Podcast
The Optometry Money Podcast
Hosted by Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP® · EN
Welcome to the Optometry Money Podcast, hosted by Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP®, where he helps optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. He explores cold-starts, practice buy-ins, career decisions, tax planning, student loans, and other money issues ODs are navigating.
Evon cold-started Optometry Wealth Advisors LLC, a financial planning firm dedicated to help optometrists nationwide master their money, build wealth, and plan purposefully with their finances. Learn more about the show, and Evon, at www.optometrywealth.com.
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Four Gaps That Can Break Your Estate Plan (Even If It’s ‘Done’)
Aug 7, 202500:24:28Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!Episode Summary:You’ve done the hard work of creating your estate plan. But is it actually ready to work when you need it most? In this episode, Evon breaks down the four critical gaps that can make or break your estate plan's effectiveness — especially for busy optometrists and practice owners.We’re diving into the implementation side of estate planning — those next steps after the documents are signed that so many overlook. Whether you’ve DIY’ed your estate plan or worked with an attorney, this episode will help you spot (and fix) potential breakdowns that could leave your family or practice exposed.💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why having signed documents may not be enough to protect your family or businessThe #1 mistake DIY estate planners make (and how to fix it)How to make sure your estate planning documents actually do what you want them to doWhy outdated beneficiaries can completely derail your estate planHow to organize your digital life — from passwords to email — so your loved ones aren't locked outWhen to revisit and update your plan🔗 Resources & Links:Click here to schedule a free intro call.Sign up for the Eyes On The Money newsletter and get the Estate Planning Checklist!The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 81: An Optometrist's Guide to Estate PlanningThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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End of the Interest-Free SAVE Forbearance - What It Means for Optometrists
Jul 18, 202500:11:53Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!Episode SummaryIn this timely episode, Evon unpacks the Department of Education’s recent surprise announcement that interest will resume accruing on the SAVE plan’s current forbearance beginning August 1, 2025. We explore what this means for optometrists managing student loans - especially those approaching forgiveness eligibility or considering refinancing.What You'll LearnSurprise Announcement: Why SAVE’s interest-free forbearance ends on August 1, 2025, and how to prepareOBBBA Overview: How this new legislation (effective July 2026) changes income-driven repayment plan options - removing SAVE, PAYE, ICR plans as available options for current optometristsRepayment Roadmap: How optometrists should evaluate refinancing, staying federal, or switching plans based on degree completion and loan timingIDR Plan Comparison: Breaking down olcd vs. new IBR, PAYE, and SAVE rules - including repayment terms like 20‑year repayment at 10% of discretionary incomeStrategic Tax Planning: Using filing status and extensions (especially important in community-property states) to lock in the lowest monthly paymentTimeline Guidance: When key deadlines hit (Aug 1, 2025; July 2026; July 2028) and how to reconcile existing loans within the new REPAY plan frameworkResources MentionedDepartment of Education Announcement - SAVE Interest Accrual BeginsThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 143: How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists – Taxes, Student Loans, and More!Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists - Taxes, Student Loans, and More!
Jul 9, 202500:45:41Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!In this packed episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP® and host of The Optometry Money Podcast, breaks down the biggest tax and student loan law changes optometrists need to know from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).Evon discusses what’s changing—and what’s not—for individual and business tax rules, estate taxes, 529 plans, and the massive shift in student loan repayment plans. Whether you're a private practice owner, associate OD, or optometry student, this episode will give you the clarity to start planning wisely for the years ahead.Highlights from this episode include:Individual Tax ChangesLower tax brackets and the higher standard deduction made permanentNew temporary senior tax deduction for ODs 65+SALT deduction cap raised to $40,000 (with income phaseouts)Brand-new $2,000 charitable deduction even if you take the standard deductionEnhanced child tax credit and dependent care FSA limitsNew & Unusual Tax DeductionsTemporary deduction for personal auto loan interest (for new cars only)Deduction for overtime pay and tipsBusiness Owner Wins20% QBI deduction is now permanent—and its phaseouts widen in 2026100% bonus depreciation is back!PTET workaround for SALT cap still lives onStudent Loan Changes: Huge Overhaul AheadSAVE, PAYE, and ICR plans eliminated after 7/2026Current Borrowers gradually transitioned by 7/2028Forgiveness periods shift, with new rules and income considerationsFuture optometrists face new federal loan caps and more restricted repayment options529 Plans & Trump Accounts529s can now be used for CE and licensing expensesNew "Trump Accounts" for minors open in 2026: Traditional IRA-style investment accounts with government seed moneyBottom Line: You don’t need to make big decisions today - but now is the time to start planning. Evon covers how these changes may affect optometrists in every stage of their career - from practice owners to new grads.Resources & Links:Dept. of Ed Update: SAVE Interest Accrual Begins Aug 1stSchedule a Free Intro Call with EvonNewsletter on Tax Provisions (and don't forget to subscribe)The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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Are Individual Bonds Safer Than Bond Funds? What Optometrists Need to Know
Jun 27, 202500:28:25Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!Are individual bonds better than bond funds? What’s the actual difference between the two—and why does it matter for your investment strategy?In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, dives into the key distinctions between individual bonds and bond funds, and what private practice optometrists need to consider when deciding between them. Whether you're aiming for stability, income, or long-term growth in your portfolio, understanding how these investment tools work can guide better financial decisions.In this episode, you'll learn:What a bond actually is and how it functionsThe key differences between owning individual bonds and investing in bond fundsThe pros and cons of each approachWhy “safety” in bonds can be misunderstoodHow market interest rates affect the value of your bonds or bond fundsWhen it may make sense to use one over the other in your financial planResources mentioned:Vanguard: Individual Bonds vs. Bond FundsVanguard: Taxable Bond Investing - Bond Fund vs. Individual BondsUS Treasury DirectS&P Dow Jones: The Hidden Costs of Retail Purchases in Investment Grade Municipal BondsA Wealth of Common Sense Blog: Owning Individual Bonds vs. A Bond FundRelated Episodes:Podcast Ep 58: Investing Fundamentals – Understanding Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and ETFsEp 134: The Case for Index Funds – Why Optometrists Should Embrace Passive InvestingStay Connected:Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
Transcribe →Rewind: Financial Planning Considerations for Owners of Established Optometry Practices
Jun 19, 202500:26:25Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!Enjoy this rewind of a popular episode! In Part 3 of a 3 part series, Evon dives into the many financial planning considerations optometrists need to think about when you own a more established, mature private optometry practice - both inside the business and in the household.A few of the planning topics practice owners should think about are:Maintaining your vision for the ideal practice and ownership lifeBuilding guardrails around your practice based on your ideal lifestyleCreate a separation between your practice and personal financesCreate a framework for deciding how to best use the cash flow your practice createsGetting the most from your practice retirement plansPlanning for financial independence and retirementBalancing the growth of different parts of your net worth over timeRisk management, contingency planning in the practice, and estate planningKeep an eye on the other financial goals in your life outside the practiceKeeping in close contact with your professionals. Have questions on anything discussed or want to have topics or questions featured on the show? Send Evon an email at evon@optometrywealth.com.Check out www.optometrywealth.com to get to know more about Evon, his financial planning firm Optometry Wealth Advisors, and how he helps optometrists nationwide. From there, you can schedule a short Intro call to share what's on your mind and learn how Evon helps ODs master their cash flow and debt, build their net worth, and plan purposefully around their money and their practices. Resources mentioned on this episode:Refractional CFO - Jackson Pace, CPASimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! by Greg Crabtree and Beverly Blair HarzogRelated Episodes:The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 64: How to Invest Six Digits A Year Into Your Practice Retirement Plans with Matt RuttenbergThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 68: Financial Planning Considerations When Preparing for Practice OwnershipThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 69: Financial Planning Considerations for the Early Years of Practice OwnershipStay Connected:Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFPThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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What Most Investors Get Wrong About Dividend Investing
Jun 13, 202500:32:51Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!Dividend investing is one of the most passionately followed strategies online - yet much of the enthusiasm is driven by misunderstandings of how dividends work. In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP® of Optometry Wealth Advisors, dives deep into how dividends actually work, why they aren’t “free money,” and what ODs need to understand before chasing high-dividend stocks or funds - especially in taxable accounts. He also explores when, despite all of this, a dividend-focused approach might still be rational for the right investor.In this episode, you’ll learn:What dividends actually are and how they function within public companies and your own optometry practice.Why dividends aren’t “extra” return, and how stock prices adjust for them.The real-world tax consequences of dividends - especially in taxable brokerage accounts.Why fewer companies pay dividends today, and how stock buybacks often take their place.How dividend investing can actually reduce diversification and tilt your portfolio away from global opportunities.What explains the performance of dividend-heavy portfolios (spoiler: it’s not the dividends).Why “I need X in dividends to retire” is a myth, and how to think about withdrawals and cash flow instead.When a dividend strategy can make sense - despite being suboptimal on paper.Resources mentioned:Dimensional’s Research on Dividend Price AdjustmentsMeb Faber’s “Shareholder Yield” BookBen Felix Video on Dividend InvestingRelated Episodes:Ep 135: Beyond Indexing – An Optometrist’s Guide to Factor-Based InvestingEp 134: The Case for Index Funds – Why Optometrists Should Embrace Passive InvestingStay Connected:Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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Optimize Your Pay: 7 Key Factors for Setting Practice Owners' Compensation
Jun 5, 202500:28:36Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!As a private optometry practice owner, one of the most essential yet misunderstood financial decisions is figuring out how much to pay yourself. In this episode, Evon Mendrin dives into seven critical factors to consider when setting your own compensation from your optometry practice—especially if you're taxed as an S Corporation. Whether you're just getting started or running a thriving, established practice, this episode will help you balance tax strategy, financial planning, and long-term wealth-building with clarity and confidence.You’ll learn:How income draws differ based on how your practice is taxed (sole proprietor, partnership, or S-corp)Why paying yourself “too little” can backfire with the IRSHow your wage affects your Social Security benefits, QBI deduction, and retirement plan contributionsThe surprising ways your compensation impacts practice valuations and financial planningHow to align your income with your lifestyle and financial goalsResources Mentioned:Independent Strong Article: How to Pay Yourself – Key Factors for Setting Your Owner CompensationIRS Guidance on Reasonable Compensation for S CorpsRelated Episodes:The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 51: An Optometrist’s Guide to the Qualified Business Income DeductionThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep. 49: An Optometrist’s Guide to Business EntitiesStay Connected:Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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The Big Beautiful Bill Act: Tax & Student Loan Reforms Optometrists Need to Watch
May 30, 202500:26:08Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!In this special Friday episode, Evon returns to break down the recently passed proposed House bill - the “Big Beautiful Bill Act” - and what it could mean for optometrists. While it's a long way from becoming actual law, it's helpful to know what exactly is one the table and what changes to expect related to tax planning and student loans. This episode explores key tax extensions, how they impact private practice owners, and the major proposed overhaul to student loan repayment plans that could significantly affect current and future borrowers.You’ll hear what’s in the bill, what’s likely to change, and what it all could mean for your tax planning and student loan strategy. From extended tax brackets and deductions to a major overhaul of income-driven repayment plans, Evon walks you through the key points in plain language.He also shares what he's watching closely as this bill moves to the Senate, and why some of the proposed student loan changes may be concerning for current borrowers.This is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of what could impact your personal and business finances in the near future.💡 Key Takeaway: While many tax provisions bring minor relief or maintain the status quo, the student loan changes could severely alter the financial outlook for optometrists with student debt. If passed, this legislation could disrupt existing repayment strategies and diminish loan forgiveness prospects.We'll keep an eye on it as it moves through Congress, and keep you up to date! Resources Mentioned:The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 51: An Optometrist’s Guide to the Qualified Business Income DeductionTemplate Student Loan Letter For SenatorsQuestions?Email Evon at podcast@optometrywealth.com.Stay Connected:Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory callThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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(Rewind) Why Active Investment Management Fails with Andrew Berkin, PhD
May 22, 202501:03:52Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!In this rewind of a popular episode, Andrew Berkin, PhD - head of research at Bridgeway Capital Mangement and author of The Incredible Shrinking Alpha - joins the podcast to discuss why active investment management fails, and why you're unlikely to get the outperformance you're looking for. Evon and Andrew dive into:Research behind why active management fails - both for individual investors and professional managersWhat an "efficient market" means, and why stock markets are efficientWhat is passive investing? Why passive investing goes beyond index fundsWhat investor SHOULD focus on, if not trying to actively pick investments.And so much more!Andrew brings so much wisdom and expertise to the conversation. Hopefully this helps optometrists better understand their own investment approach and why it may or may not make sense.And hopefully it encourages you to take an evidence-based, research-based approach to investing, just like you might take an evidence-based approach to optometry.Have questions on anything discussed or want to have topics or questions featured on the show? Send Evon an email at podcast@optometrywealth.com.Check out www.optometrywealth.com to get to know more about Evon, his financial planning firm Optometry Wealth Advisors, and how he helps optometrists nationwide. From there, you can schedule a short Intro call to share what's on your mind and learn how Evon helps ODs master their cash flow and debt, build their net worth, and plan purposefully around their money and their practices. Resources mentioned on this episode:Andrew Berkin, PhD - Bridgeway Capital ManagementPerspectives - Bridgeway Capital ManagementThe Incredible Shrinking Alpha bookYour Complete Guide to Factor-Based Investing bookSPIVA Active vs. Passive ScorecardSPIVA US Persistency ScorecardThe Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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Creating a More Holistic Integrative Healthcare Patient Experience with Dr. Neda Gioia
May 7, 202500:42:30Tap to summarizeQuestions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!In this episode of the Optometry Money Podcast, Evon Mendrin talks with Dr. Neda Gioia, the owner of Integrative Vision. Dr. Gioia shares her journey into optometry, what led her to cold-start her own practice, and how a personal health crisis inspired her to adopt an integrative healthcare approach within optometry. She discusses how she blends traditional eye care with holistic health practices, addressing root causes of dysfunction rather than just treating symptoms.Dr. Gioia also dives into her transition from insurance-based to a concierge model of care, the challenges of integrating holistic healthcare into an optometry practice, and how she navigates patient education and staff training to make her practice unique and impactful.Key Takeaways:Integrative Healthcare in Optometry: Dr. Gioia explains how addressing root causes rather than just symptoms benefits patients holistically.Transition to a Concierge Model: She shares insights into moving away from insurance and creating a more personalized, patient-centered approach.Education and Patient Engagement: Learn how Dr. Gioia educates her staff and patients about the benefits of holistic health practices.Practice Management Tips: Practical advice on starting small, trial and error, and gradually building a holistic model within an optometry practice.Overcoming Challenges: Discover the biggest obstacles Dr. Gioia faced, from patient communication to system integration.Links and Resources Mentioned:Integrative Vision WebsiteDr. Neda Gioia's WebsiteAmerican Academy of Anti-Aging MedicineOcular Wellness and Nutrition SocietyAmerican Nutrition AssociationInstitute of Functional MedicineConnect with Us:Visit our WebsiteSend your questions to podcast@optometrywealth.comSubscribe & ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Share it with your colleagues!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more episodes of the Optometry Money Podcast.The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.
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