190: Biggest mistakes new dentists make with their finances!
Nov 27, 2023
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John Kann discusses common financial mistakes made by dentists, the importance of budgeting and saving, and debt strategies for dentists. He also emphasizes the need for research and caution when making financial decisions.
Proper budgeting and saving, with designated percentages for savings, personal spending, debt payments, and taxes, is crucial for new dentists to build financial health and avoid overspending.
Having a comprehensive long-term strategy for managing debt, considering interest rates, potential return on investment, and available programs, is essential for dentists to make informed decisions and avoid excessive debt that may impact their future practice loans.
Deep dives
The Importance of Proper Budgeting and Savings
Having proper budget parameters and a saving system is crucial for financial health. Budgets should include categories such as savings, personal spending, debt payments, and taxes, each with designated percentages of income. While external factors like inflation and rising tax rates can affect savings, it is important to stick to the designated percentages and avoid overspending. By front-loading savings early in your career and treating it as an expense, dentists can build emergency savings and avoid unnecessary debt. Consulting with a financial advisor can help determine specific savings percentages based on individual circumstances.
Creating a Comprehensive Debt Strategy
Having a comprehensive long-term strategy for managing debt, particularly student loans, is vital. Not all debts are bad, and it depends on the interest rates. Understanding the opportunity cost, or the potential return on investment, is important when deciding between paying off debts or investing. Different strategies, such as loan forgiveness programs, can also affect debt repayment plans. Dentists should be cautious about taking on excessive debt, as it may impact their ability to secure practice loans in the future. Consulting with a financial advisor can help dentists determine the best debt management strategy for their specific situation.
Building Wealth Effectively and Choosing the Right Investments
Dentists have various options for building wealth, including liquid accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, and business equity. Having a mix of these assets allows for diversification and potential growth. Liquid accounts provide accessibility but may not offer the same tax advantages as retirement accounts. Real estate, including primary residences and practice locations, can be a valuable asset for building net worth. Dentists who own their practices can also accumulate wealth through business equity. Understanding the nuances and tax implications of each wealth-building option is crucial to making informed decisions. Working with a certified financial planner can help dentists navigate these choices effectively.
John Kann of Twinleaf Financial joins us today to share the biggest mistakes he sees new dentists make with their finances including some of his top tips to start off your financial journey strong.
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