It’s easy to assume that once the sizable paychecks start rolling in, everything will fall into place financially. The reality is, unfortunately, a bit more nuanced.
Many physicians face a unique financial trajectory. While your peers in other professions may have started saving and investing in their early twenties, your prime earning years often don’t begin until your thirties, and that delayed start comes with its own set of challenges.
Student loans, new mortgages, practice expenses, and family obligations can quickly turn those large paychecks into tightly stretched budgets. Without intentional planning, it’s easy to fall behind or feel perpetually stressed about money, something that physicians in particular don’t need added to their plate.
Financial planning for doctors isn’t just about building wealth. It’s also about protecting mental health and reducing burnout. Physicians with greater financial control and literacy often experience higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels.