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Physician financial planning is essential for several reasons. It allows us to set clear financial goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Whether you’re aiming to pay off student loans, purchase a home, or start a family, having a solid financial plan can help you make informed decisions and stay on track. Additionally, financial planning can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. By building an emergency fund and investing wisely, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unexpected financial challenges.
The Do’s and Don’t of Financial Planning for Physicians
Here are some important do’s and don’ts that physicians should keep in mind as they work toward retirement and financial stability over the course of their careers:
Do: Plan Your Financial Journey
Ask yourself:
- What will your life look like?
- Are you financially independent or still needing to work?
- What does financial independence mean to you?
- What about money is most important to you and why?
- Are you willing to make sacrifices today for a secure financial future?
Once you have a clear vision, map out the steps needed to reach your financial goals. Then, take a look at your current spending habits and adjust your lifestyle for future financial security.
Do: Save Early, Save Often
Start saving as much of your income as possible, as early as possible. The best way to start saving in your early years is by taking advantage of your employer’s qualified retirement plan, such as a 401k or pension plan. These plans often come with generous matching contributions, especially in large health systems. Make sure to max out these plans, and take advantage of the free money. Once you’ve reached the limit on these plans, many employers offer non-qualified plans that allow you to save even more.
Do: Let Your Money Do the Work
Compound growth is a key to building potential wealth, and it all starts with getting an early start. The first 10 years are crucial. Every $10,000 saved during this period becomes exponentially more valuable than any amount saved in the last 10 years before retirement. By starting early and taking advantage of compound growth, you can unlock the power of your money and give it the chance to multiply.
Do: Control Your Cash Flow
It’s also important to take notice of your cash flow. Here are a few ways you can take control of your finances to improve your cash flow:
- Review your financial planning goals.
- Determine how much money you need to achieve your goals to give you a clear idea of what you’re working toward.
- Take a deep dive into your expenses and find areas where you can cut back or optimize.
With these tax tips, you can find a good CPA for your medical practice that can help improve your tax situation.
Don’t: Buy Depreciating Assets
When it comes to building wealth, focus on assets that appreciate over time. While expensive cars and boats may seem tempting, they can quickly eat away at your financial progress. Instead, consider putting your money into investments that have the potential to grow, like stocks or real estate. Purchasing a family home is not only a wise financial decision, but it also provides a safe and stable environment for your loved ones. Over time, the value of your home is likely to appreciate.
Don’t: Spend More Than Your Income
First, take a moment to understand your income and expenses. Get a clear picture of your financial situation and identify areas where you can cut back. You’ll be surprised at how even small changes can add up to significant savings. Next, analyze your spending patterns and set realistic savings goals. With a proper strategy in place, you’ll be able to save even during fluctuating income periods.
Don’t: Manage and Invest Your Finances on Your Own
Doctors often have multiple people they work with for individual accounts like retirement plans or insurance, but keeping up with everything can be overwhelming. That’s where a financial advisor comes in. They can provide a holistic view of your finances and guide you in making wise decisions. With a financial advisor, you won’t have to juggle multiple professionals or worry about missing out on important financial opportunities.
Don’t: Choose Your Financial Advisor Simply Based on a Friend’s Recommendation
Establishing a long-term relationship with a financial advisor can be extremely beneficial. They’ll get to know your goals, what you’ve saved, and even your children. However, don’t rely on simply getting a recommendation from a friend or colleague—do your homework. Take the time to interview potential advisors and find someone you feel completely comfortable with.
Key Takeaways
Planning for your financial future as a physician is essential, but it can be daunting to do it alone. With Physician’s Resource Services, we can guide you to long-term financial health. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your financial situation and guide you towards stability. Whether it’s managing your loans, planning for retirement, or creating a smooth succession process, we’ve got you covered. We customize our financial planning strategies to match your unique situation, ensuring that your savings and future income are protected. Don’t let the stress of planning for your future take away from your incredible achievement of graduating from medical school and transitioning into practice. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with our financial planning services for physicians.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.
Advisory Services Network, LLC does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state laws are complex and constantly changing. You should always consult your own legal or tax professional for information concerning your individual situation.
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