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Wealth Management for Doctors: Mistakes to Avoid and How to Build a Stronger Financial Future

Managing wealth as a doctor is a critical step in securing your financial stability, yet many physicians find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of high incomes, dynamic work schedules, and intricate tax laws. While a strong salary can pave the way to long-term prosperity, overlooking key financial fundamentals can lead to serious setbacks. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common pitfalls in physician wealth management and offer practical tips to help you avoid these mistakes and build a robust, future-focused strategy.

Whether you’re just starting out in private practice or looking to refine an established portfolio, understanding these wealth management principles can keep you from unnecessary risk and lost opportunities. By adopting best practices and considering professional guidance, you’ll be better positioned to protect, grow, and enjoy the full potential of your earnings.

Mistake #1: Failing to Diversify Investments

One of the most frequent errors in physician wealth management is failing to diversify. Some doctors over-concentrate their portfolios—maybe they invest heavily in one industry they’re familiar with or stick to only one asset class, like stocks.

This lack of diversification can magnify the impact of economic downturns. If you have most of your savings in a single area—like tech stocks, for example—a slump in that sector could significantly diminish your net worth. Likewise, investing too heavily in your own medical practice or real estate market may expose you to local or industry-specific downturns.

Building Diversified Portfolio

Creating a diversified portfolio is less complicated than it might sound, and it’s vital for physicians who want their financial future to remain secure, no matter the market climate. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your wealth and set the foundation for steady growth.

Reach out to Physician’s Resource Services today to learn more about how our experienced team can help you craft a more resilient portfolio.

Contact Our Team

Mistake #2: Neglecting Tax Planning

Physicians are often high earners, which places them in top tax brackets. Without careful planning, you could be losing a significant chunk of your income to taxes each year. Failing to optimize your tax strategy doesn’t just hurt your short-term cash flow—it can also hinder the long-term growth of your plan for wealth management as a doctor.

How Tax Inefficiencies Impact Physician Wealth Management

Paying more taxes than necessary is like watering a plant with a leaky hose: You still achieve some results, but it’s far from optimal. High-earning doctors face a range of complex tax considerations, including:

  • Capital Gains Taxes: Poorly timed stock trades or inadequate tax-lot management can inflate your tax bill.
  • Missed Deductions: Overlooking legitimate deductions or not taking full advantage of tax breaks related to medical practice expenses can be costly.
  • Potential Penalties: Mistakes in filing or failing to follow evolving tax regulations could result in fines, further diminishing your resources.

Tax inefficiencies can erode your net worth faster than you might realize, so it’s crucial to actively seek strategies tailored to physician wealth management.

Mistake #3: Lack of Estate Planning

Many doctors wait until much later in life to address estate planning, assuming it’s only relevant in retirement or for those with very large estates. However, failing to plan early can have serious repercussions on how your assets are managed and distributed if something unexpected happens.

The Consequences of Poor Estate Planning

Without a clear, legally binding plan, the courts may determine how to distribute your assets. This can lead to:

  • Probate Delays: Family members might face lengthy legal processes, causing emotional and financial stress.
  • Potential Conflicts: Relatives may disagree on asset division, potentially straining personal relationships.
  • Higher Taxes and Fees: Estate taxes and legal fees may reduce the total value of your inheritance.

Estate planning isn’t just about protecting wealth—it’s about ensuring your loved ones have the guidance and support they need if you’re no longer around.

Estate Planning Strategies for Physicians

The good news is that estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips:

  • Establish a Will or Trust: A simple will often suffices for smaller estates, but trusts offer additional control and privacy.
  • Beneficiary Designations: Regularly update beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial instruments.
  • Charitable Giving: If philanthropy is important to you, consider setting up charitable trusts or donor-advised funds to leave a meaningful legacy.

Working with experienced legal and financial professionals ensures your estate plan aligns with your wishes while minimizing administrative hurdles for your heirs.

PRS’s wealth management solutions can help you protect your assets, optimize tax strategies, and build toward a more secure financial future.

Learn More

Mistake #4: Emotional Decision-Making

The financial markets are notoriously volatile, and doctors, like anyone else, can get caught up in the emotional roller coaster. Reacting to market headlines or panicking during downturns can derail your long-term strategy for physician wealth management.

How Emotional Investing Hurts Long-Term Wealth

When emotions take over, impulsive decisions are often soon to follow:

  • Panic Selling: Seeing a sharp drop in the market and immediately offloading investments might lock in losses that could have recovered over time.
  • Chasing Trends: Jumping into hot stocks or speculative assets at their peak can lead to buying high and selling low if the bubble bursts.
  • Frequent Trading: Emotional turbulence may push you to make multiple trades, increasing costs and ignoring the advantages of a buy-and-hold strategy.

Instead of reacting to short-term fluctuations, it’s essential to maintain a disciplined approach aligned with your broader financial goals.

Building a Disciplined Investment Strategy

Discipline is the backbone of wealth management for doctors. Consider these tactics:

  • Set Clear Objectives: Define your financial goals (e.g., retirement at a certain age, funding a child’s education, or expanding your practice).
  • Use Automated Investing: Tools like dollar-cost averaging allow you to invest consistently, regardless of market conditions.
  • Lean on Professional Advice: Financial advisors can offer a calming perspective, helping you stay the course during market volatility.

By filtering out emotional noise and sticking to a structured plan, you can more confidently navigate the market’s ups and downs.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Professional Advice

Most physicians have limited time to manage the intricacies of investments, taxes, retirement planning, and estate strategies. Handling all of these elements alone increases the likelihood of missteps and missed opportunities.

Why Physicians Benefit from Professional Wealth Management Guidance

Doctors often find themselves in unique financial situations, from hectic schedules to specialized investment needs. Professionals who are experienced in wealth management for doctors can offer:

  • Holistic Planning: Coordinating various aspects of your finances, from student loan repayment to practice buy-ins.
  • Ongoing Support: Adjusting your financial plan as your career evolves and new life events occur.
  • Risk Management: Identifying potential pitfalls, such as insufficient insurance coverage or underfunded retirement accounts.

By leveraging professional advice, you free yourself to focus on delivering patient care while still working toward a stable financial future.

How Financial Professionals Add Value to Physician Wealth Management

A trusted financial advisor doesn’t just help you choose the right investments—they develop strategies that integrate your entire financial picture. Here’s how they can make a difference:

  • Customized Solutions: Instead of generic guidance, you receive recommendations tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.
  • Accountability and Coaching: Regular check-ins help maintain discipline and prevent emotion-driven decisions.
  • Access to Resources: Advisors often have extensive networks, from specialized tax attorneys to insurance experts, providing you with comprehensive solutions in one place.

The right partnership can be pivotal to achieving sustainable growth and mitigating risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Manage Your Wealth With PRS

At Physician’s Resource Services, we provide a full suite of physician wealth management solutions to help you optimize taxes, protect assets, and build a solid financial foundation. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges doctors face and offers personalized strategies so you can focus on your practice with confidence. Contact PRS today to step toward your financial future with confidence.

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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.