Whenever I am working on a project and start to feel the stress, I pause and ask “What if this were easy?” It helps me reset and reframe. Is this even a problem? Do I need to deal with it? What if I approached this with joy? Inspired by Tim Ferriss, this can shift perspective and provide clarity.

One question I come back to is “How does this current behavior serve future me” But this thought process is easy to overdo.

David Brooks calls it a “posse of dead people.” It’s a circle of thinkers, leaders, and visionaries whose values align with yours. Imagine an inner circle of heroes guiding your every move. Who would sit at your table? Whose work lights the way for you?

What have you been avoiding thinking about or working on? Is it your finances? Your relationships? Your career? Maybe it’s your health? What’s stopping you? My bet is its fear. Facing our shadow and parts of ourselves we aren’t happy with. I do this all the time.

Sometimes the most important questions are the ones we avoid. Like: What do I ignore because it’s too painful to accept? Which of my opinions might shift if my incentives were different? How much credit do I give myself for things I didn’t fully control?

What’s one of the best predictors of financial success for physician families? It’s not your specialty. It’s not even how much you earn. It’s being aligned with your partner—sharing similar money values and working together toward your goals.

Newly out of residency and starting your first attending job? You’re likely asking yourself: Should I focus on paying off student loans, or is it time to save for retirement? The answer, as with many financial decisions, is, “It depends.”

Have you noticed it too? So many recent conversations with colleagues seem to focus on ways to work less. For some, it’s cutting back to a four-day week. For others, it’s about going per diem and working just a few days a month.

If you make the same choices as everyone else, you’ll end up with the same results. But you’re not here to follow the crowd. Building wealth, tackling student loans, and creating a sustainable clinical practice requires intentional choices.

One of my favorite parts of being an anesthesiologist is Labor and Delivery. The look of relief on your patient’s face when you walk into the room to place an epidural. The tears of relief and joy after a delivery or c section. The screams from the little ones entering the world. Such a gift!

Every January, I front-load our Roth IRA contributions. It’s not just about checking a box early—it’s about setting up the year for success. And here’s the fun part: Timing really pays off.

Do you ever wish you could feel confident about your money decisions and spend without guilt? If you’re feeling stuck—wondering how to pay off your student loans, manage debt, or save for retirement—you’re not alone.

What if 70% done was actually enough? I used to think that was ridiculous. As a physician, we’re trained to be perfect. But real life—and especially finance—rarely gives us perfect conditions.

Your Social Security benefit does impact your withdrawals in retirement—but maybe not in the way you think. For retirees with significant savings and decades of retirement ahead, the effect on spending is often smaller than expected.

Many physicians underestimate the role Social Security can play in retirement. Some even assume they won’t get anything at all. But here’s the reality:

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I ask you, “What is wealth?” Do you imagine piles of gold and private jets? What if I told you finances are the least important type of wealth?

Jonathan Clements, one of my favorite financial writers, has always inspired me to think differently about money. His book How to Think About Money is a must-read for anyone new to personal finance. Last year, Jonathan shared some heartbreaking news:

One of my favorite lessons from Oliver Burkeman’s Meditations for Mortals is simple but powerful: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect time or until you feel “ready.” Just begin. Tell me if this resonates:

I sat down with Dr. @jordangrumet, author of the book The Purpose Code, which builds on insights from his first book, Taking Stock. In our discussion, we unravel the mystery of purpose—why it’s essential for a meaningful life and how many of us approach it all wrong.

I love working with physicians who are ready to connect their money with what really matters. When we map out a plan that helps them align their spending and saving with their values, the results are incredible. Seeing someone light up as they live more fully? That’s the best part of my work.

Save 20% of your income. Max out your 401(k) before touching your Roth. Don’t leave money to your kids until they’re 35. We’ve all heard rules like this, right? But here’s the thing:

Roth vs. Traditional—it’s a big question when it comes to saving. But the real answer? It depends. Start by asking yourself:

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’ll relax when life slows down,” or “I’ll start living when this project is done”? Oliver Burkeman, in Meditations for Mortals, talks about how our relentless drive to check every box saps the joy and aliveness from our lives. Sound familiar?

Medicine is changing. Today’s physicians are prioritizing flexibility and balance, even if it means working less. It’s a hard shift for older generations, who see the demands at odds with the job. The reality is, young doctors are reshaping the profession, and the push for balance isn’t stopping.

Being in private practice has its perks, but benefits? Not so much. That’s where a partner with a W2 job comes in to fill the gap. Having a spouse with a W2 job is like finding a cheat code. Here’s why:

I’ve been hearing this a lot lately: “Are CBPs better for older physicians?” Short answer: Often, yes. Why? Older doctors can save more in these plans and are usually better positioned with cash reserves and less debt. Sounds great, right?

Stop focusing so much on money and start thinking about purpose - Dr Jordan Grumet. If you’re feeling buried in financial stress as a med student or resident, this might sound unrealistic or impossible.

Success is a deeply personal concept, and its definition will evolve over time. For some, it might be financial security—a "big pile of money." For myself, it's freedom: the ability to work on what excites them, when they choose, and alongside people they respect and enjoy.

Physicians often embody the archetype of the overachiever, with much of their self-worth intricately linked to professional milestones: excelling academically, securing a prestigious residency, purchasing the dream home, and enjoying enviable vacations.

Mentorship can be a powerful guide, especially during times of uncertainty, as Ben Katt emphasizes in The Way Home. Finding the right mentor is often less about a formal search and more about building authentic connections with people who inspire or challenge you. Here are some tips to consider:

Focus on what we control The future holds so many unknowns. Will tax rates go up? Will mortgage rates climb? Or even, what’s the future of medicine? I don’t have the answers, and I can’t control what happens next. But here’s what you can control:

Scott Young’s Foundations course is a year-long journey to build life-changing skills, one month at a time. This month focuses on money—starting with cash flow. Mastering cash flow is one of the most important steps toward improving your finances and developing a healthier relationship with money.

Has anyone here worked overseas as a doctor for a year or two? Where did you go, and what was the experience like—both personally and professionally? What did you learn about yourself during that time? And what surprised you—whether it was something great or a challenge?

I loved Rachel Camp’s recent post on ROTH vs. Traditional savings. If you’re in your peak earning years, Traditional is often the better option. But as you shift to part-time work or near retirement, ROTH conversions can make a lot of sense. And here’s the kicker: it’s not only about taxes.

We all know saving for the future is important. But there’s more to money than maxing out retirement accounts. What about now? Maybe you’re working toward a big goal—like buying your dream home, tackling a renovation, or moving overseas.

It’s eye-opening to realize that much of what we want in life is shaped by the culture we live in and the friends we keep. If you want to build better habits—whether it’s exercising daily or saving consistently for retirement—you can use this to your advantage.

Does every area of our lives need to be pursued with excellence? Or do we focus on the small number of areas that matter most to you? That could be within our families. It could be in an athletic pursuit. Or in our career.

FIRE might be the buzzword online, but for most doctors, freedom means something else. It’s cutting back on overnight shifts. It’s spending weekends with your family. It’s getting control of your schedule. The good news? You don’t need to wait for “someday” to make it happen.

January is prediction season—Wall Street, economists, even your personal trainer is trying to call the shots for 2026. Here’s the truth: the future is uncertain. Why do we put so much weight on them? Because uncertainty feels uncomfortable. A better approach? Focus on what’s in your control.

Cash balance plans sound great on paper—big tax advantages and a tidy little nest egg, right? But let’s get real. For many, these plans can tie up money for longer than you'd like, with less payoff than expected. Our last experience? It left us reeling.

Once your financial foundation is secure, life’s deeper questions come into focus. For many physicians, purpose and meaning are the keys to thriving—not just surviving. How do you nurture that purpose? Through connections, health, community, and the things that make you feel alive.

I read one of the more compelling quotes about fear. When you hear the voice of fear, go the opposite direction. You’ll live a big life. From Yes, Yes, Hell No by @WhettenBrian

Give me your best recommendations for OR music. I need to update my playlist. I’m a big fan of Stevie Wonder, especially as a pick-me-up after lunch. A friend recommended the Marcus King Band, which I’ve been enjoying. Same with Charles Bradley. What else ya got for me?

Paying off med school loans is hard enough without the constant drama of PSLF and SAVE lawsuits. Borrowers need stability, not confusion, to plan for their families and futures. Borrowers need a system that works for them—not against them.

I’m lucky that OR call is a rare exception for me these days. I'm grateful for the decisions we made years ago—decisions that have given me the freedom to prioritize family while still building a fulfilling career.

Understanding “enough” is one of the hardest—and yet, most important—concepts in financial planning. Let’s try a quick thought experiment: What would it take to cover just your basic expenses? Think about your mortgage, utilities, and student loans. That’s what enough looks like.

I read Brian Whetten’s book, Yes, Yes, Hell No! His decision-making framework really stuck with me. The first yes comes from your intuition—that gut feeling telling you what’s right. The second yes comes from your rational brain—the part that ensures your decision makes sense. And the hell no?

As an anesthesiologist, you face a unique challenge: your income often depends on “squeezing the bag.” In other words, if you’re not actively working, you’re not getting paid. Sure, there are exceptions for those employed by hospitals, but for many, this reality creates a critical question:

For many doctors, it’s the fear of a lawsuit or an unexpected injury that halts their ability to work. And here’s the kicker: most are underinsured for those exact risks. Here are 7 types of insurance that are must-haves to protect your career and your loved ones. Have you checked them all off?

Many physicians lack meaning in their lives. So we try to outhustle and outwork to create purpose. But purpose without meaning has no direction. It’s no wonder we have a burnout crisis in medicine. What is the path forward?