The path to becoming a specialty physician is a lengthy and demanding journey, but with the right financial strategies, physicians can prepare and set themselves up for long-term success.
While pursuing a medical career and throughout residency, it’s essential to become educated about financial management. However, it is important to not add excessive stress about money during this period and focus energy on education, training and securing a career path. The key is to avoid significant financial decisions like purchasing a house or car, as these choices can be difficult to reverse. For instance, while your peers might start earning at 25, a specialty physician may begin between 30 and 35, after additional years of education and training. This potentially decade-long gap means physicians may need to save nearly double what their peers save to reach the same financial goal by retirement.
Given the high cost of education in dollars and years, specialty physicians should have a clear strategy for managing student loans. If employed by a non-profit institution, a physician could consider the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This can significantly reduce the student loan burden. Alternatively, if a physician is certain about joining a private practice, refinancing loans might be a better option. Regardless, having a well-thought-out plan is crucial.
The largest asset a young physician possesses is their human capital, or the ability to work for many years in the future. Specialty physicians should protect this earning capacity by investing in adequate disability insurance. This is especially important during residency when lower rates can often be locked in. Such coverage ensures that if a physician becomes disabled, they have a safety net of income, protecting their significant investment in education and years of future earnings.
Once employed, physicians should educate themselves around their employer benefits and ensure they take advantage of employer matching in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. This is essentially “free” money that can significantly boost retirement savings. Even if an individual faces an emergency and needs to withdraw these funds, the employer match still represents a substantial benefit. Outside of these plans, a physician should consider keeping an emergency fund in a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn tax-free and penalty-free, offering both an emergency fund and a tax-advantaged retirement account. This dual-purpose approach can be particularly beneficial during the lower-earning years of residency. Also, thoroughly understanding the compensation structure, especially if it’s based on Relative Value Units (RVUs), is critical. A higher base salary might seem attractive, but a better RVU rate could be more lucrative in the long run.
During residency or fellowship, it’s generally advisable to rent rather than buy a home. Renting offers flexibility and avoids the financial and time commitments associated with home ownership. If it is essential to buy, ensure housing costs do not exceed 30% of total net income to avoid feeling financially strained. When transitioning from residency to an attending position, learn how to negotiate your contract effectively. While much focus can be put on budgets and earnings, physicians should also be mindful of lifestyle inflation. One can combat the tendency to live above means by ensuring you are surrounded with financially responsible individuals and avoid overspending on housing and cars.
Lastly, with the rigor and intensity of a physician’s schedule, working with a financial advisor who understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by physicians can be very helpful. An experienced advisor can help you make informed decisions, reduce decision fatigue, and help ensure you’re on track to meet both your current and future financial goals. They can help balance enjoying life today with preparing for a secure retirement, ultimately minimizing regrets. By following these strategies, physicians can better navigate the financial complexities of their career path with confidence, ensuring a potentially stable and prosperous future.
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In 15 minutes we can get to know you – your situation, goals and needs – then connect you with an advisor committed to helping you pursue true wealth.