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Exploring the Nuances of Retirement for Physicians

Retirement planning for physicians presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. High earning potential is often counterbalanced by substantial student loan debt. The question of maintaining a certain standard of living during retirement, especially in the face of escalating healthcare costs, also looms large. Yet, the potential for maximizing retirement savings through early planning and wise investment cannot be overlooked. This article explores these multiple dimensions of retirement planning for physicians, offering insights into employer-sponsored plans, individual retirement options, considerations for high-income physicians, and more to help you embark on a well-planned retirement journey.

Why Planning for Retirement as a Physician Is Essential

Physicians often face a unique financial scenario, juggling high earning potential with significant student loan debt. Starting retirement planning early allows for a strategic approach to overcoming these financial hurdles. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making wise financial decisions that align with long-term goals.

High Earning Potential vs. Student Loan Debt

For many physicians, the path to happy practicing medicine comes with the burden of student loan debt. While earning potential is high, this debt can act as a barrier to effective retirement planning. Balancing loan repayments with contributions to retirement savings requires a solid financial plan, often crafted with the help of a financial planner. This approach ensures that debt repayment doesn’t derail retirement for physicians.

Addressing student loan debt while also saving for retirement as a physician can seem daunting. Yet, with the right financial planning, physicians can manage this balance. Strategies might include refinancing loans, exploring loan forgiveness programs, and prioritizing high-interest debt. It’s crucial to start this process early to maximize the benefits of compound interest in retirement accounts.

Avoiding Burnout and Maintaining Well-Being

Burnout is a significant issue within the healthcare industry, impacting both financial wellness and the ability to continue practicing medicine. Effective retirement planning can act as a preventative measure. Knowing there’s a plan for the future can alleviate current stresses, contributing to overall well-being and the ability to maintain a high standard of care for patients.

Implementing retirement savings strategies, such as investing in index funds or maximizing contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans, can provide security. Physicians who are confident in their financial future can focus more on their passion for medicine and less on the stressors that lead to burnout.

Maintaining a Standard of Living in Retirement as a Physician

Rising healthcare costs and the uncertain future of Social Security highlight the importance of planning for retirement for physicians. Planning ensures that you can maintain your standard of living and afford the care you might need in the future. As healthcare administrators, doctors know firsthand the value of preparing for health-related expenses in retirement.

Utilizing tools like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for tax-free medical expense savings, and investing in a diversified portfolio can safeguard your standard of living. These steps, coupled with a clear understanding of retirement needs, lay a solid foundation for a comfortable retirement.

Maximizing Retirement Savings Through Early Planning

Starting retirement planning early in your career takes advantage of compounding interest and investment growth. This early start can significantly increase your retirement savings, allowing more flexibility and security in your retirement years.

Options like employer-sponsored plans, IRAs, and even taxable accounts should be explored. Each has its own set of benefits, such as tax advantages and potential employer-matching contributions. A financial planner can help navigate these options, ensuring a comprehensive approach to building your nest egg.

Navigating Pre- and After-Tax Contributions

Understanding the difference between pre-tax and after-tax contributions is crucial in maximizing retirement savings. Pre-tax contributions, like those made to a traditional 401(k) or IRA, can lower your taxable income now but will be taxed upon withdrawal. Conversely, after-tax contributions, such as to a Roth IRA, allow for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Working with an experienced financial advisor can assist in determining the best approach based on your current income, tax bracket, and retirement goals. This planning is key to optimizing tax implications and ensuring a steady income in retirement.

PRS provides experienced retirement planning services that help you plan for your life after retirement.

Learn More

Understanding Your Retirement Options as a Physician

There are a few key options for retirement as a physician. Let’s explore each below.

Employer-Sponsored Plans

Employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s, are a cornerstone of physician retirement planning. These plans often include employer matching programs, which can significantly enhance your retirement savings. Understanding the vesting schedules and contribution limits associated with these plans is essential.

For physicians in corporate careers or part of larger healthcare systems, these plans offer a straightforward way to start saving for retirement. Coupled with potential tax benefits and the compounding effect of regular contributions, they form an essential part of a retirement strategy.

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Traditional and Roth IRAs offer valuable retirement savings options with different tax implications. Traditional IRAs provide tax-deferred growth, meaning taxes are paid upon withdrawal, while Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Eligibility criteria and contribution limits apply, so it’s crucial to understand these aspects to maximize your retirement savings. IRAs are particularly advantageous for physicians with earnings above the limits for employer-sponsored plan contributions, providing an additional vehicle for retirement savings.

Self-Employed Physicians

Self-employed physicians have unique retirement savings opportunities, such as the SEP IRA. This option allows for higher contribution limits compared to traditional IRAs, making it especially beneficial for those with variable incomes. Understanding how to leverage a SEP IRA can significantly impact a self-employed physician’s retirement planning.

Roth Conversions and Backdoor Roth IRAs

Roth conversions and backdoor Roth IRAs offer strategies for managing tax liabilities and taking advantage of Roth IRA benefits. These methods can be particularly useful for high-income earners, who might otherwise face limits on Roth IRA contributions. Financial advisors can provide guidance on these tactics, helping physicians optimize their retirement savings while managing taxes effectively.

Considerations for High-Income Physicians

For high-income physicians, maximizing retirement savings and navigating tax implications require strategic planning. Limits on contributions to Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs may necessitate exploring alternative strategies, such as utilizing taxable brokerage accounts or making non-deductible IRA contributions.

Financial advisors can offer insights into these and other strategies, ensuring that physicians make the most of their retirement savings opportunities while considering asset protection and financial wellness.

Start on Your Retirement Journey With Physician’s Resource Sources

Effective retirement planning is a multifaceted process, requiring an understanding of various savings options, tax implications, and long-term goals. For physicians, starting this journey early, with the right resources and professional guidance, is essential to achieving financial security in retirement. Reach out to our team today to start your retirement journey.

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Robin Bales – AGENT

Robin has owned a Commercial Leasing Company providing financing to doctors and other operators for their equipment beginning in 2007. After the global crash of 2008, she went to work for NYL and spent 3 years there working with other entrepreneurs securing their retirement future and safeguarding their personal asset risks. Robin opened her own agency in 2017 Legacy by Design and has run a national firm coast to coast with 50-70 agents. Today the agency is much smaller serving 5 agents who share the same vision and passion for our clients focusing on health insurance, Medicare, and annuities.

Robin is most connected to ethos of PRS mission to improve the lives of doctors and their families. Supporting those who run the leading infrastructure of our country.

Robin has been married for 22 years to her husband Steven. Together they have 3 girls and have built a family with strong values and commitment to each others successes. Robin’s family are home bodies by nature and enjoy their 3 dogs hanging in living room or kitchen.

Karli Allen – HEAD OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Karli is a graduate of The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA, and has a business degree with emphases in accounting, finance, and management. Karli has been in the financial services industry since 2014 and joined the PRS team in 2018.

Karli oversees investment and financial planning operations and assists with the onboarding and service of the firm’s advisory clients.  Karli was a key part of our firm’s custodial transition to Fidelity in 2019 as part of our decision to become an independent investment advisory firm.  Before joining PRS, Karli worked in personal financial planning in Orange County, California.  She also holds a FINRA Series 65 license. Karli is grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.

Outside of work, Karli enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with her husband and their goldendoodle.

Gabriela Chavez – ANALYST

At Physicians Resource Service Gabby plays a pivotal role in Paul’s advisory team, staying in close contact with clients, driving business development, and lending a hand in daily operational tasks. Additionally, she collaborates with CPA Erin Anderson to prepare tax returns, conduct withholding reviews and undertake various tasks across the division.

Gabby is currently double-majoring in accounting and finance at the University of the Incarnate World in San Antonio, and she plans to sit for her Certified Financial Planning exam in the fall of 2022. Before transferring to UIW, she attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. Gabby was born in Germany and is Mexican American. She loves to travel and has visited 11 different countries. She has a five-year-old pug named Penny.

Chris Fullbright – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Chris brings experience in financial services and the perspective of a successful entrepreneur who has launched several businesses. With over a decade in the industry, he has served as both an advisor and in a management role coaching new advisors. Chris attended the University of Georgia and Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.

He currently holds many financial services licenses and designations including FINRA Group One, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, Series 7, ARPC, and Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC). In his free time he enjoys being involved in the local community through organizations such as Comfort Crew for Military Kids. Chris is also an active member of Austin Christian Fellowship Church, and enjoys spending time there as well as reading, fishing, and going to sporting events. He is happily married to Monique with two wonderful sons. In addition to serving physicians, Chris specializes in working with special needs families.

Kevin Burris – PARAPLANNER

Kevin received his BA and MBA from Indiana University, earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the University of Georgia, and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College. Kevin is looking forward to helping physicians live their best life. Kevin enjoys spending time on the lake with his wife, playing golf, and watching Indiana University sports.

Michael Kohles – AGENT

Michael attended Lake Michigan College and Siena Heights University, graduating magna cum lade with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a major in Finance and minor in Marketing. Michael has been in the financial services industry since 2015 and has experience with multiple insurance verticals. Michael is excited to help physicians achieve their financial goals by providing insurance solutions. Michael is married to Erin and has 4 children. Michael also enjoys reading, golfing, playing poker, learning, and traveling.

Erin Kohles – UNDERWRITING PROCESSOR

Erin supports our advisors and clients during the insurance underwriting process in multiple ways. On a given day, she helps by processing applications, tracking and following up on open cases, and answering client questions. She appreciates the part she plays in helping clients prepare for the future, and she strives to make the process as simple and efficient as possible.

Erin has been in the insurance industry for two years and brings with her six and eight years of experience in accounting and quality control, respectively. She graduated from Ball State University and has her life & health and property & casualty insurance licenses. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her two boys who play basketball, soccer, and baseball; traveling with her husband; and playing with their Yorkie, Mingo.

Erin Anderson – CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

As a certified public accountant, Erin is a valuable part of our tax division at PRS. She enjoys working with our advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies, and she strives to provide clarity for every client she serves. Erin started her career as an accountant after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2012 with a master’s degree. She earned her CPA license in 2018. Erin and her husband have two little boys, and they love spending time outdoors as a family and watching OSU football.

Alex Simmons – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Alex oversees Business Development at Physician’s Resource Services. She works with each department to assist in continually improving PRS so we remain a leading competitor in the industry. Alex graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Energy Commerce. She is a Texas native who loves to spend her free time traveling and taking her pup, Teddi, to the dog park.

Jennifer Khan- UNDERWRITING SPECIALIST

Jennifer is an Underwriting Specialist at Physician’s Resource Services, with an extensive background in customer service and administration. Jennifer grew up in Texas, graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BFA in Theatre, and spent six years in Chicago performing sketch and improv. She is a graduate of the Conservatory Program at The Second City and iO Chicago. Jennifer and her husband, Qamar, moved to Texas with their dachshund mix, Dobby, to be closer to family, sunshine, and good BBQ.

Cheryl Breeden – OFFICE MANAGER

Cheryl is the Business Manager for the firm and a licensed service assistant. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She has years of experience in the areas of process management, customer service, benefits, and insurance. Cheryl has three girls — Ashley, Hannah, & Olivia. She brings this experience to our firm where she manages the underwriting and service process. She also manages the business operations for the firm.

John C. Jackson IV – ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

John is an agent from Austin, TX, a graduate of Westlake High School and The University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration. While at UT, John was a 2-Time Captain and 4-Time All-Conference performer for the men’s lacrosse team. While away from the office, John coaches with the Westlake Youth Lacrosse program and volunteers with Austin’s Young Men’s Business League, and Austin Sunshine Camps.

Paul Smith, CFP® ChFC® MSFS – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Paul has helped his clients in financial, business, and estate planning for over 10 years. Paul is a graduate of Texas State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He has also completed the extensive studies necessary to earn the Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. Paul is actively involved in the community through his volunteer work and service on Community Action Board for the Helping Hand Home for Children. Paul is married to Heather and they have two children, Nyla and Hazel.

Richard Cunningham – MANAGING DIRECTOR

For 30 years, Richard has been helping clients reach their financial goals with sincerity and integrity. He works with GME program administrators, individual physicians and their families to help doctors achieve financial security. Richard is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He studied in Paris at the Sorbonne. Richard supports numerous charitable organizations, is actively involved in Austin Recovery, and he participates in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society as a survivor of CML. Richard is married to Adrienne with two children, Raven and Coates.