20/20 MONEY: The Business of Optometry

There are few episodes where I tell you to rewind and listen again to something that a guest has says. This is one of those episodes. From the importance of using the patient's name to offering appointment options without directly asking if they want to schedule, this conversation with Tim is a great example of why words matter in all aspects of the patient experience.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Tim Merrigan.   Resources: https://acquios.com/  20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Ever wonder where all your money's going in your practice? Sharon's here to share the "usual suspects" of practice (mis)management that's costing practice owners tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars. We also highlight the importance of goal setting and creating a positive workplace culture to retain staff and drive practice growth. Lastly but importantly, if there's a topic that you hear us discuss that you'd like us to dive deeper into on a future episode, let me know! Email podcast@integratedpwm.com with your suggestion and Sharon has promised to come back on the show for a deeper dive on listener favorites.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sharon Carter.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Dr. Adam Bryan shares his journey of transitioning his optometry practice through a private equity sale. He discusses the evolving landscape of optometry ownership, the challenges and opportunities presented by private equity, and the importance of maintaining practice culture during the transition. Dr. Bryan reflects on the decision-making process, the negotiation of the sale, and the communication strategies employed with his team. He emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence and the significance of protecting one's legacy while considering various exit strategies.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Adam Bryan.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Dr. Chris Smiley offers a contrarian—but experience-backed—perspective on one of the most divisive topics in optometry today: vision plans. While many private practice ODs are dropping them entirely, Dr. Smiley makes the case that with the right strategy, vision plans can actually be a powerful engine for growth, profitability, and sustainability. He challenges the myths around reimbursement, explains how to leverage Coordination of Benefits (COB), and breaks down how most high-volume practices still rely on vision plans to scale. This episode is for any OD who's felt bullied by plans—but still wants to build a thriving private practice without burning bridges, burning themselves out, or missing hidden revenue.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Chris Smiley, OD.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form 20/20 Money Episode #223: How one OD used fear and the unknown to positively uplevel himself and his practice into a multi-location practice; a convo with Dr. Chris Smiley OD Evaluating VCPs in your practice to determine which ones to cut with Dr. Adam Ramsey, OD https://pumpkinplan.com/    ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Let's discuss the legal intricacies of exiting a practice, particularly in the context of private equity transactions. On this episode, David Cohen and I explore the importance of managing expectations for sellers, understanding the valuation process, and the implications of debt and real estate ownership in practice sales. Our conversation emphasizes the need for thorough preparation and professional guidance to navigate the complexities of selling a practice successfully.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with David Cohen.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form   Takeaways   You will exit your business at some point. Exiting to a corporate buyer is very different than peer-to-peer transactions. Sellers need a realignment of expectations regarding control and changes post-sale. Understanding the enterprise value is crucial for sellers. Debt must be paid off at closing, complicating the sale process. Real estate ownership can impact the sale and lease agreements. Negotiating lease terms is essential to maintain property value. Expectations around performance metrics must be managed carefully. Professional guidance is vital in navigating practice sales. Preparation is key to avoid pitfalls in the selling process.   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Selling to PE can be conflicting for some owners. On this episode, Dr. John Abbondanza discusses the decision-making process, the importance of understanding one's values, and the impact of the sale on his team and patients. The conversation delves into the nuances of private equity in optometry, the significance of communication during transitions, and the lessons learned throughout the experience.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. John Abbondanza, OD.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

In this eye-opening episode of The Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman welcomes back  Adam Cmejla, Certified Financial Planner, Founder and Owner of Integrated Planning & Wealth Management, and Host of 20/20 Money Podcast — to pull back the curtain on the relentless "compression" squeezing optometry practices right now.    As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Welcome to this episode of 20/20 Money! My guest on today's show is Nathan Hayes. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of business valuation and exit planning for optometry practices. We explore the importance of understanding cash flow, market multiples, and the necessity of being exit ready at all times. The conversation delves into the five D's of business exit planning, sources of value in a business, and the critical role of financial statements in preparing for a sale. We emphasize the need for proactive planning and knowing one's financial needs to ensure a successful transition out of practice ownership. As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more. And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Nathan Hayes.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Books & Benchmarks - Bookkeeping Services for Optometry Practice Owners   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Long term care (LTC) is a complicated, misunderstood, and emotional topic for any family to discuss. Even if you're a younger listener and think "Oh, this episode isn't applicable to me," I'd still encourage you to give it a listen as the topic of LTC is generational. On today's episode, Bryan and I discuss the basics of what LTC is and what it's not, the difference between LTC planning and LTC insurance, at what age a practice owner should consider evaluating options, and a tax-deductible way that practice owners can pay for the premium.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Bryan Langdon.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Masterminds Request Form Ash Brokerage Bryan's Email   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!

Welcome to this episode of 20/20 Money! My guest on today's show is Taylor Schulte, CFP®, host of the Stay Wealthy Retirement Show Podcast.   In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked aspects of retirement planning, focusing on the importance of understanding blind spots, the need for purpose in retirement, and the role of community. We explore cash management strategies, the limitations of the 4% rule, and the benefits of flexible withdrawal strategies to ensure a successful transition into retirement. Our conversation emphasizes the need for intentional planning and the significance of having a solid foundation for financial decisions in retirement.   As a reminder, you can get all the information discussed in today's conversation by visiting our website at integratedpwm.com and clicking on the Learning Center. While there, be sure to subscribe to our monthly "planning life on purpose" newsletter that's filled with tips and ideas to help you plan your best life, on purpose. You can also set up a Triage conversation to learn a little bit more about how we serve in the capacity of a personal and professional CFO: helping OD practice owners around the country reduce their tax bill, proactively manage cash flow, and make prudent investment decisions both in and out of their practice to ultimately help them live their best life on purpose. If you're interested in learning more about the 20/20 Money Financial Success Masterclass, a course & platform that we created to help ODs become "brilliant at the financial basics," or are interested in learning more about how OD Masterminds creates space for real conversations, real accountability, and real growth, please check out the link in the show notes of this episode to learn more.   And with that introduction, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Taylor Schulte.   Resources: 20/20 Money Ultimate Financial Success Masterclass OD Mastermind Interest Form Of Dollars & Data Nick's book The Wealth Ladder Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast Define Financial Retirement Podcast Network   ————————————————————————————— Please rate and subscribe to 20/20 Money on these platforms Apple Podcasts Spotify ————————————————————————————— For past episodes of 20/20 Money with full companion show notes, please check out our episode archive here!   Takeaways   Retirement planning should focus on what you are retiring to, not just what you are retiring from. Purpose and fulfillment are crucial in retirement; many underestimate this transition. Community involvement can significantly enhance the retirement experience. Cash management is vital during the transition to retirement to avoid emotional roller coasters. The 4% rule is outdated and overly conservative for many retirees. Flexible withdrawal strategies can provide more confidence and adaptability in retirement spending. Mistakes in retirement planning can have severe consequences due to the lack of time to recover. Diversifying investments is essential to manage risks during retirement. Having a cash war chest can help weather financial storms during retirement. The best investment plan is one that aligns with your personal goals and allows for flexibility.