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Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Episode SummaryMost practice owners spend close to two decades building their business — and too often only a few months planning how they exit it. That imbalance shows up in the outcomes.This episode kicks off a new series on planning for the sale of your practice, built around five questions worth answering long before a sale shows up on your calendar. We start with the first and most important one: not "what is my practice worth?" but "what does this sale actually need to do for my retirement to work?"Because those are two completely different questions — and the gap between what you assume the practice is worth and what you actually need it to do is where a lot of the regret lives. We walk through why your retirement gap sets the floor for every other exit decision, how to actually build that number, and why the earlier you start, the more flexibility you'll have on your way out.What You'll LearnThe five questions to answer when planning to exit your practice (and why this one comes first)Why your practice valuation only matters in relation to your retirement gapHow two identical practices can lead to two completely different sale strategiesWhy earlier owners have far more flexibility — and how to "pre-fund" your future buyoutHow to build your retirement gap: lifestyle spending, guaranteed income, existing assets, and the gap that remainsHow that gap becomes your negotiating floor — shaping timeline, buyer type, and payment structureThe what-if scenarios worth testing before you ever sellKey Takeaways for OptometristsYour practice valuation is only meaningful in context. The number that actually matters is the gap between what you've already built outside the practice and what your retirement plan needs to succeed. Until you know that gap, every conversation about price, structure, and buyer is theoretical — you have nothing to measure an offer against.Figure out that number first, and it becomes your negotiating floor. It tells you whether you can wait for the right buyer, whether you can sell to an associate at a friendly price or need to chase a higher multiple, and whether work is truly optional afterward. Too many owners step into a sale unsure of what their family actually needs — and let the deal determine their retirement plan rather than the other way around.Resources for OptometristsPodcast Ep 160: How to Maximize Your Optometry Practice Value Before You Sell with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 50: Guide to Due Diligence on Practice Purchases with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 80: Intro to Optometry Practice Valuations with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 70: Financial Planning Considerations for Owners of Established Optometry PracticesWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Episode SummaryThe largest IPO in history is here. SpaceX goes public this week with an expected total value of $1.77 trillion, and OpenAI and Anthropic have both announced plans to go public this year at valuations around $1 trillion each. In optometry forums and online communities everywhere, ODs are asking the same question: should I get in?In this episode, we look at 45 years of data and research on how IPOs have actually performed for investors - and then dig into the question that matters more for most listeners: how index funds and other passive funds will add these mega IPOs to their portfolios, and what that means for you.Have questions about your own investment approach? Reach out at podcast@optometrywealth.com.What You'll LearnWhat an IPO is and why 2026's IPOs are historic in sizeHow IPOs have historically performed compared to the broad US stock marketWhy the famous "first-day pop" doesn't benefit everyday investorsThe distribution of individual IPO outcomes over 3 and 5 years — and why most lose moneyWhy periods of peak IPO hype tend to be followed by the worst returnsHow the S&P 500, Russell, CRSP, and MSCI indexes decide when (and how much of) an IPO to includeWhat "float adjustment" means and why these trillion-dollar companies will enter index funds as tiny sliversHow the Nasdaq-100's approach to IPOs differs from broad market indexesWhether index fund "front-running" around IPO inclusions should worry long-term investorsHow factor-based funds like Dimensional handle newly public companiesKey Takeaways for OptometristsInvesting in IPOs right after they go public has historically been a poor strategy. IPOs as a group have trailed the broad market, and when you look at individual companies, roughly 60% lost money over their first three to five years - while a small sliver delivered lottery-like gains that lift the averages. Betting on IPOs means betting you can pick those rare winners.For index fund investors, these mega IPOs will eventually show up in your funds - but because indexes are float-adjusted, even a $1.77 trillion company may enter as a fraction of a percent of the index. The impact on your portfolio, good or bad, is small.The bigger lesson: when hype is at its highest, expected returns tend to be at their lowest. Staying broadly diversified, keeping costs low, and not chasing shiny objects continues to be the prudent approach - and if you do want a lottery ticket, be honest about what it is and size it accordingly.Related Episodes:Ep 134: The Case for Index Funds – Why Optometrists Should Embrace Passive InvestingEp 135: Beyond Indexing – An Optometrist's Guide to Factor-Based InvestingEp 58: Investing Fundamentals – Understanding Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and ETFsEp 153: How to Invest Tax-Efficiently and Keep More of Your Returns (After-tax)Resources for OptometristsLoughran & Ritter (1995), "The New Issues Puzzle" — Journal of FinanceDimensional Fund Advisors (2019), "What to Know About IPOs" research studyDimensional Fund Advisors 2025 video: Do IPOs Have a Place in Your Portfolio?Jay Ritter's Long-Run Returns on IPOs (University of Florida)2025: Primary Capital Market Transactions and Index FundsCullen Roche's Article: Three Things – 100s, SpaceX, & IndexingWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Episode SummaryWith the stock market trading near all-time highs again, it's natural to wonder — should you be worried? Is a crash inevitable? Should you hold off on investing?In this rewind of one of our most popular 2024 episodes, we dig into what history actually tells us about all-time highs in the stock market — and why optometrists should stay the course with the long-term investment plan they've already built.What You'll LearnHow common all-time highs actually are historicallyAverage S&P 500 returns one, three, and five years after record highsHow often significant market corrections follow all-time highsWhy declines are a normal and expected part of long-term investingWhat optometrists should focus on instead of market noiseKey Takeaways for OptometristsAll-time highs sound alarming — but history says otherwise. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has hit roughly 1,250 all-time highs, averaging about 16 per year. Research from Dimensional Fund Advisors shows that average returns one, three, and five years after record highs are nearly identical to returns after any other given month. And data from RBC Global Asset Management found that only 9% of all-time highs were followed by a 10%+ decline within one year — with that number dropping to 0% over a five-year window.None of this means declines don't happen — they do, and they're a normal part of investing. But for long-term investors, the focus belongs on the things within your control: your savings rate, your practice, your career, and maintaining the right investment mix for your goals. The headlines will always find a reason to worry. Your job is to tune them out and stay invested.Resources for OptometristsPodcast Ep 153: How to Invest Tax-Efficiently and Keep More of Your Returns (After-tax)Podcast Ep 140: What Most Investors Get Wrong About Dividend InvestingDFA: Why A Stock Peak Isn't A CliffRBC GAM: Investing at All-Time HighsHave a question for a future episode? Email: podcast@optometrywealth.comWant a more proactive approach to your planning? Let's schedule a call.You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
Hello there! This idea came because I wanted to read a bit about fossils and to share how you can learn from old outdated books. So I put both ideas together, and here we are! I have planned a full six weeks of uploads EVERY DAY (except weekends) and I'm looking forward to all the dinosaur info!In my opinion, It's a little dry to be honest, but I loved this stuff as a kid and I hope someone listening enjoys it too. Plus we still have our regular content for ya'll to enjoy! - Check out the Library Systems official website where you can find links to free resources, school and career guides, and news about our upcoming events! https://www.pawls.org/ -Follow us on YouTube and enjoy our backlog of digital story hours and other great content! https://www.youtube.com/@pawls365 Original background track is The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle, music from the freemusicarchive.orghttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Doctor_Turtle/none_given_1561/Doctor_Turtle_-_You_Um_Ill_Ah1/The Talons Of Adventure, The Antlers Of Romance by Doctor Turtle is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.Alterations were made by us to make it fit the length of our content.#library #books #pawlskids #kidsstorytime
What if "one more year" isn't a failure of courage. What if it's a messy, human, sometimes wise transition between the life you built and the life you're finally ready to choose? In this spontaneous, unusually raw episode, Bill, Jackie, and Patrick crack open the emotional side of financial independence. They go beyond the surface of the hesitation, identity shift, grief, relief, and weird freedom that can show up when the math says you're done but your nervous system is still catching up. Bill shares what it feels like to downshift after unexpectedly reaching FI, why he's enjoying work more now that he doesn't need it, and how a heartbreaking night in the ER sharpened his thinking about what really counts. Jackie reflects on her own two-year "one more year" phase and why she no longer sees it as a mistake so much as a cushion she needed. Patrick adds the planner's lens: if a choice still serves your life, it may not be "one more year" syndrome at all. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that the real work isn't just reaching the number but learning how to let go when the time comes. This episode covers: Why "one more year syndrome" may not actually be a bad thing The emotional transition from being FI on paper to actually changing your life Bill's intentional downshift and how FI gave him leverage at work Jackie's two-year hesitation and why she now sees it with more grace How fear, identity, purpose, and burnout all shape retirement timing Why working after FI can still make sense if it serves your life The difference between choosing one more year and drifting into it unconsciously How tragedy and loss can change the way you think about time Why the second chapter of life requires more than just good math How late starters can prepare emotionally, not just financially, for freedom . === SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.The Department of Education just released its final rule implementing the federal student loan changes we've been tracking over the past couple of years — and while most of it lines up with what we expected, two surprises stood out. In this episode, we recap how we got here (the official end of the SAVE Plan and the sweeping changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), break down the income-driven options ODs have going forward, and dig into the two surprises in the final rule that could affect your repayment strategy.If you have questions about navigating these decisions alongside the rest of your cash flow, tax, and practice planning, reach out at podcast@optometrywealth.com.What You'll Learn•Why the SAVE Plan is officially dead and the 90-day decision window for borrowers still in SAVE forbearance•How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act splits borrowers into two groups based on the July 1st date•Why consolidating your federal loans right now could restrict your repayment options•The difference between old and new IBR — and which ODs qualify for each•How the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) works, including its payment calculation and 30-year timeline•The first surprise: new restrictions on who can enter Pay As You Earn before it sunsets in 2028•The second surprise: how RAP payments are (and aren't) treated for forgiveness under IBRKey TakeawayJuly 1st is the date to circle. Whether you're deciding how to exit SAVE forbearance, weighing a consolidation, or trying to lock in Pay As You Earn before new restrictions hit, the window to act on your best options is closing — and the right move depends heavily on your specific path toward forgiveness or payoff.ResourcesPodcast Ep. 152: Listener Q&A: Practice Ownership, Backdoor Roths, and Student LoansPodcast Ep. 151: How Filing Taxes Separately Impacts Student Loan Outcomes for OptometristsEp 143: How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists – Taxes, Student Loans, and More!Want a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
What if the real danger in retirement isn't running out of money, but spending so cautiously that you accidentally work too long, live too small, and die with a portfolio that never got a chance to do its job? In part two with Aubrey Williams, we go deeper into the "fog of FI" (that weird, anxious place where the spreadsheet says you're free, but your nervous system absolutely does not believe it). This episode covers: Why the 4% rule can make FI people overwork and underspend How future income streams like Social Security can move your FI date forward Why flexible spending is more realistic than flat, inflation-adjusted withdrawals How risk-based guardrails help you know when to cut or increase spending Why many FI people need more help increasing spending than reducing it How personal inflation can differ from CPI and affect retirement planning Why historical analysis may be more useful than Monte Carlo for some FI decisions How small amounts of income in retirement can meaningfully reduce portfolio pressure Why engineers and analytical types often need better data to trust they're "done" How Bill is using these ideas to finally get clearer about leaving work sooner . S U P P O R T T H E S H O W
What if the biggest difference between someone who starts at 22 and someone who starts at 50 isn't intelligence or income, but simply the moment they finally decide, nobody's coming to save me? In this crossover episode, Bill joins Joel on "How to Money" to tell the brutally honest and surprisingly hopeful truth. He shares his story of becoming financially independent after a 20-year sleepwalk through lifestyle inflation, doctor money mistakes, and zero real financial plan. It's candid, practical, and exactly the kind of episode that makes you stop saying "I'm behind" and start asking "What's my next move?" This episode covers: Bill's late-starter journey from paycheck-to-paycheck doctor to financially independent at 60 How "rich doctor syndrome" and lifestyle inflation can keep high earners broke Why debt, overspending, and delayed gratification derailed his early money life The wake-up call that came from burnout, a malpractice lawsuit, and turning 50 How downsizing, geo-arbitrage, and a higher savings rate changed everything Why savings rate matters more than most people realize for late starters How to think about debt payoff versus investing when you feel behind Why college funding, generational wealth, and retirement planning are all connected How Bill thinks about using a financial advisor after a long DIY phase Why financial independence is really about buying back time, autonomy, and health . === SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
What if the thing keeping you from Financial Independence (FI) isn't your income, your portfolio, or your math. It's probably the quiet belief that you still need "one more year" when you actually don't. Our guest on this episode is Aubrey Williams, a former particle physicist, radar-tech leader, debt-slayer, and now advice-only financial planner. In this conversation, he flips some of the FI community's favorite assumptions on their head. This is the first of a 2-part episode with Aubrey so be sure to follow the podcast to be notified of the second part of this fascinating conversation. This episode covers: How Aubrey rebuilt after divorce and $90,000 of debt Why savings rate is nonlinear and more powerful than most people realize How a higher savings rate can erase working years faster than expected Why our brains are wired for survival, not modern investing and retirement decisions How to build evidence that you can safely spend instead of just hoard Why living smaller can sometimes create more freedom and more joy How Aubrey reached FI in high-cost Santa Barbara without leaving California Why the FI community itself often knows more than the average advisor The difference between fee-based, fee-only, flat-fee, and hourly advice Why Aubrey believes many FI people are still working too long . === SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
You've worked twice as hard to catch up on your path to financial independence, so why leave your legacy to chance? To help keep your FI plan from going up in smoke we sit down with estate planning and small business attorney, Allison Harrison. It's a fast, funny and slightly alarming deep dive into estate planning for normal people who assume they're "not rich enough" to need one. This episode covers: Why your FI plan is incomplete without basic estate planning The real cost, delay, and public exposure that can come with probate Why many people think they need a trust when they actually don't When a trust does make sense, especially for control and complex family situations The simplest ways to avoid probate using beneficiaries and transfer-on-death designations Why healthcare and financial powers of attorney matter just as much as a will Estate-planning blind spots for small-business owners and side hustlers The role of umbrella insurance, LLCs, and business agreements in protecting your assets Why digital accounts, passwords, and two-factor authentication are now part of estate planning What parents of newly minted 18-year-olds need to handle before college or adulthood begins . === SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
What do you do when your accountant brain knows the numbers, your life blows up anyway, and the answer turns out to be halfway around the world in a weird little movement called FIRE? We head to New Zealand to talk with Bronwyn Candish, a chartered accountant, community builder, and one of the clearest Kiwi voices in financial independence movement. She talks to us about starting over after divorce, rebuilding from the middle, and discovering that "doing money right" has a lot less to do with credentials than with courage, alignment, and actually taking action. This episode covers: Growing up with scarcity in New Zealand and how that shaped Bronwyn's money mindset Why being an accountant did not automatically make her good with money Lifestyle creep, overbuying on housing, and drifting into paycheck-to-paycheck living Divorce as a financial wake-up call in her late 30s How Bronwyn found FIRE through a random article and went deep down the rabbit hole The role of KiwiSaver, housing, and DIY culture in the New Zealand version of FI Why community and accountability matter so much on the journey How Bronwyn turned her accounting practice into a FIRE-adjacent coaching space The creation of Black Friday and the growth of the Kiwi FIRE community What it looks like to be "mid-journey" and still deeply love the path . === SUPPORT THE SHOW ===
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Whether you're five to ten years from exiting your optometry practice or just starting to think about it, the decisions you make right now have a major impact on what your practice is ultimately worth. In this episode, Evon is joined by Erich Mattei of Akrinos — a returning guest who specializes in practice transitions and valuations — to break down the key levers practice owners should be focused on long before they're ready to sell. From profitability and expense benchmarks to payor mix, capital expenditure, and add-backs, this conversation gets into the mechanics of how fair market value is actually determined and what you can do to improve it.What You'll LearnHow fair market value for an optometry practice is determinedThe two primary drivers of practice value: profitability and capital expenditureKey expense benchmarks for COGS, occupancy, non-doctor payroll, and general overheadWhy growing revenue matters — and why growing the right revenue matters even moreHow payor mix and cash pay percentage affect practice value and buyer negotiationWhat add-backs are and why minimizing seller discretionary spend before exit is criticalHow associate doctors and full-time equivalent coverage factor into valuationWhy outdated equipment can undermine an otherwise profitable practiceKey TakeawayThe time to prepare your practice for sale is long before you're ready to sell. The ODs who get the most at exit are the ones who ran their businesses like a business — with clean financials, controlled expenses, growing revenue through the right channels, and a practice that a buyer can step into with confidence.ResourcesErich Mattei / Akrinos: contact@akrinos.comAkrinos 360 Due Diligence Resource — reach out to Erich directly or contact Evon at podcast@optometrywealth.comAkrinos WebsitePodcast Ep 50: Guide to Due Diligence on Practice Purchases with Erich MatteiPodcast Ep 80: Intro to Optometry Practice Valuations with Erich MatteiWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.It's tax day — and whether you're celebrating a finished return or still working through an extension, tax payments are on your mind. In this episode, we walk through a practical framework for planning your quarterly estimated tax payments so you're not scrambling, stressed, or surprised come tax time. We cover the two ways ODs pay taxes through the year, IRS safe harbor targets to avoid underpayment penalties, and a simple system to automate the whole process so you stay ahead all year long.What You'll LearnThe two ways ODs pay federal taxes through the year — payroll withholdings vs. quarterly estimated paymentsWhich payment method applies based on how you practice (W2, sole prop, S Corp)The three IRS safe harbor targets that protect you from underpayment penaltiesHow to calculate your quarterly payment amount step by stepHow to set up a dedicated tax savings account and automate depositsWhere quarterly tax payments fit in your practice's cash flow priority orderHow to adjust your payments as income changes through the yearThe importance of working proactively with your professionalsKey TakeawayThe biggest tax payment headaches come from not having a system. Pick your safe harbor target, calculate your quarterly amount, automate deposits into a dedicated tax account, and adjust as you go. It's not glamorous — but it's how you move from reactive and stressed to in control.And keep in close contact with your financial and tax professionals to make sure you're making proactive decisions with tax payments and planning throughout the year!Resources & LinksIRS Pay OnlineIRS Form 2210 — Underpayment of Estimated TaxSchedule a call with Optometry Wealth AdvisorsThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.In this replay of a popular 2023 episode, Evon revisits an important topic for optometry practice owners and independent contractors - the differences between different business entities!How do the different business entities work? How are they taxed? How are they different?In this episode, Evon provides optometrists a basic guide to the differences between:Sole ProprietorshipsPartnerships Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)S-CorporationsCorporationsIf you own an optometry practice or are an independent contractor, hopefully this episode brings some clarity around how the different types of businesses operate. Have questions on anything discussed or want to have topics or questions featured on the show? Send Evon an email at evon@optometrywealth.com.Check out www.optometrywealth.com to get to know more about Evon, his financial planning firm Optometry Wealth Advisors, and how he helps optometrists nationwide. From there, you can schedule a short Intro call to share what's on your mind and learn how Evon helps ODs master their cash flow and debt, build their net worth, and plan purposefully around their money and their practices. Resources mentioned on this episode:The Optometry Money Podcast Ep. 47: An Optometrist's Guide to How Income Taxes WorkIRS.Gov Reasonable Compensation for S Corporation OfficersIRS.Gov How to Apply for an EINThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Remote optometry is growing fast - and there's quite a range of opinions on what that means for optometry. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Crystal Edison, a remote optometrist practicing across nine states from her home office, to break down the ins and outs of providing comprehensive remote care. We cover contracts and compensation of remote ODs, how to navigate multi-state licensing, the technology involved, and Crystal addresses some of the most common myths about the quality and credibility of remote optometry.Whether you're a practice owner struggling to find associate coverage or an OD looking for more flexibility and independence, this one's worth a listen.What You'll LearnWhat comprehensive remote optometry actually looks like and how it differs from screening-only modelsHow remote ODs are compensated - W2 vs. 1099 roles and the financial trade-offs of eachKey contract negotiation considerations including malpractice coverage and reimbursementsHow to navigate multi-state licensing without a national compact (and tools like ARBO's CELMO that help)The technology investment needed on both the practice side and the remote OD sideHow practice owners can use remote staffing to fill empty chairs and reduce reliance on locumsCommon myths about remote care quality - and the clinical reality behind modern tele-optometryResources MentionedCrystal Edison on LinkedInEdison Remote Strategies — Crystal's course, The Remote OD BlueprintCrystal's Independent Strong article - Tele-optometry for Owners and AssociatesCELMO through ARBO — Council on Endorsement Licensure Mobility for OptometristsPodcast Ep. 2: Financial and Tax Planning for 1099 OptometristsPodcast Ep. 51: An Optometrist's Guide to the QBI DeductionPodcast Ep. 66: Retirement Plan Options for Independent Contractor OptometristsWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.We're back with our second listener Q&A episode, tackling real questions from ODs around the country. From S Corp salary decisions and how much cash to keep in your practice, to buying your commercial real estate, preparing your practice for sale, and whether you're overfunding your kids' 529 plans — we cover a lot of ground in this one.Have a question you'd like answered on a future episode? Submit it at optometrywealth.com/podcastquestion.What You'll LearnWhat goes into determining a "reasonable salary" as an S Corp optometry practice owner — and why you should rely on your CPATwo practical methods for calculating how much cash your optometry practice should keep on handKey factors to weigh when deciding whether to buy your practice's commercial real estateWhat drives practice valuation and how to start preparing 10 years before you want to sellHow to build balance in your net worth over over time and not be overly concentrated in your practiceThe flexibility built into 529 plans that most ODs don't realize they haveKey TakeawayMany of these questions come down to the same principle: your practice's cash flow is your most powerful financial tool. Whether you're deciding how much salary to pay yourself, how much cash to hold in the business, or how to diversify your net worth — using that cash flow intentionally and efficiently is what moves the needle over time.Links & ResourcesSubmit a question for a future Q&A episodeIRS: S Corporation Compensation and Medical Insurance IssuesEp 139: Optimize Your Pay – 7 Key Factors for Setting Practice Owners' CompensationIDOC Practice Cash Reserve White PaperIDOC How Should Optometry Practices Manage Cash?Ep 154: Trump Accounts for Kids - What Optometrists Need to KnowWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
If your student loan payment is tied to your income, your tax return isn't just paperwork — it's part of your repayment strategy. Listen to a live tax webinar we did with Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, Director of Tax at SLP Wealth, as we share the biggest mistakes we're seeing this season, especially around married filing separately, community property states, and backdoor Roth IRAs — plus when filing an extension can legitimately save you real money on income-driven repayment. If you're navigating forgiveness, IDR, or just trying not to overpay Uncle Sam, this one's for you. Key moments: (02:09) Married filing separate vs. joint: when it lowers payments (08:29) The top mistake: Backdoor Roth errors that trigger penalties (20:37) Niche tax savings under RAP plan, managing AirBnbs, and passive income (35:31) The new SALT cap changes and who benefits Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Join SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member community Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
In this episode, Dan is joined by Connor Pierce to discuss financial considerations for current and future coaches and clinicians, in particular physical therapists.Connor Pierce, DPT, CSLP®, is a fiduciary financial planner and Certified Student Loan Professional specializing in helping coaches, clinicians, and healthcare professionals navigate federal student loan strategy, income-driven repayment, and long-term financial planning. A former physical therapist, Connor now works full-time helping high-debt professionals design financial clarity and career flexibility.Website: https://afterthedpt.comEmail: connor@afterthedpt.comSeason 7 of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast is proudly supported by Pura Health, bringing ultrasound into every clinician's hands. Learn more at purahealth.net and @pura.health_ultrasound.Additional support provided by Firefly Recovery, the official recovery partner of Braun Performance & Rehab (recoveryfirefly.com), and Dr. Ray Gorman of Engage Movement. Learn how to grow your income beyond sessions—follow @raygormandpt on Instagram and DM “Dan” for a free breakdown of the blended practice model.Episode Affiliates: MoboBoard (BRAWNBODY10), AliRx (DBraunRx), MedBridge (BRAWN), CTM Band (BRAWN10), Ice Shaker (affiliate link).If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who would benefit and leave a 5-star review.Explore more from Dan at linktr.ee/braun_pr.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.As an optometrist—especially a practice owner—you face real liability exposure from both your professional work and your business. So how well are your retirement accounts and investments actually protected if something goes wrong? In this episode, we walk through the different layers of liability protection available to ODs and dive into exactly which retirement and investment accounts are shielded from creditors, which ones aren't, and where the common gaps and misconceptions are.What You'll LearnFour common layers of liability protection available to optometrists (entities, insurance, titling, and federal/state law)Why umbrella insurance is one of the most common gaps in OD insurance planningHow ERISA law protects 401(k) and cash balance plans—and why it's the gold standardWhy solo 401(k) plans do NOT carry the same ERISA protection (a common misconception)How SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs fall short on liability protection compared to full 401(k) plansHow Traditional and Roth IRAs are protected in bankruptcy (and the current dollar limit)What happens to liability protection when you roll a 401(k) into an IRA—and a best practice for keeping those dollars separateHow HSAs, taxable brokerage accounts, and 529 plans are (or aren't) protectedSteps ODs should take now to review their liability exposureKey TakeawayNot all retirement accounts are created equal when it comes to liability protection. ERISA-covered plans like 401(k)s and cash balance plans offer the strongest, unlimited federal protection—making maxing those contributions both a tax strategy and a liability strategy. But accounts like solo 401(k)s, SIMPLE IRAs, and traditional/Roth IRAs don't carry that same blanket protection, and the gaps are highly state-dependent. Understanding where your dollars sit and how they're protected is an important part of your overall financial plan.ResourcesSubmit your questions for upcoming Listener Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionReach out: podcast@optometrywealth.comWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Congress created a brand new investment account for kids called Trump Accounts, and the questions from optometrists have been flowing in. In this episode, we break down exactly what these accounts are, how they work, who can contribute, and - most importantly - whether they actually add anything new to the lineup of options you already have for investing on behalf of your kids.What You'll LearnWhat Trump Accounts are and how they workWho can contribute, how much, and whenHow contributions are taxed (and why the after-tax structure matters)How employer contributions work - and potential hurdles for practice owners contributing to their own kids' accountsWhat happens when the child turns 18How Trump Accounts compare to existing options like UTMA/UGMA accounts, 529s, and custodial Roth IRAsThe best use cases for ODs, including the $1,000 federal seed money and Roth conversion planningKey TakeawayTrump Accounts aren't a game-changer, but they can definitely be a benefit for our kids. The biggest win is the $1,000 seed money for eligible kids and the renewed attention on starting retirement savings early. They don't replace anything already in your toolkit - think of them as one more option alongside 529s, custodial accounts, and Roth IRAs.Episode Chapters[00:00] Introduction[01:00] What are Trump Accounts?[02:00] When they're available and how to open one[02:30] Who can contribute and contribution limits[03:00] Why contributions are after-tax (and why that matters)[05:00] Employer contributions through your practice[06:00] Can practice owners contribute to their own kids' accounts?[07:30] Government and nonprofit contributions & the $1,000 pilot program[08:30] Investment options inside Trump Accounts[09:00] What happens when the child turns 18[10:00] Withdrawal restrictions and the ABLE account exception[10:30] How Trump Accounts compare to existing options for kids[14:30] Best use cases for optometrists[17:00] Final thoughts: The real positive of Trump AccountsResources MentionedIRS Form 4547trumpaccounts.govSubmit podcast questions: www.optometrywealth.com/podcastquestionContact: podcast@optometrywealth.comWant a more proactive approach to your planning?You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.In this episode, we break down tax-efficient investing for ODs, showing you how to pair the right investments with the right accounts to maximize your after-tax wealth over your career.What You'll LearnTaxes can be the difference between two optometrists with identical investment returns ending up with vastly different retirement wealth. This episode breaks down how to invest tax-efficiently by pairing the right investments with the right accounts. You'll learn which investments create tax-inefficient income (bonds, REITs) versus more favorable income (stock index funds), and the strategy for placing them across your taxable accounts, pre-tax retirement accounts, Roth accounts, and HSAs. The key is treating all your accounts toward the same goal as one coordinated household portfolio instead of managing each separately. Key TakeawayDon't let the tax tail wag the dog. Start with good, prudent, evidence-based investments - then optimize their placement to minimize taxes along the way. The goal isn't to avoid all taxes; it's to maximize your after-tax wealth over your lifetime.Episode Chapters[00:00] Introduction: Why tax-smart investing matters for ODs[03:00] Why taxes matter: The real drag on your investment returns[05:00] Tax Layer 1: Understanding investment account types (taxable, pre-tax, Roth, HSA)[06:00] How different types of investment income get taxed[10:00] Tax Layer 2: Tax characteristics of stocks, bonds, and REITs[12:00] How fund management impacts your tax bill[16:00] Asset location strategy: Putting it all together[20:00] Common constraints and considerations[22:00] Mistakes to avoid when managing multiple accounts[24:00] Conclusions: Focus on good investing while managing taxesResources MentionedFree Download: Get Your OD's Guide to Tax-Smart InvestingInventory your accountsIdentify tax-inefficient holdingsEvaluate if investments are in the right placesReady for a Second Opinion?Want help reviewing your current setup? Reach out for a no-pressure conversation about whether your investments are working as tax-efficiently as they could be.Click Here to schedule your free consultation! Submit Your Question for Q&A Episodes! Have questions you'd want answered on the podcast?Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.In this first-ever OD listener Q&A episode, we tackle seven questions covering practice ownership, retirement accounts, student loans, and tax strategy. From why your practice is your most important investment to navigating the backdoor Roth IRA maze, we break down what actually matters for ODs at different career stages.Submit Your Questions to the Podcast:Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionListener Questions We Tackle:What can younger optometry practice owners do to build wealth in the first few years of ownership?How are "backdoor" Roth IRA contributions recorded on an optometrist's tax return?Why does a traditional IRA "ruin" the "backdoor" Roth IRA contribution for optometrists?Why is a 401(k) plan "better" for optometry practices than a SIMPLE IRA?Are owner's distributions from optometry practices taxable?Should optometrists pay down student loans or save for practice ownership?If an optometrist is on the PAYE plan for student loans, does he/she need to switch repayment plans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?Episode Chapters[00:00:52] What can younger optometry practice owners do to build wealth in the first few years of ownership?[00:06:08] How are "backdoor" Roth IRA contributions recorded on an optometrist's tax return?[00:09:01] Why does a traditional IRA "ruin" the "backdoor" Roth IRA contribution for optometrists?[00:12:29] Why is a 401(k) plan "better" for optometry practices than a SIMPLE IRA?[00:17:25] Are owner's distributions from optometry practices taxable?[00:20:42] Should optometrists pay down student loans or save for practice ownership?[00:25:34] If an optometrist is on the PAYE plan for student loans, does he/she need to switch repayment plans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?Resources MentionedSubmit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 151: How Filing Taxes Separately Impacts Student Loan Outcomes for OptometristsThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 143: How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists – Taxes, Student Loans, and More!The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 68: Financial Planning Considerations When Preparing for Practice OwnershipThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 69: Financial Planning Considerations for the Early Years of Practice OwnershipThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 70: Financial Planning Considerations for Owners of Established Optometry PracticesThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep. 49: An Optometrist's Guide to Business EntitiesThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Parent PLUS loans are about to get a lot more complicated, and most families have no idea what's coming. In this episode, senior student loan advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, AFC®, sits down with student loan expert Janna McKay, AFC®, CSLP®, to break down the biggest changes affecting Parent PLUS borrowers. You'll learn about the end of double consolidation, new repayment access rules, and what the July 2026 deadline really means for forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). If you're a parent helping kids through college, this episode could save you from a costly mistake. Key moments: (06:38) Why double consolidation is officially dead (and what replaces it) (08:10) Quick clarification for borrowers who don't have Parent PLUS loans (13:38) Real client cases where consolidation mistakes caused major problems (22:43) Why borrowing after July 2026 could permanently block PSLF for parent borrowers (33:18) Legacy provisions for borrowing before July 1, 2026 vs. borrowing after Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Join SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member community Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Tax filing season is here, and for married optometrists planning toward student loan forgiveness, how you file your taxes can save you thousands of dollars per year. In this episode, we break down how tax filing status impacts your income-driven repayment calculations and when filing separately makes financial sense.Key Takeaways:The three core student loan strategies for optometrists: paying off like any other debt, pursuing forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans, or using a hybrid approach for specific cash flow goalsHow filing married jointly includes both spouses' income in the student loan calculation, even if only one spouse has loansFiling married separately allows you to exclude your spouse's income from the calculation, often resulting in dramatically lower monthly paymentsHow community property states offer even more student loan planning opportunities for optometristsThe additional tax costs of filing separately and how to compare them against student loan savings to make the right decisionCritical timing considerations for filing your tax return and student loansWhy filing an extension may make sense if you're unsure about your strategyChapters:00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Core Student Loan Strategies Optometrists Should Consider 03:50 Income is the Most Important Planning Lever for Income-Driven Repayment Plans 05:05 Filing Taxes Married Jointly Includes Both Spouse's Income in the Student Loan Calculation 06:00 How Filing Taxes Married Separately Allows for Better Student Loan Planning for Optometrists 07:00 Example of How Filing Separately Can Improve Optometrists' Student Loan Calculations 08:45 How Community Property States Magnify the Student Loan Planning Opportunities for Optometrists 12:00 Additional Tax Costs to Consider When Filing Taxes Separately 15:00 The Math - Compare the Student Loan Savings vs. Higher Tax Costs When Filing Separately 16:00 Next Steps for OptometristsResources mentioned:Click Here to Download Your Free 2025 Tax Filing Guide for OptometristsReady to work with a financial advisor who understands student loan and tax planning for optometrists? Click Here to Schedule a conversation.The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show.Even though we're already into 2026, tax planning for 2025 isn't over. While most tax planning happens before December 31st, there are still several impactful levers you can pull before filing your return.In this episode, Evon breaks down four specific tax planning opportunities still available to optometrists in early 2026, including strategies for individual ODs, practice owners, and real estate investors. Whether you're looking to maximize retirement contributions, reduce your 2025 tax burden, or accelerate depreciation on investment properties, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for what's still possible.Key TakeawaysIRA and HSA contributions can be made until April 15th and still count toward your 2025 tax yearThe "backdoor Roth IRA" remains available regardless of income, but requires careful execution to avoid the pro-rata rulePractice owners can make profit-sharing contributions up until their business tax filing deadline (including extensions)Cost segregation studies can accelerate depreciation for real estate investors, and why January 19, 2025 is a key dateNot every strategy makes sense for every situation - tax bracket, liquidity needs, and long-term plans all matter when deciding which levers to pullEpisode Chapters00:00 - Welcome and Listener Question01:00 - Tax Planning Lever #1: IRA and HSA Contributions by April 15th03:00 - Watch Out for Tax Filing Quirks and the Pro-Rata Rule with "Backdoor" Roth IRA Contributions07:00 - Tax Planning Lever #2: 529 Contributions If Your State Provides a Tax Benefit08:00 - Tax Planning Lever #3: 401(k) Profit Sharing Contributions10:00 - Do Profit Sharing Contributions Make Sense for Your Optometry Practice?13:00 - Don't Forget About Cash Balance Plans for Mature Optometry Practices13:00 - Tax Planning Lever #4: Cost Segregation Studies for Investment Real Estate16:00 - Final Thoughts for Optometrists Before Tax Season
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!2026 brings several important financial and tax changes that can directly impact optometrists - especially practice owners and those with student loans.In this episode, Evon walks through five key updates to be aware of as you plan for the year ahead, including changes to retirement contributions, student loans, health insurance, and tax planning opportunities.To make this easier, we've also created a free, 2-page 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide for Optometrists, which you can download using the link below.What We Cover in This Episode1. Annual Tax & Retirement Updates for 2026Adjustments to tax brackets and the standard deduction2026 retirement plan contribution limitsSpecial catch-up contribution rules for ages 60–63HSA and IRA contribution updatesSocial Security wage base increaseHow to adjust payroll contributions early in the year2. OBBBA Changes Taking Effect in 2026Expanded phase-out thresholds for the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductionWhy this matters for optometry practice owners and 1099 ODsHow this creates a longer planning runway for higher-income householdsAn overview of new “Trump Accounts” expected to launch mid-year3. Student Loan Rule Changes and Key July 1 DeadlinesOngoing changes to income-driven repayment plansIntroduction of the new RAP planWhat currently practicing optometrists need to knowWhy July 1, 2026 is a critical date for consolidation decisionsDifferences between planning for current borrowers vs. future optometrists4. Health Insurance Changes: ACA & HSA UpdatesACA premium tax credits reverting to pre-COVID rulesThe return of the 400% federal poverty line “cliff”Why income planning matters more again in 2026Expanded HSA eligibility for Bronze and catastrophic ACA plansUsing HSAs as a long-term planning tool5. Roth-Only Catch-Up Contributions for High EarnersMandatory Roth catch-up contributions for certain high-income earnersWho this applies to and how it's determinedWhy catch-up contributions may no longer reduce taxable incomeWhat to check with your 401(k) plan administrator
Filing taxes married filing separately can be one of the most powerful tools for lowering income-driven student loan payments. But it's also one of the easiest ways to make costly mistakes if you're not careful. Meagan McGuire, CFP®, ChFC®, CSLP®, walks through what borrowers need to double-check before tax season hits. You'll learn when filing separately actually saves money, when it backfires, and how community property states completely change the math. Key moments: (05:32) Why married filing separately can dramatically lower IDR payments (09:58) Real numbers: comparing tax cost vs. student loan savings (17:28) The Roth IRA trap many married borrowers miss (23:37) Why community property states often create extra student loan savings Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Join SLP Insiders for student loan loopholes, SLP app and member community Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
We've hit 400 episodes. That's hundreds of hours helping borrowers make sense of one of the most complicated (and emotional) parts of personal finance. In this milestone episode, I sit down with Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, AFC®, one of our longest-serving planners and a key part of SLP since 2018. Together, we look back on how it all started — a spreadsheet that accidentally went viral — and how far we've come since then. We talk about the biggest surprises in today's student loan system, the stories that still move us years later, and where SLP is heading next. Key moments: (02:37) How a viral spreadsheet launched a national business (9:34) From Olympian to planner: Lauryn's journey to helping borrowers with student loan debt (14:50) The biggest shock about student loans today compared to 2016 (22:00) Client stories that still stick with us (32:15) Why today's system is simpler—but still not simple enough (38:54) What's next for SLP: building the SLP Insiders app to bring borrowers together Resources mentioned: Financial Free Era podcast 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Heather Jarvis, Student Loan Expert Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!
In this episode, Rory speaks with Alex Bottom, CEO of Finology, and Ryan Galiotto, CFP®, CSLP®, founder of the Student Loan Help Network, about how advisors and CPAs can prepare for the sweeping changes coming to student loan planning. They discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and how it will reshape repayment plans, extend terms, and impose new borrowing caps beginning in 2026. Alex explains how tax filing status and forgiveness rules can significantly impact repayment and why understanding these nuances is critical for CPAs. Ryan highlights the growing number of retirees carrying Parent PLUS loans and how this generational shift is redefining financial priorities for families. Together, they outline why student loan planning is moving from niche to mainstream and how practitioners can integrate it as a value-added service. Are you ready to help clients navigate the new repayment landscape? Want to know how to turn student loan guidance into an opportunity for deeper client relationships? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this important conversation with Alex Bottom and Ryan Galiotto.
Carl Richards is one of the leading voices when it comes to money and emotions. For over a decade, he was the creator of the Sketch Guy column in The New York Times, where his hand-drawn sketches made financial complexity surprisingly simple—and deeply emotional. He joins us to ask the question that instantly ties our brain in knots: 'What is money, really?' From there, he discusses: Why we unknowingly organize life around money and work Why 'enough' is a way of being (not a number) How we keep handing money jobs it can't do—like self-worth, love, and happiness Come for the doodles; leave with a gentler, saner way to align your calendar, your checkbook, and your life.
We are welcoming back the man behind the most debated number in retirement, Bill Bengen- this time with a special appearance from his lovely wife, Barbara. We take a brief detour to hear their love story and how they met, before getting into his new book, 'A Richer Retirement: Supercharging the 4% Rule to Spend More and Enjoy More'. He joins us in this episode to: Break down the primary goals of the book Help you understand what's required to create and manage a successful personal retirement withdrawal plan Step us through all the tools required to make your money last your entire lifetime
The average financial planner is about 56 years old, but 25-year-old Emma Von Weise got a running start learning about money as a teenager and is now one of the youngest CFP professionals. She shares how she became money savvy so early and what influences impacted her the most. She isn't here to judge the rest of us who started late but to help us make up for lost time—with humor, heart, and practical advice that meets you exactly where you are. In this episode, we discuss: Emma's money story and early financial literacy The spark that led to a career in financial planning at such an early age Why she is an old soul that just loves working with retirees Modern Day Continuing-Care Retirement Communities
Ruth Henderson is the creator of ‘The Happy Saver,' a beloved New Zealand blog and podcast that brings personal finance down to earth. She transitioned from part-time work to full-time content creation, sharing her journey toward early retirement with honesty, humor, and heart. In this episode we swap notes with her on the financial independence journey of Americans vs. Kiwis (New Zealanders). She also shares with us: Her late starter journey to FI What inspired her to create 'The Happy Saver' to help everyday Kiwis reach FI A breakdown of New Zealand's surprisingly simple ecosystem including universal healthcare and pension How KiwiSaver operates similarly to US employer-sponsored retirement plans
In this episode of the Making Strides for Animal Chiropractic podcast, Dr. Katie is joined by Lauryn Williams, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), from Student Loan Planner, to demystify the complex world of student loans. She is the founder of the financial planning firm, Worth Winning, and the "Worth Listening" podcast. She graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Finance and also has an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Lauryn is a 4-time Olympian and the first American woman to medal in both the Summer and Winter Games! Together, they discuss recent policy changes, repayment plan options, and how to navigate loans while building a chiropractic or veterinary practice. Lauryn also offers practical tips for future and current borrowers and highlights why proactive loan management is key to long-term financial success.Topics covered in this episode: Meet student loan expert, Lauryn WilliamsUnderstanding Student Loan PlannerRecent changes in student loansIncome-driven repayment plansPublic Service Loan ForgivenessFuture borrowers and inflationLinks and Resources: Find out more information about Student Loan PlannerClick HERE for $100 OFF a consultation and start building your custom repayment strategy today!Click HERE to gain more insight into student loans from their blogFind Student Loan Planner on FacebookFind Student Loan Planner on InstagramFind Student Loan Planner on YouTubeMaking Strides for Animal Chiropractic Links and Resources:Visit the Making Strides for Animal Chiropractic websiteVisit our Facebook PageVisit our Instagram Page Thank you to our sponsors!Academy for the Advancement of Animal ChiropracticEquigateHave an idea for the podcast? Please leave us a survey!
Azul Terronez went from being an unknown schoolteacher to a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. He is co-founder and lead coach at “Authors Who Lead,” a platform dedicated to empowering authors to share their stories. He turns our conversation with him into a courage clinic for would-be storytellers, late starters, and anyone who suspects their "zone of genius" is dying to be unleashed. He gives us the reframe that authorship isn't about words so much as the message beneath them. === PLUTUS AWARDS: ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO VOTE === We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI” - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski. The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October. ✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS? The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more. ✅ VOTE If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes. ✅ CATEGORIES Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them. Catching Up to FI Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio Content Creator of the Year: Audio People's Choice: Audio Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP Plutus Storyteller Award Best Traditional Retirement Content Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities Best Personal Finance Content for Women Other categories Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski) Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
In this midweek episode, Bill and Jackie join the 'The Visible Voices' podcast, hosted by Dr. Resa E Lewiss. We highlight the voice of late starters and discuss: The huge gap that 'Catching Up to FI' is filling and what we mean by the 'silent majority' How shock, regret, and money-trauma can become fuel Unique advantages you may have when beginning your financial independence journey later in life Why micro-steps (Kaizen-style) beat grand gestures every time === VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS === We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI” - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski. ✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS? The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more. ✅ VOTE If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes. ✅ DEADLINE The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October. ✅ CATEGORIES Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them. Catching Up to FI Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio Content Creator of the Year: Audio People's Choice: Audio Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP Plutus Storyteller Award Best Traditional Retirement Content Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities Best Personal Finance Content for Women Other categories Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski) Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
Morningstar's Christine Benz and investing-history legend Dr. William Bernstein announces the Jonathan Clements "Getting Going on Savings" Initiative. In 2024, Jonathan was diagnosed with a terminal illness and decided to use the proceeds from a final book to kick-start a new program that will directly help fund Roth IRAs for young adults (especially from low-income households) to the tune of $1,000 each. The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is assisting with the project and 'Catching Up to FI' is proud to spread the word by replaying this conversation that originally aired on the 'Bogleheads on Investing' podcast (5/27/25). === VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS === We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI” - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski. ✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS? The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more. ✅ VOTE If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes. ✅ DEADLINE The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October. ✅ CATEGORIES Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them. Catching Up to FI Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio Content Creator of the Year: Audio People's Choice: Audio Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP Plutus Storyteller Award Best Traditional Retirement Content Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities Best Personal Finance Content for Women Other categories Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski) Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
Bill hops onto Jesse Cramer's 'Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors' (formally The Best Interest) podcast. Along with some of our favorite content creators, he shares his crazy spending screw ups-- and the life lessons that followed. Stories from: Bill Yount (Catching Up to FI) Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance For Long-Term Investors) Diania Merriam (EconoMe Conference & Optimal Finance Daily) Justin Peters (FI Minded, formally The Struggle is Real) Jordan (Doc G) Grumet (Earn & Invest) Joe Saul-Sehy (Stacking Benjamins) Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club) === VOTE FOR US: PLUTUS AWARDS === We need your vote for the 2025 Plutus Awards! You can now vote for your hosts behind "Catching Up to FI” - Bill Yount & Jackie Cummings Koski. ✅ WHAT IS THE PLUTUS AWARDS? The Plutus Awards recognize excellence in independent financial content. That's the best podcasts, books, video channels, blogs, and more. ✅ VOTE If you've gotten value from our content and think we are worthy of recognition, please support by casting your votes here > >> https://plutus.awardsplatform.com/. There's a short registration needed to vote and you'll be in and out in just a few minutes. ✅ DEADLINE The deadline to vote is August 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced in October. ✅ CATEGORIES Below are the categories we have been nominated for and we'd love your vote in each of them. Catching Up to FI Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Audio Content Creator of the Year: Audio People's Choice: Audio Best Financial Advisor Content/Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP Plutus Storyteller Award Best Traditional Retirement Content Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities Best Personal Finance Content for Women Other categories Best New Personal Finance Content Creator - Written (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Best New Personal Finance Book (F.I.R.E. for Dummies) Plutus Resilience Award (Jackie Cummings Koski) Best Financial Independence or Retire Early Content (F.I.R.E. for Dummies)
Bogleheads favorite Jon Luskin, CFP® drops in for a masterclass on keeping money moves “so dull they sparkle.” He specializes in providing hourly advice to do-it-yourself investors and is a long-time advocate of simple, low-cost investing. In this episode he shares with us: Why every late-starter's to-do list should begin with an emergency fund and Social Security game plan before touching their asset mix How low fees—not “sexy” alts—make numbers grow His soup-to-nuts review (including insurance gaps, estate docs and Investor Policy Statement) How simplicity wins
You asked and we answered! In this episode we tackle listener questions with more than just a one-sentence response… we go deeper and give you answers with our thoughtful insights, ideas and considerations important to late starters. These are the questions we cover on today's show: ✅ Bill's costly mistake with whole-life insurance; what should you do instead? ✅ How does the $19,000 annual gift tax exclusion work? ✅ Do I have too much in cash as I'm approaching retirement? ✅ I'm new to investing and pay someone to manage my 401(k). I also want to start a Roth IRA, is now a good time? ✅ What if you're low income and can barely save, how do you move the needle? ✅ What is the middle class trap?
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