
Hosted by Nate Reineke · EN

Between managing a packed clinic and a chaotic home life, the last thing any physician needs is a financial statement that looks as cluttered as a playroom floor. Nate and Kyle tackle a question from a Washington dermatologist who is tired of seeing dozens of confusing tickers when their only goal is to grow wealth. We pull back the curtain on why advisors often overcomplicate portfolios, from the statistical "vanity project" of trying to beat the market to the logistical mess created by tax-loss harvesting. We also break down why 90% of active managers fail to outperform a simple index net of fees and explain why a "busy" portfolio might actually be a red flag. We also answer your colleagues' questions. A Urologist in Utah asks, “How should I decide how much US vs. international stocks to buy?” An Emergency Medicine Doc in New Jersey wonders, “We want to have a third child, but saving for college is expensive. Can we afford having another baby?” Another Emergency Medicine Doc in Texas says, “I just discovered my advisor is double-dipping: charging 1% AUM plus $1,100 a month. When I tried to leave, he claimed I’d owe $100k in taxes to move my money. Is he telling the truth, or is he holding my portfolio hostage?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures

It’s time to talk about the "cash itch,” that restless feeling doctors get when a healthy high-yield savings account starts to look like a missed opportunity. Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones dive into a dilemma from a radiologist in Texas who’s wondering if their idle cash should finally be put to work in the market. While the instinct is to always be investing, Nate and Chelsea argue that liquidity is actually a physician’s greatest superpower, whether you're buffering against a surprise tax bill from a "creative" CPA or navigating the unpredictable first year of retirement. We get brutally honest about why the standard emergency fund advice doesn't always apply to doctors, and how a pile of cash can protect your long-term portfolio from a kitchen renovation gone rogue. If you've ever felt guilty for holding onto "lazy" money while waiting for the next big tuition check or career move, this conversation will help you stop overthinking and start valuing the peace of mind that only a massive cash cushion can provide. We also answer your colleagues’ questions. My current advisor has me in 90% stocks, and while I understand in theory why it might be a good asset allocation for me given my age, it makes me uncomfortable. What should I do? My kids have graduated, and I actually have money left over in their 529s! I’m thrilled to pass this gift down to my grandkids, but I’m wondering: how should I be investing the leftover money? A Urologist in Washington asks, “Is it wise for us to buy a $2M house? Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures

As we head into Mother’s Day this weekend, we reflect on everything moms do for us. In today’s world, more and more parents are supporting their children for longer. Nate Reineke looks at the question “What should my kids be paying for?” And how paying for your 20-something-year-old’s car insurance or phone plan can be a roadblock to your plan. As Nate says, you have to put your own oxygen mask on first and make sure you’re on track for retirement. Additionally, we break down some other ways parents can still support their kids in adulthood. We also answer your colleagues' questions. An Emergency Medicine Doc in AZ says, “I am eligible to join this Defined Benefit Plan, but I am not maxing out my 401k yet, and I need cash flow for a variety of other things. I don't see the pros for contributing to this. Only caveat is that once I opt out, I can never elect to contribute to this plan in the future.” An Emergency Medicine Doc in California asks, “I am 39 years old and already feeling like I can’t do this work for 15 more years. How should I plan to get out of the meat grinder before I am in my mid-sixties?” An Emergency Doctor in Utah wonders, “I saw that my TSP allows for in-plan Roth conversions now. Does this mean I can do a mega backdoor, Roth?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures

As we head into Mother’s Day this weekend, we reflect on everything moms do for us. In today’s world, more and more parents are supporting their children for longer. Nate Reineke looks at the question “What should my kids be paying for?” And how paying for your 20-something-year-old’s car insurance or phone plan can be a roadblock to your plan. As Nate says, you have to put your own oxygen mask on first and make sure you’re on track for retirement. Additionally, we break down some other ways parents can still support their kids in adulthood. We also answer your colleagues' questions. An Emergency Medicine Doc in AZ says, “I am eligible to join this Defined Benefit Plan, but I am not maxing out my 401k yet, and I need cash flow for a variety of other things. I don't see the pros for contributing to this. Only caveat is that once I opt out, I can never elect to contribute to this plan in the future.” An Emergency Medicine Doc in California asks, “I am 39 years old and already feeling like I can’t do this work for 15 more years. How should I plan to get out of the meat grinder before I am in my mid-sixties?” An Emergency Doctor in Utah wonders, “I saw that my TSP allows for in-plan Roth conversions now. Does this mean I can do a mega backdoor, Roth?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures
When you’re sitting in the 37% tax bracket, the opportunity to shield more wealth from the IRS through a Mega Backdoor Roth feels like a no-brainer. But is the promise of tax-free growth worth the price of locking your money away until age 59 ½? Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones tackle a nuanced question from a New York orthopedic surgeon weighing the tax advantages of a Roth against the pure flexibility of a taxable brokerage account. We dive into why "liquidity" is more than just a financial buzzword; it’s the ultimate tool for practice buy-ins, early retirement bridges, and the peace of mind that comes with having a "big pile of money" you can actually use today. We explore why the best technical strategy on paper might not be the best strategy for your life. We also answer your colleagues' questions. A double doctor family from West Virginia asks, “How do we decide whether or not to file separate or married filing jointly for student loan payments? A Gynecologic Oncologist in Oregon says, “How should we set up our high-deductible coverage? All on one plan or split between our 2 employers?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures
Building on the momentum of your high-earning years can sometimes feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. When it comes to finding a home for your extra savings, it can seem like there are a million account types, and it is becoming more common for doctors to feel they have hit a "tax wall" after filling up the usual buckets. While hitting those limits is a great milestone, it can also be confusing when you are looking for the next smart move for your money. In this episode, Nate Reineke and Kyle break down why you shouldn't let taxes alone drive your investment decisions, how to look beyond standard retirement accounts, and which strategies, like specialized employer plans or simply paying down debt, help physicians like you keep your big-picture goals on track without getting tangled in tax-saving traps. We also answer your colleagues’ questions. A Pediatrician in California says, “How do required minimum distributions work on the inherited IRA I received from my mother?” A GI Doc in VA asks, “I feel stuck in my house because we still have a 3% interest rate on our mortgage. We want to upgrade. Is it ever 'mathematically sound' to trade a 3% rate for a 6.5%” A Radiologist in Ohio wonders, “Should I over fund my 529 on purpose with plans to convert it to a Roth IRA for my child later on? Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures
The transition from a high-earning career to retirement might hide a major—and expensive—cliff. When it comes to managing your health insurance after you stop practicing, it can seem like there are a million moving pieces, and the rules of the game just changed for 2026. While the open market offers flexibility, it also introduces a sharp cutoff for financial help: if your income is just one dollar over the limit, you could lose your entire tax credit, costing your family $18,000 a year. In this episode, Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones break down how these health insurance subsidies work, what actually counts as income toward that "cliff," and how doctors like you can strategically structure your portfolio to secure massive savings on your monthly bills without sacrificing your lifestyle. We also play another round of “ Asking for a Friend,” and we answer your colleagues' questions. A Vascular Surgeon in Connecticut asks, “We currently have another $60k of extra money. We will need most of it for maintenance and upgrades on our home in the next 2-3 years, but don’t need it immediately. With the market the way it is, should we put 60,000 as a lump sum into our taxable account?” An Anesthesiologist in New York says, “I just surrendered my WL insurance policy, and while I am glad you were able to finally help me break free from the high monthly premiums, now I need to know what to do with the cash I recently got out of the policy. What should I do with the money?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started,' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures
If you’ve been working with a CPA this tax season, they may have recommended a cash balance plan. Generally, these plans can help docs like you save in taxes. Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones look at one doctor in California who got that exact advice. We break down what exactly a cash balance plan is and how it can help when tax season rolls around. We also look at some factors that could indicate it’s just not the right time to start a cash balance plan. We also answer your colleagues' questions. A Pediatric Hospitalist in Virginia asks, “If my spouse has our children on her HSA-eligible health plan, and I also have an HSA-eligible plan, can we contribute more than the $8,750 family limit?” An OBGYN in Arizona says, “Should I buy points on my new mortgage? What are they and why are they being offered?” A GYN ONC in Oregon is buying their first home soon and is curious about physician loans. A Nephrologist in Pennsylvania wonders, “My spouse only makes 40k/year of self-employment income. Is it worth setting them up with a solo 401 (k)?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started,' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures
The end of a career brings a lot of transitions. After working for decades to be successful, you want to ensure your transition into retirement is smooth and that you aren’t missing any last-minute savings opportunities. Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones look at a Cardiologist in Oregon who is retiring soon and is questioning whether they should contribute to their IRA. We look at why the answer isn’t simple across the board but varies based on individual situations. We also answer your colleagues' questions. One doc asks, “Should I refinance if my mortgage balance is low?” An oncologist in California says, “Should I transfer my old 401(k) into my new one?” A child psychiatrist in Nevada is curious if they should shop around for a better disability insurance quote. Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures
If you have a tax-inefficient portfolio, it can be like swimming with a giant t-shirt on. You can do it, but there is a lot of unnecessary drag. Nate Reineke and Kyle Hoelzle break down what tax drag in a portfolio means and how physicians like you can reduce it. We also discuss what kind of funds cause the most drag and a better alternative to replace them with. We also answer your colleagues' questions. An Anesthesiologist in New York says, “I have a whole life policy, and my agent told me it now 'pays for itself. ' Does that mean I should keep it?” Another doc asks, “I am not really looking to change up my portfolio, but can you tell me why I shouldn’t be buying things like gold or Bitcoin?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures