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How to Achieve Financial Wellness for Doctors

If you’re a physician ready to take control of your financial future, don’t miss out on these practical tips on achieving financial wellness for doctors.

Common Financial Challenges for Physicians

In order to achieve financial wellness for doctors, it’s important to have an understanding of common financial challenges:

High Level of Income/Human Capital

Despite their impressive earning potential, physicians often struggle to effectively manage their finances. This is due to their demanding schedules and limited time for financial planning. Doctors possess a unique asset known as human capital, which includes their knowledge, skills, and experience. However, this high level of human capital can also present financial challenges. For example, doctors often have to deal with the burden of student loan debt, which can take years or even decades to pay off. Additionally, their long and rigorous education can result in a delayed start to saving for retirement.

Delayed Investment Strategies

The high income of physicians can be tempting when it comes to mortgages and student loans, leading them to over-leverage and preventing them from saving in the early years of their career. As a result, doctors often have to invest more capital later on, work more years, and may even take on higher risk investments to catch up.

Common Target for Litigation

Your high-risk profession, high income, and perceived wealth make you a common target for lawsuits. Implementing tools like personal liability “umbrella” insurance policies and malpractice insurance can help cover claims. Safeguard your assets from creditors with retirement accounts, 529s, and UTMAs, special trusts, life insurance, and limited liability companies.

Vulnerability to Financial Solicitation

Another major financial challenge for physicians is vulnerability. Yes, you are highly respected and successful, but that also makes you a target for lawsuits. You’re also a target for friends and family members who want to pitch their investment opportunities to you.

While it’s great to support your loved ones, it’s crucial to ensure that your financial portfolio remains balanced. You don’t want your investments to hinder your ability to contribute to retirement and life insurance accounts. Plus, let’s not forget the short and long-term personal demands on your cash flow. Before diving into any investments, take a step back and assess the potential impact on your financial goals. As physicians, your financial well-being is just as important as your patients’ well-being.

Higher Taxes Compared to Other High-Earning Professionals

Compared to other high-earning professionals, doctors often face a more difficult tax burden. While real estate developers and small business owners can take advantage of various deductions to lower their tax payments, doctors typically only have their earned income taxed without these benefits.

Constant Need to Keep Pace With Evolving Industry Standards

The healthcare field is constantly changing, and in order to provide the best care possible, we need to keep up with the latest advancements. However, this comes at a cost. As we strive for specialization and further education, the burden of student loan debt keeps piling up. The more we invest in ourselves, the more we are weighed down financially.

Understanding retirement accounts is daunting, but with these tips, you can choose the right retirement plan for your needs.

Learn More

How to Achieve Financial Wellness for Doctors

Financial well-being ensures that doctors can focus on saving lives without any financial stress. It goes beyond just earning a good salary. In fact, it involves smart budgeting, managing debt, and preparing for retirement.

Here are a few ways to achieve financial wellness for doctors:

Save Money Early On

Doctors often have a high earning potential, so it’s important to save money from the beginning of your career. This will help you create an emergency fund, invest for the future, and achieve financial stability. Track your income and expenses to gain a clear understanding of your financial situation. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back and save more.

Maximize a Retirement Plan

By investing in a retirement plan, securing your financial future but also enjoy some amazing tax benefits. Consult with a financial advisor who specializes in working with doctors. They’ll help you navigate the complex world of retirement planning, ensuring you make the most of your investments.

Consider Life Insurance

Life insurance not only provides financial protection for your loved ones in case of the unexpected, but it can also be a valuable asset for your future financial goals. By having life insurance, you can ensure that your family is financially secure, even if you’re no longer there to provide for them. This can alleviate the stress and worry that often comes with being the main breadwinner. Additionally, life insurance can be used as a tool for estate planning. It can help cover estate taxes, pay off debts, or even leave a legacy for future generations.

Consider Disability Insurance

As a doctor, your ability to work and earn an income is crucial. But what happens if you become disabled and are unable to practice medicine? That’s where disability insurance comes in to save the day. With disability insurance, you receive financial protection in case you become disabled and can no longer work. It will provide you with a steady stream of income that can help cover your living expenses and maintain your standard of living.

Key Takeaways

Are you a practicing physician looking for financial clarity and peace of mind? PRS is here to help. With a team of consultative professionals, PRS provides the tools and guidance you need to improve your financial standing. Whether you’re transitioning from residency to practice or preparing for retirement, we’ve got you covered. Our financial advisors are available year-round to offer support and share their knowledge, helping you strengthen your portfolio and make informed decisions. We help you make sure you have enough saved to enjoy your golden years without worry. We also provide comprehensive insurance solutions, including disability income insurance that protects your income in case of illness or injury. Contact us today to learn more about how to achieve financial wellness for doctors.

Life Insurance: Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

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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.