Physician Cents

Should You Invest During Residency/Fellowship? (The Real Answer for Trainees), Ep #53

Navigating finances as a medical trainee can be overwhelming. The pressure to save for retirement while managing intense workloads, student debt, and low salaries creates a confusing landscape. In this episode of the Physician Cents Podcast, we dig into whether trainees should focus on investing early or whether building an emergency fund is more valuable. Drawing on real-life questions from physician trainees, we take a practical look at the benefits of prioritizing liquidity and mental health over early investment, explain the impact of matching contributions, explore the nuances between Roth IRAs and Roth 403(b)s, and debunk the pressure to start investing before you're financially ready. If you're feeling behind on savings or unsure where to put your next dollar, this episode offers clarity, actionable advice, and the reassurance that time is on your side. Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best [https://www.physiciancents.com/resources]" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * [00:00] The pressure to start investing early * [04:57] Prioritizing wellbeing over early investing * [05:57] When should you start investing? * [08:13] Roth IRAs as backup emergency funds * [10:25] Learning about your investment options The Pressure to Start Investing Early It's easy to feel left behind. Trainees—including those with years left in their residencies—often express anxiety about not having started retirement savings or investments. Social media and financial gurus echo the mantra: "Start investing as soon as possible. Time in the market beats timing the market." But trainees, especially future high-income specialists, will have ample opportunity to build wealth once they become attending physicians. The "wealth-building shovel" grows drastically larger after training, meaning the ability to contribute significant sums to retirement accounts is just around the corner. Even with the burden of student loans, there are often loan forgiveness programs, especially for those training in nonprofit settings. Don't let anxiety about being "behind" force hasty financial decisions during training. The future earning potential of physicians allows for ample catch-up. Foundation Before Growth Prioritize cash savings over investments because liquidity equals confidence and security. Emergencies don't wait for a bull market. Whether it's a car repair, a sudden move, or a family need, cash on hand allows for flexibility and peace of mind. While investing can technically begin with small sums, the psychological benefits of having an emergency fund are "massively more important than investing" during training. The relief of knowing you can weather a minor storm without going into debt or prematurely withdrawing investment funds outweighs the benefits of early compounding in most cases. With the drastic increase in income at the attending level, building up retirement accounts can be achieved quickly—sometimes in just a month —whereas it would take years to save as a trainee. When Should You Start Investing? It's important to learn about investing and, if possible, get into the habit with manageable amounts—especially when employer matching is available. A matching contribution, even a small one, is "free money," so if your training program offers a 403(b) or similar match, it's worth considering, provided you have some emergency cash on hand. Aim to have at least $1,000 in a high-yield savings account as a buffer, then consider investing any surplus, especially if it unlocks a match opportunity. The process should never overshadow your mental health or well-being: don't let investing become a point of stress or self-judgment. Roth IRAs, 403(b)s, and Hybrid Accounts Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn if needed—but relying on retirement accounts as emergency cash can create behavioral pitfalls and complicate objective financial planning. Here's a potential structure for most trainees: * Build $1,000+ in an accessible high-yield savings account * Take advantage of a 403(b) match if available * Consider a Roth 403(b) through payroll for simplicity, automatic contribution, and low friction * Learning how each retirement vehicle operates, even without actively contributing, sets the stage for future financial decision-making For medical trainees, focus first on building a solid emergency fund—$1,000 or more in accessible cash. Learn about your investment options and take manageable, low-stress steps into retirement accounts, especially when a match is offered. Remember that your earning power is about to skyrocket, and your well-being matters more than squeezing a few extra dollars into a volatile market. Taking care of your present self lays the foundation for a far more prosperous and fulfilling future. The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don't expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the "best of the best" for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers. Resources & People Mentioned * Suze Orman [https://www.suzeorman.com/] Connect With Physician Cents * WealthKeel LLC [https://wealthkeel.com/] * Olson Consulting LLC [https://www.olsonfp.com/] * Tyler Olson on Twitter [https://twitter.com/olsonplanner] * Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter [https://twitter.com/WealthKeel] Subscribe to Physician Cents Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/physician-cents/id1733542066] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]

Two Big Pitfalls New Attendings Face (And How to Dodge Them), Ep #052

Transitioning from training to practice is an exhilarating milestone for physicians—one marked by a dramatic increase in income and, often, new financial responsibilities. With a big jump in income, it can be tempting to make big purchases right away or skip over the foundational "boring stuff" like insurance and budgeting. We break down how the "I deserve it now" mentality and avoiding critical financial groundwork can lead to lifestyle creep and long-term financial headaches, and provide actionable advice for early-career physicians aiming to build a secure financial future. Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best [https://www.physiciancents.com/resources]" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * [00:00] Pitfalls during the transition to attending physician * [05:48] Navigating lifestyle creep challenges * [06:42] Benefits of delaying big financial decisions * [07:53] Avoid neglecting foundational financial tasks such as cash flow management * [11:58] Why to plan regular budgeting check-ins * [13:29] Avoiding common business pitfalls The Temptation of "I Deserve It Now!" Decision-Making One of the most common traps physicians fall into occurs the moment those larger paychecks start rolling in. We call this the "'I deserve it now' decision making": after years of rigorous training and modest income, the urge to splurge is both understandable and dangerous. And the real hazard isn't any single extravagant purchase, but the compounding effect of multiple big decisions. Lifestyle creep factors such as: * Moving into a large, expensive home before you're settled or confident in your new job or city. * Leasing or buying luxury cars. * Enrolling children in private schools due to perceived status or convenience, even before the need becomes clear. * Taking costly vacations and elevating everyday lifestyle expenses. This stacking effect can quickly consume your newfound income and trap you in a cycle where your lifestyle must always match (or outpace) your earnings. Just because you technically qualify for a large mortgage, it doesn't mean you should commit to it immediately. Resist the urge to purchase a forever home or luxury vehicle during your first year as an attending. Allow time to ensure your new role and location are the right fit—renting or buying modestly can prevent costly missteps if circumstances change. Don't Skip the Financial Basics The second pitfall is perhaps even more insidious: skipping over the unglamorous but essential aspects of personal finance. Tasks like cash flow tracking, buying insurance, and organizing estate documents are seen as the "boring stuff," but these are the foundations of financial security. Financial Building Blocks 1. Cash Flow Awareness Many physicians don't thoroughly track their spending or understand where their money goes each month. This lack of clarity makes it impossible to assess how much you can truly afford for fixed obligations like a mortgage, or how much you could invest for the future. 2. Insurance Coverage Disability and life insurance may not feel urgent, but they protect your income and family from unforeseen tragedies. These protections should be in place before committing to new, ongoing expenses. 3. Estate Planning Estate documents may feel like a one-time hassle, but they are necessary to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected. Make a habit of reviewing your cash flow monthly or quarterly—even a simple check-in can uncover surprises and prevent overspending. Invest time in securing appropriate insurance and ensuring your estate documents are up to date. These "boring" tasks lay the groundwork for financial agility and resilience, giving you freedom as your career evolves. Putting It All Together By dressing the "I deserve it now" mentality and making the "boring stuff" a priority, early-career physicians can avoid common pitfalls and build a sustainable lifestyle. Once the financial foundation is set, you'll find even greater satisfaction in investing and enjoying your money with a sense of security, not anxiety. Laying the groundwork takes patience, but it unlocks decades of growth, opportunity, and peace of mind. The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don't expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the "best of the best" for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers. Resources & People Mentioned * Monarch [https://www.monarch.com/] Connect With Physician Cents * WealthKeel LLC [https://wealthkeel.com/] * Olson Consulting LLC [https://www.olsonfp.com/] * Tyler Olson on Twitter [https://twitter.com/olsonplanner] * Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter [https://twitter.com/WealthKeel] Subscribe to Physician Cents Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/physician-cents/id1733542066] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]

Meet Your New AI Financial Advisor, Ep #051

Artificial intelligence has seeped into almost every aspect of our lives, from the smartphones we carry to the way businesses make decisions. It was only a matter of time before the concept of an "AI financial advisor" became a reality. It might be tempting: tireless, fast, available 24/7, and—maybe best of all—not prone to human judgments about our spending habits or life goals. But is replacing your trusted human advisor with AI really the smartest move for your financial future? Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best [https://www.physiciancents.com/resources]" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * 00:00 AI replacing financial advisors * 02:00 Why people might be tempted by an AI financial advisor * 03:38 Importance of emotion, relationship, and people skills * 06:29 The danger of relying on AI if you don't have a lot of financial knowledge * 09:46 There's no accountability if AI gives faulty advice * 11:03 AI is appropriate for quick queries, but not for comprehensive planning What AI Gets Right—and Where It Misses the Mark There are a lot of good use cases for AI. AI tools can help crunch numbers, surface data quickly, and even generate content like podcasts and blog posts. But there is a flip side, if you know a little bit about personal finance, and then you try to use AI to augment that or to help you to make decisions, then be sure to check the output because AI isn't always accurate. Without expertise, it's easy to fall into the trap of overconfidence, accepting what AI provides without realizing what you might be missing or misunderstanding. The Accountability Factor When you work with a human financial advisor, that person is accountable to you, to regulators, and to their own professional standards. If something goes wrong, you can talk to your advisor, ask questions, and yes, even hold them responsible. If you follow their advice and it goes sideways. AI tools all carry disclaimers, they're not licensed, not responsible for the outcome, and don't know your situation intimately. The Value of Human Advisors: Expertise, Empathy, and Accountability Perhaps the biggest limitation of AI isn't technical, but human: the inability to listen, intuit, and offer nuanced guidance tailored to your unique goals and fears. Good planners get to know their clients and have the insight and bravery to give timely advice, which you're definitely not going to get from AI. Financial planning is about more than just numbers. It includes the subtleties of your family life, your values, your fears, and the context that doesn't show up on a spreadsheet. Human advisors can hold you accountable in a compassionate way and help you make more confident decisions. AI is a fantastic tool for advisors and well-informed individuals to supplement their expertise, but it isn't ready to fully replace the empathy, insight, and accountability that a real advisor brings. If you value judgment, context, and a trusted relationship, your best move is still to keep a human on your financial team—and let AI play a supporting role. The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don't expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the "best of the best" for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers. Connect With Physician Cents * WealthKeel LLC [https://wealthkeel.com/] * Olson Consulting LLC [https://www.olsonfp.com/] * Tyler Olson on Twitter [https://twitter.com/olsonplanner] * Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter [https://twitter.com/WealthKeel] Subscribe to Physician Cents Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/physician-cents/id1733542066] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]

18 Common Tax Mistakes Physicians Make (Part 3): The Quiet Errors That Create Massive Tax Bills Ep #50

Welcome to a milestone episode of the Physician Sense Podcast! In this 50th edition, we cap off our three-part miniseries on tax planning with actionable, nuanced strategies tailored specifically for physicians. Whether you're a medical student, attending, or anywhere in between, you'll find value in our tips on navigating real estate tax advantages and maximizing the power of Health Savings Accounts HSAs. We're also helping you understand the intricacies of W-4 updates, evaluate Roth contributions versus pre-tax options, and recognize the importance of year-round tax coordination and impeccable documentation. Blending real-world stories with our expert insight, this episode is packed with the kind of practical advice that will help you minimize headaches, avoid unexpected tax bills, and keep your financial journey on track. Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best [https://www.physiciancents.com/resources]" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * [06:20] Real estate tax benefits explained * [10:08] Understanding HSA plans and trade-offs * [11:08] High deductible plans and HSAs * [16:49] Managing taxes with life changes * [21:04] Retirement tax planning options * [23:33] Comparing pre-tax and Roth options * [31:05] Organizing tax documents * [33:25] Balancing tax planning efforts Real Estate Professional Status is Not as Simple as it Seems Investing in real estate is often touted as a path to financial freedom and tax deductions, but achieving Real Estate Professional (REP) status is rarely straightforward. Most physicians can't deduct passive losses unless they or their spouse qualify for REP. This requires meticulous documentation and significant time spent actively managing properties. Record-keeping is paramount, and physicians should understand the rigorous standards—casual efforts, like buying an air filter, don't count. For married couples, there's some flexibility if one partner can take on the real estate workload, but many physicians jump in without researching the bones of the rules—sometimes after costly educational programs that yield little benefit. Learning the requirements before investing money and time is crucial. Triple Tax Benefits with a Caveat Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are the only "triple tax-free account", yet many doctors use them like checking accounts, missing out on compounding growth for future healthcare costs. Before committing to an HSA, it's important to first assess your family's healthcare needs. High-deductible health plans are not right for everyone—especially those with ongoing medical expenses. For those who can manage high deductibles, investing HSA funds and keeping receipts for big medical expenses can yield powerful tax-free withdrawals later. There's little urgency to reimburse minor expenses—think of HSAs as a possible long-term care fund rather than an emergency account. Roth vs. Pre-Tax: Tax Bracket Matters Roth accounts get a lot of love, but the decision isn't always clear-cut. For doctors in the highest tax brackets, pre-tax contributions may be more beneficial. State taxes also play a role. Maximizing pre-tax tools is key for high-earning physicians; Roth is often best when pre-tax options are "maxed out." Tax diversification is more important than Roth obsession. Future tax rates are unpredictable, so having a mix of pre-tax and Roth accounts provides flexibility for future strategies, such as Roth conversions during lower-income years. Don't blindly follow internet advice—consult a professional for tailored guidance. Tax Planning vs. Tax Filing Tax filing is reactive; tax planning is proactive. Most CPAs focus on filing, not planning, unless you pay for that service. For complicated situations—business ownership, side work, etc.—planning ahead can save thousands. Proactive strategies—W-4 changes, retirement contributions, entity selection—are best addressed earlier, ideally with the help of a planner who understands physician finances. The IRS isn't interested in your busy schedule—they want proof. Saving lives won't excuse missing receipts. Audit defense requires organized documentation: physical or digital folders for each year and category. Even rare audits are stressful; good records bring peace of mind. Always err towards simplicity—understand the basics, seek guidance, and choose strategies that fit your life. The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don't expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the "best of the best" for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers. Connect With Physician Cents * WealthKeel LLC [https://wealthkeel.com/] * Olson Consulting LLC [https://www.olsonfp.com/] * Tyler Olson on Twitter [https://twitter.com/olsonplanner] * Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter [https://twitter.com/WealthKeel] Subscribe to Physician Cents Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/physician-cents/id1733542066] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]

18 Common Tax Mistakes Physicians Make (Part 2): The Quiet Errors That Create Massive Tax Bills Ep. #49

This week, we dive into the second part of our three-part series on the most common tax mistakes doctors make. Today, we pick up where we left off last week, tackling mistakes 6 through 12—ranging from Roth IRA contribution blunders and retirement account coordination errors to the complexities of state taxes for locums and practice owners. You'll hear practical tips on avoiding the pitfalls of direct Roth IRA contributions when you're ineligible, understanding how to juggle multiple retirement plans without overcontributing, and the essential—but often overlooked—benefits of cash balance plans for high earners. Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best [https://www.physiciancents.com/resources]" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * 04:05 Backdoor Roth IRA contributions tips * 08:44 401(k) vs. 403(b) Limits * 15:08 Pensions for academics vs. private practice physicians * 19:55 Income consistency and sustainability * 25:35 Tax efficiency in bond investing * 28:58 Married filing status & student loans * 31:23 1099 tax strategies for doctors * 34:31 Cross-border tax challenges Don't Trip on Income Limits for Direct Roth IRA Contributions Many doctors—especially those transitioning from training to attending roles—get caught by contributing directly to a Roth IRA even when their income makes them ineligible. Moving from trainee income to an attending salary can put you over the Roth IRA limits without realizing it. This triggers a 6% annual penalty, which can add up quickly if not caught. If you're close to the income threshold or anticipate a big jump in pay, default to the Backdoor Roth IRA process. Yes, this introduces an extra 5-year hold period for accessing converted funds, but it's a safer bet than risking penalties. And if you file as married, filing separately, something sometimes used for student loan optimization, you need to pay extra attention. If you're unclear, run the numbers with an advisor or accountant. Retirement Plan Coordination Physicians often juggle work at multiple employers, leading to multiple retirement accounts. For 2026, the combined employee contribution limit is $24,500, regardless of how many plans you have (excluding 457(b)s, which operate independently). Missing the nuances can lead to over-contributions or missed opportunities. Know the types of plans you have and their coordination rules. For side-gig/1099 income, solo 401(k)s are powerful—but you can't "double-dip" on the employee limit if you're also contributing to a work plan. Cash Balance & Defined Benefit Plans Cash balance plans (a type of defined benefit plan) can help high-earning doctors shelter over $100,000 per year. Most docs have never heard of these vehicles—or, if they have, write them off as too complex or niche. But they're a goldmine for established physicians, practices, or those with significant 1099 income—so long as you expect consistent high earnings for several years. Setup and administration involve actuaries, costs, and (often) "boring" bond-heavy investment choices. But saving $200k+ from high state and federal taxes can be a game-changer, especially in places like California. Evaluate this with your advisor; if you're close to the $200,000+ threshold and plan to keep earnings high, it may be time to explore. Tax-Efficient Investing: The Importance of Asset Location You might be maxing your retirement plans, but as your taxable brokerage account grows, tax-aware investment choices pay off big. Tyler recommends housing bonds inside tax-sheltered accounts and using municipal bonds in taxable accounts to blunt tax drag. High-turnover mutual funds in taxable accounts are a relic. Prefer tax-efficient index ETFs, and periodically review your investment "location" as your situation evolves. Remember, after a few decades of saving, this optimization can mean tens of thousands in net after-tax wealth. The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don't expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the "best of the best" for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers. Resources & People Mentioned * The White Coat Investor [https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/] Connect With Physician Cents * WealthKeel LLC [https://wealthkeel.com/] * Olson Consulting LLC [https://www.olsonfp.com/] * Tyler Olson on Twitter [https://twitter.com/olsonplanner] * Chad Chubb, CFP®, CSLP® on Twitter [https://twitter.com/WealthKeel] Subscribe to Physician Cents Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/physician-cents/id1733542066] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]