But a completely legal, under-the-radar approach lets dental practice owners slash their tax bills both now and in retirement. We reveal our "financial smoothie" approach and how the "three bucket strategy" creates the perfect blend to drop your tax rate. Learn exactly which accounts to blend together, in what proportions, and the precise timing that makes this work. After years of building your practice, make sure you — not the IRS — enjoy the rewards. Key moments: (03:33) The three bucket strategy explained, and how one lowers your student loan payments (08:16) The overlooked advantages of standard brokerage accounts (14:14) Reverse rollovers are a headache to deal with, but provide long-term benefits (20:06) How to access Roth IRA funds before retirement age without penalties (29:17) Common mistakes about the pro-rata rule Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today [https://slpwealth.com/vet]. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth [https://slpwealth.com/]. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/439ZXswJpzqu34y1mLAqJ6], or Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a18263c6-7000-441b-b792-489aea349027/financially-free-dentists] * Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699] * YouTube at Financially Free Dentists [https://www.youtube.com/@FinanciallyFreeDentists]

How this Endodontist Built a Successful Practice in a Crowded Market

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a dental practice from the ground up in one of America's most saturated markets? Join us as we chat with Dr. John Oganesyan, DDS, about his journey from USC endodontic residency to establishing a successful dental practice in the competitive Los Angeles market. He shares how he pivoted from larger dental corporations to private practice ownership, including candid stories about building a patient base, managing insurance transitions, and the decisions that ultimately led to his growing success. Key moments: (06:17) Your first dental job is rarely your dream position (14:58) Sometimes the practice that doesn't check all your boxes is exactly the right one (20:50) Making the space your own: managing office updates and insurance changes (26:14) Why referral patterns fluctuate and how specialists can create a more consistent patient flow Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today [https://slpwealth.com/vet]. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth [https://slpwealth.com/]. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/439ZXswJpzqu34y1mLAqJ6], or Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a18263c6-7000-441b-b792-489aea349027/financially-free-dentists] * Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financially-free-dentists/id1777876699] * YouTube at Financially Free Dentists [https://www.youtube.com/@FinanciallyFreeDentists]