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Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. In this episode, we break down tax-efficient investing for ODs, showing you how to pair the right investments with the right accounts to maximize your after-tax wealth over your career. What You'll Learn Taxes can be the difference between two optometrists with identical investment returns ending up with vastly different retirement wealth. This episode breaks down how to invest tax-efficiently by pairing the right investments with the right accounts.  You'll learn which investments create tax-inefficient income (bonds, REITs) versus more favorable income (stock index funds), and the strategy for placing them across your taxable accounts, pre-tax retirement accounts, Roth accounts, and HSAs.  The key is treating all your accounts toward the same goal as one coordinated household portfolio instead of managing each separately.  Key Takeaway Don't let the tax tail wag the dog. Start with good, prudent, evidence-based investments - then optimize their placement to minimize taxes along the way. The goal isn't to avoid all taxes; it's to maximize your after-tax wealth over your lifetime. Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction: Why tax-smart investing matters for ODs[03:00] Why taxes matter: The real drag on your investment returns[05:00] Tax Layer 1: Understanding investment account types (taxable, pre-tax, Roth, HSA)[06:00] How different types of investment income get taxed[10:00] Tax Layer 2: Tax characteristics of stocks, bonds, and REITs[12:00] How fund management impacts your tax bill[16:00] Asset location strategy: Putting it all together[20:00] Common constraints and considerations[22:00] Mistakes to avoid when managing multiple accounts[24:00] Conclusions: Focus on good investing while managing taxesResources Mentioned Free Download: Get Your OD's Guide to Tax-Smart Investing Inventory your accountsIdentify tax-inefficient holdingsEvaluate if investments are in the right placesReady for a Second Opinion? Want help reviewing your current setup? Reach out for a no-pressure conversation about whether your investments are working as tax-efficiently as they could be. Click Here to schedule your free consultation!  Submit Your Question for Q&A Episodes!  Have questions you'd want answered on the podcast? Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestion 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. In this first-ever OD listener Q&A episode, we tackle seven questions covering practice ownership, retirement accounts, student loans, and tax strategy. From why your practice is your most important investment to navigating the backdoor Roth IRA maze, we break down what actually matters for ODs at different career stages. Submit Your Questions to the Podcast: Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestion Listener Questions We Tackle: What can younger optometry practice owners do to build wealth in the first few years of ownership?How are "backdoor" Roth IRA contributions recorded on an optometrist's tax return?Why does a traditional IRA "ruin" the "backdoor" Roth IRA contribution for optometrists?Why is a 401(k) plan "better" for optometry practices than a SIMPLE IRA?Are owner's distributions from optometry practices taxable?Should optometrists pay down student loans or save for practice ownership?If an optometrist is on the PAYE plan for student loans, does he/she need to switch repayment plans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?Episode Chapters [00:00:52] What can younger optometry practice owners do to build wealth in the first few years of ownership? [00:06:08] How are "backdoor" Roth IRA contributions recorded on an optometrist's tax return? [00:09:01] Why does a traditional IRA "ruin" the "backdoor" Roth IRA contribution for optometrists? [00:12:29] Why is a 401(k) plan "better" for optometry practices than a SIMPLE IRA? [00:17:25] Are owner's distributions from optometry practices taxable? [00:20:42] Should optometrists pay down student loans or save for practice ownership? [00:25:34] If an optometrist is on the PAYE plan for student loans, does he/she need to switch repayment plans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? Resources Mentioned Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 151: How Filing Taxes Separately Impacts Student Loan Outcomes for OptometristsThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 143: How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists – Taxes, Student Loans, and More!The 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 OwnershipThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 70: Financial Planning Considerations for Owners of Established Optometry PracticesThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep. 49: An Optometrist’s Guide to Business Entities 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Tax filing season is here, and for married optometrists planning toward student loan forgiveness, how you file your taxes can save you thousands of dollars per year.  In this episode, we break down how tax filing status impacts your income-driven repayment calculations and when filing separately makes financial sense. Key Takeaways: The three core student loan strategies for optometrists: paying off like any other debt, pursuing forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans, or using a hybrid approach for specific cash flow goalsHow filing married jointly includes both spouses' income in the student loan calculation, even if only one spouse has loansFiling married separately allows you to exclude your spouse's income from the calculation, often resulting in dramatically lower monthly paymentsHow community property states offer even more student loan planning opportunities for optometristsThe additional tax costs of filing separately and how to compare them against student loan savings to make the right decisionCritical timing considerations for filing your tax return and student loansWhy filing an extension may make sense if you're unsure about your strategyChapters: 00:00 Introduction  01:00 The Core Student Loan Strategies Optometrists Should Consider  03:50 Income is the Most Important Planning Lever for Income-Driven Repayment Plans  05:05 Filing Taxes Married Jointly Includes Both Spouse's Income in the Student Loan Calculation  06:00 How Filing Taxes Married Separately Allows for Better Student Loan Planning for Optometrists  07:00 Example of How Filing Separately Can Improve Optometrists' Student Loan Calculations  08:45 How Community Property States Magnify the Student Loan Planning Opportunities for Optometrists  12:00 Additional Tax Costs to Consider When Filing Taxes Separately  15:00 The Math - Compare the Student Loan Savings vs. Higher Tax Costs When Filing Separately  16:00 Next Steps for Optometrists Resources mentioned: Click Here to Download Your Free 2025 Tax Filing Guide for OptometristsReady to work with a financial advisor who understands student loan and tax planning for optometrists? Click Here to Schedule a conversation. 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Even though we're already into 2026, tax planning for 2025 isn't over. While most tax planning happens before December 31st, there are still several impactful levers you can pull before filing your return. In this episode, Evon breaks down four specific tax planning opportunities still available to optometrists in early 2026, including strategies for individual ODs, practice owners, and real estate investors. Whether you're looking to maximize retirement contributions, reduce your 2025 tax burden, or accelerate depreciation on investment properties, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for what's still possible. Key Takeaways IRA and HSA contributions can be made until April 15th and still count toward your 2025 tax yearThe "backdoor Roth IRA" remains available regardless of income, but requires careful execution to avoid the pro-rata rulePractice owners can make profit-sharing contributions up until their business tax filing deadline (including extensions)Cost segregation studies can accelerate depreciation for real estate investors, and why January 19, 2025 is a key dateNot every strategy makes sense for every situation - tax bracket, liquidity needs, and long-term plans all matter when deciding which levers to pullEpisode Chapters 00:00 - Welcome and Listener Question01:00 - Tax Planning Lever #1: IRA and HSA Contributions by April 15th03:00 - Watch Out for Tax Filing Quirks and the Pro-Rata Rule with "Backdoor" Roth IRA Contributions07:00 - Tax Planning Lever #2: 529 Contributions If Your State Provides a Tax Benefit08:00 - Tax Planning Lever #3: 401(k) Profit Sharing Contributions10:00 - Do Profit Sharing Contributions Make Sense for Your Optometry Practice?13:00 - Don't Forget About Cash Balance Plans for Mature Optometry Practices13:00 - Tax Planning Lever #4: Cost Segregation Studies for Investment Real Estate16:00 - Final Thoughts for Optometrists Before Tax Season 📅 Want a more proactive approach to your planning? If you're a practice owner wondering which of these levers makes sense for your situation, we'd be happy to help you think it through. You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate these decisions nationwide. 👉 Schedule an introductory call 📑 Resources mentioned in the episode: Podcast Ep. 108: Navigating Commercial Real Estate Decisions with Colin CarrPodcast Ep. 148: Profit Sharing Demystified - How Optometry Practice Owners Can Maximize Their 401(k) with Matt Ruttenberg IRS: IRA contribution and income limits📬 Stay Connected Subscribe to the Optometry Money Podcast for practical financial planning insights designed specifically for optometrists, and never miss an episode. 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 2026 brings several important financial and tax changes that can directly impact optometrists - especially practice owners and those with student loans. In this episode, Evon walks through five key updates to be aware of as you plan for the year ahead, including changes to retirement contributions, student loans, health insurance, and tax planning opportunities. To make this easier, we’ve also created a free, 2-page 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide for Optometrists, which you can download using the link below. What We Cover in This Episode 1. Annual Tax & Retirement Updates for 2026 Adjustments to tax brackets and the standard deduction2026 retirement plan contribution limitsSpecial catch-up contribution rules for ages 60–63HSA and IRA contribution updatesSocial Security wage base increaseHow to adjust payroll contributions early in the year2. OBBBA Changes Taking Effect in 2026 Expanded phase-out thresholds for the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductionWhy this matters for optometry practice owners and 1099 ODsHow this creates a longer planning runway for higher-income householdsAn overview of new “Trump Accounts” expected to launch mid-year3. Student Loan Rule Changes and Key July 1 Deadlines Ongoing changes to income-driven repayment plansIntroduction of the new RAP planWhat currently practicing optometrists need to knowWhy July 1, 2026 is a critical date for consolidation decisionsDifferences between planning for current borrowers vs. future optometrists4. Health Insurance Changes: ACA & HSA Updates ACA premium tax credits reverting to pre-COVID rulesThe return of the 400% federal poverty line “cliff”Why income planning matters more again in 2026Expanded HSA eligibility for Bronze and catastrophic ACA plansUsing HSAs as a long-term planning tool5. Roth-Only Catch-Up Contributions for High Earners Mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for certain high-income earnersWho this applies to and how it’s determinedWhy catch-up contributions may no longer reduce taxable incomeWhat to check with your 401(k) plan administrator📥 Download the Free 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide We distilled everything discussed in this episode—and more—into a simple, two-page reference covering the key 2026 numbers and rule changes optometrists should know. 👉 Download the guide here 📅 Want Help Applying This to Your Situation? If you’d like to get a head start on your 2026 planning, you can schedule a no-pressure introductory call to talk through what’s on your mind financially and learn how we work with optometrists nationwide. 👉 Schedule an introductory call 📬 Stay Connected When you download the guide, you’ll also receive the Eyes On The Money weekly newsletter - practical financial planning insights designed specifically for optometrists. 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Episode Summary: As your practice grows and profits increase, one of the most powerful tax and retirement planning tools available to optometry practice owners is profit sharing within your 401(k) plan. But what exactly is profit sharing, and how can you optimize it for both you and your employees? In this episode, Evon welcomes back Matt Ruttenberg of Life Inc. Retirement Services to break down everything optometrists need to know about profit sharing contributions. They discuss how profit sharing works, the different methods of calculating contributions, and how practice owners can use this strategy to maximize retirement savings while managing taxes. Whether you’re new to 401(k) plans or you’re ready to level up your retirement savings strategy, this conversation will give you clarity on how to align your plan design with your goals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What profit sharing in a 401(k) plan actually is and why it matters for practice ownersThe “three-tier wedding cake” framework of retirement plan contributionsDifferent methods of profit sharing:Pro Rata (the simple but costly method)New Comparability (targeted, strategic contributions that benefit owners most)How factors like employee demographics, age, and owner wages impact profit sharing efficiencyWhy your Safe Harbor match choice (match vs. non-elective) matters when layering on profit sharingHow profit sharing integrates with cash balance plans to supercharge retirement savingsKey deadlines practice owners need to keep in mind before year-endResources & Links: Learn more about Matt Ruttenberg and his team: 401k.expertThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 111: 2024 Mid-Year Retirement Plan Updates and Deadlines Practice Owners Need to Know with Matt RuttenbergThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 64: How to Invest Six Digits A Year Into Your Practice Retirement Plans with Matt RuttenbergThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 63: Choosing A Retirement Plan for Your Optometry Practice with Matt RuttenbergWork With Us: Thinking about working with a financial planning firm that specializes in optometry? At Optometry Wealth Advisors, we help ODs nationwide align their practice and personal finances for growth, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth. 👉 Schedule a free, no-pressure intro call here: optometrywealth.com 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Tax planning is more than just finding deductions—it’s about pulling the right financial levers at the right time. In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, walks through the five key areas of a tax return that optometrists and practice owners should focus on when working with their financial and tax professionals.  By understanding these levers, you can reduce surprises at tax time and unlock smarter planning opportunities for both your practice and your personal finances. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to project your income trajectory for the year (and why clean bookkeeping is essential).Why reviewing your tax withholdings and estimated payments now can prevent big surprises later.The role of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in unlocking or losing out on credits and deductions.Planning strategies around itemized deductions (and how the new rules on SALT and charitable giving affect you).How to manage your Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction as an optometry practice owner.Using your taxable income and brackets to strategically manage your overall tax liability.Practical ways to combine these levers—like retirement plans, charitable giving, and reinvesting in your practice—for maximum impact.Resources & Links: Independent Strong: Understanding the Key Planning Levers in the Private Practice Owner’s Tax Return (Evon’s written guide)Connect with Evon: [email protected] a time to chat at www.optometrywealth.comNewsletter: Tax Changes in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' ODs Need to Know 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Episode 146 – Four Common Investment Mistakes Optometrists Should Avoid As an optometrist and practice owner, you’ve got enough on your plate running a household, practice, and career - but what about your investments? In this episode of the Optometry Money Podcast, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, walks through the four most common investment mistakes he sees optometrists make when they come to his firm - mistakes that can quietly cost you over your career. You’ll learn: Why a “junk drawer” portfolio is not a strategy (and how to create a clear investment approach).The difference between owning more funds and actually being diversified.How complexity for complexity’s sake often adds cost and confusion without adding value.Why simplicity can lead to better outcomes, even for high net worth ODsWhy asset location - putting the right investments in the right accounts - can save you significantly in taxes over time.These aren’t one-off missteps - they’re patterns Evon sees over and over with ODs nationwide, and by avoiding them, you can create a portfolio that’s simpler, more efficient, and better aligned with your financial goals. Resources and Links: Free PDF Guide: Key Issues to Review in Your InvestmentsSchedule a no-pressure introductory call with EvonOther Episodes Mentioned: The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 61: Should You Invest in International Stocks?The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 134: The Case for Index Funds – Why Optometrists Should Embrace Passive InvestingThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 135: Beyond Indexing – An Optometrist’s Guide to Factor-Based InvestingThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 140: What Most Investors Get Wrong About Dividend Investing 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 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 Planning 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Episode Summary In 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 Learn Surprise 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 Mentioned Department 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 call 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 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 Changes Lower 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 Deductions Temporary deduction for personal auto loan interest (for new cars only)Deduction for overtime pay and tipsBusiness Owner Wins 20% 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 Ahead SAVE, 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 Accounts 529s 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 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 call 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 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 [email protected]. 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 call The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practi 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 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 call 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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 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 call 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.