Physician Cents

You might think that making more money solves more problems, but early-career physicians know it can have the opposite effect. The moment you or your partner graduate, sign a contract, or even get engaged, your financial world shifts. And if one of you has massive student loans tied to forgiveness programs like PSLF, those life events don’t just change your lifestyle; they can completely upend your loan strategy. In th...

Imagine waking up tomorrow and not being able to work, no more surgeries, clinic, or call shifts. For most physicians, your ability to earn an income is your single greatest financial asset, yet few stop to consider how vulnerable it is. If you’ve never heard of “own occupation” disability insurance or assumed your employer coverage is enough, this episode is your wake-up call.

Hosts Chad and Tyler explain...

It’s not like physicians wake up thinking about disability insurance. But you might wish you had. Today, Dr. Stephanie Pearson shares a raw, firsthand account of the career-ending injury that forced her to trade the OR for the insurance world. Her story doesn’t just highlight the importance of coverage, it exposes the hidden traps in policies that too many doctors assume are solid. The goal here isn’t fear; it’s prepar...

Physicians assume that once their income stabilizes and their savings plans are in place, they will have peace of mind. But what if that peace never shows up? What if, despite doing everything “right,” they still feel anxious, distracted, or perpetually behind? In this episode, we explore a surprising culprit: the emotional toll of financial noise - the relentless stream of news, updates, social media posts, and peer c...

Physicians don’t realize they’re financially exposed — not just to malpractice, but to everyday events like fender benders, lawsuits, or even divorce. Asset protection sounds like something complex or reserved for the ultra-wealthy, but in reality, there are basic, easy-to-implement steps that can make a big difference. This episode starts by opening your eyes to just how vulnerable your assets might be right now — esp...

You’ve matched—congrats! But now what? As you transition from med school to residency, financial decisions are about to get real, and the steps you take now can make a huge difference in your financial future. 

Many new residents don’t realize how much financial planning matters at this stage—things like student loans, budgeting, and even insurance may seem like details you can handle later, but getting ahead now can save you serio...

Most physicians assume their first contract is a “standard agreement” that everyone signs without question. But as Kyle Claussen, CEO of Resolve, reveals in this episode, there’s no such thing as a truly standard physician contract. 

From compensation structures to non-compete clauses and tail coverage, every detail can significantly impact your financial future and career flexibility. Yet, many doctors accept these contracts at fa...

Lots of physicians wonder: If I can manage my own investments, why pay an advisor? It’s a fair question. If you're comfortable picking index funds and setting up automated contributions, what’s left for an advisor to do?

This conversation unpacks the real value of financial planning beyond investments. From student loans and tax decisions to asset protection and estate planning, there's much more to consider than just growing a por...

Managing your own investments can feel empowering—especially when you've done the research and built a solid plan. But when does the complexity of financial planning cross the line from DIY-friendly to requiring professional help?

That’s exactly what Dr. W is wondering. As a resident who's been diligently managing an all-equity portfolio, he’s now questioning when and if a financial advisor would be worth the cost. What’s the real ...

What does it take to pave the way for the next generation while navigating the scars of being first? When we sat down with Steve Sample, an emergency medicine physician, we were struck by his mix of gratitude, hard-earned wisdom, and tough decisions. 

From his untraditional path into medicine—starting as a young father with dreams of becoming Garth Brooks—to now supporting his daughter through medical school, Steve offered a candid...

In the last couple of episodes, we’ve started to scratch the surface when it comes to the importance of disability insurance.

Navigating the world of disability insurance as a physician can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding how medical conditions impact coverage eligibility. 

In this episode of Physician Cents, Larry Keller breaks down the most common medical issues that lead to disqualification or exclusion fro...

Is your financial house in order for 2025? In this special episode of Physician Cents, we’re joined by Jim Dahle, the one and only "White Coat Investor," to help you tackle the financial “resolutions” every physician should embrace. From crafting a rock-solid financial plan to protecting your health and wealth, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to start the year strong.

Debt is a reality that most medical professionals face, with 78% of graduating medical students carrying substantial loans. It’s not the easiest topic to discuss, but it’s a critical one. For most, debt is a significant piece of the financial puzzle—and knowing how to manage it effectively can shape your future.

As a physician, your income is your most valuable asset—but what happens if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury? Disability insurance is critical to protecting the investment you’ve made in your education and career. It ensures financial stability in the face of unforeseen challenges, whether it’s a car accident or a cancer diagnosis. 

If you have a family member whose expenses you plan to cover every month, how do you go about it? This listener wants to give a parent a few thousand dollars a month to help them cover expenses and have spending money. 

Most physicians aren’t planning ahead for their finances during their training and residency—they’re surviving. Many assume that once they’re a full-fledged doctor, any financial issues will be resolved. You may be thinking about marriage, kids, or buying a home. But financial decisions aren’t typically top-of-mind. 

We are often asked whether or not physicians should buy or lease a vehicle. While doctors are stereotyped for having expensive and flashy vehicles, we all want to make wise financial decisions when it comes to choosing a vehicle. 

What are some important things to consider the year you leave your residency and enter your first attending job? Transitions, no matter what they are, are typically accompanied by financial considerations. But there are many things that new physicians have to consider, from bonuses and contract negotiations to tail insurance and benefits packages. We tackle a few need-to-know topics in this episode of Physician Cents.

As a woman in medicine, you’ve been in medical training, residency, and fellowship for years. You have to come up with the mental space and courage to ask for help with student debt or saving for retirement. You may have randomly looked for someone to work with—and found yourself often disappointed.