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How does your financial life compare to other dentists? We surveyed over 800 dentists and dental specialists about income, investing, debt, and how confident they feel about reaching their financial goals. We compare income by specialty, show how much practice ownership pays, and look at why some dentists have more invested wealth at the same income. You’ll also hear what worries dentists most, from insurance reimbursement cuts to DSOs, and which financial habits make the biggest difference. Key moments: (03:48) Comparing income by dental specialty and the wide gap for owners (06:51) Confidence hitting financial goals, and why owners feel more secure (12:32) Dentists with more debt often worry less — here’s why that happens (13:09) Insurance reimbursement cuts top the list of profession-wide concerns (36:27) Dentists with the same income, but more invested wealth — what’s different Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

If you locked in a 3% mortgage back in 2020 or 2021, you’re likely staring down a tough choice: stay put in a cramped house to keep that rate, or move to a better fit and face today’s 7% mortgages. This is the dilemma for a lot of mid-career dentists whose families are outgrowing their starter homes. Everyone told you never to give up your ultra-low mortgage — but what if holding on to it is actually costing you more in ways that don’t show up on a spreadsheet? Learn how to run the numbers and make a lifestyle call that fits both your finances and your family. Key moments: (03:07) Why the 3% mortgage feels sacred, and what it’s really costing you (06:35) Using a HELOC or home equity loan for renovations, and the cash limitations you’ll hit (11:48) How home appreciation and equity impact your ability to add on or move up (14:08) Non-financial reasons to move: school districts, safety, and family space (19:01) What happens to your financial independence timeline if you buy the bigger house Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

Cash builds in your business account every month. How much of it is actually yours to take home, save, or invest? Most practice owners and 1099 associates can’t answer that with confidence. Learn exactly how to pin down your real take-home income and set up a system that makes your finances predictable and automated, even as your practice and profit grow. Key moments: (06:07) How 401(k) loans really work, and the real cost you might not see (10:13) Why S corps make practice owner income so confusing (and what to do) (13:09) How much cash to keep in your business, and when to take distributions (20:32) Measuring practice income over time and knowing when to increase your pay (22:54) Signs your system needs a tweak, from tax bills to business expansions Links mentioned in this episode: Fidelity Investments® retirement analysisIRS Form 1120-S Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

If you're a dentist deciding between Roth and pre-tax retirement contributions, the answer you get on social media is usually “Roth is always better.” The reality is, choosing the wrong account could cost you tens of thousands in lost tax savings, especially if you’re in a high tax bracket or on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. Learn when Roth makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to know which contribution type fits your income, your loan plan, and your retirement timeline. Key moments: (08:46) How Roth vs. pre-tax contributions actually work for dentists (13:04) Why pretax can be valuable for dentists with student loans (20:03) When Roth still makes sense (23:51) Early retirement creates another advantage for pretax Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

There’s a lot of noise about inflation, government spending, and passive income “tricks”—but none of that matters as much as the fundamentals. This conversation is for dentists who want to know which everyday financial decisions genuinely push you closer to financial independence and which ones just distract you. You’ll walk away able to prioritize what matters most so you don’t waste years chasing small wins or getting stuck on the wrong risks. Key moments: (05:57) Why inflation isn’t the existential threat for dentists that headlines claim (13:34) The “fantasy draft” for dentist financial moves, and what actually matters (18:00) Why working three clinical days a week is more achievable than you think (24:24) Long-term disability coverage: the underrated risk most dentists skip (29:38) Rental properties versus doubling down on your practice income Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

Most dentists know the playbook for their 401(k) and Roth IRA. But what should you do after you’ve checked those boxes, have extra cash building up, and want to use your money flexibly before retirement? This week, I break down why taxable brokerage accounts fill that gap, how they work, and the mistakes I see most often when dentists open one. You’ll learn where the line falls between investing and gambling (including the rise of sports betting as a “strategy”), when you actually need a brokerage account, and how taxes, account titling, and estate planning should shape your decisions. Key moments: (02:12) The line between gambling and investing is becoming blurred (10:47) What a brokerage account is, and why it matters after maxing your 401(k) and Roth (13:13) Five reasons dentists use brokerage accounts, and which apply to you (19:34) How taxes work in brokerage accounts, and the phantom tax bill to avoid (29:01) Two common brokerage account mistakes dentists make, and how to dodge them Links mentioned in this episode: Betterment 2026 Retail Investor SurveySchwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

Financial freedom for dentists looks very different in 2026, especially with the new student loan borrowing caps just rolled out. I sat down with Dr. Paul Goodman, founder of Dental Nachos and Dentist Job Connect, to explore how these changes affect access to dental school, practice ownership, and what it actually takes to build a fulfilling career as a dentist. We get into how capped federal borrowing might shift the dental pipeline, why most practices succeed or stall in those first six months of ownership, and the real-world differences between practice startups and buy-ins. Key moments: (04:44) Student loan limits for dental students (12:52) Is dentistry still worth it? (17:57) Why dentists suffer (22:50) Common mistakes new practice owners make (25:28) Metrics that show you’re ready to hire your first associate Links mentioned in this episode: Dental Nachos Facebook groupDentist Job ConnectDental Success Institute“To Sell Is Human” by Daniel Pink“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. GerberDental Amigos podcast Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

If you're a dentist weighing whether to buy your first home or your first practice, you know there are big stakes—and it's rarely as simple as "just do both." We get into what really matters when you’re deciding which to buy first, the hidden costs of getting the order wrong, and how current interest rate moves actually impact your timing. You'll learn how things like community ties, mortgage qualification, student loan balances, and even your future commute should factor into the decision, and what to know about working with doctor-specific lenders. Key moments: (01:05) The timing dilemma: house vs. practice and why it matters long-term (09:47) Why buying a home is an emotional decision, but the practice is your anchor (12:38) Real-life mortgage qualification issues after buying a practice (19:29) Building your down payment and practice liquidity at the same time (23:45) The often-overlooked costs and pain points if you buy the house before the practice Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

We unpack the journey to achieving millionaire status as a dentist, the true impact of that milestone, and important mindsets to adopt on the path to financial freedom. We introduce a new segment, "The Root of It," providing a timely analysis of news affecting financial decisions in dentistry, starting with the latest developments in AI and how they might influence investing and the dental profession. Key moments: (04:51) Potential future of AI models (07:42) Discussing AI market dynamics and how it affects dentists (16:09) Reflecting on financial milestones (24:22) Balancing spending and financial goals Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

If you're a dentist juggling a high income, a big student loan balance, and the constant pull to chase the next hot stock, this one is for you. We break down the two mistakes we see most often: concentrating your wealth in a handful of tech or crypto stocks, and buying VTI or VTSAX without a plan for the taxes that come with it. We get into how to grow your net worth intentionally, what most dentists get wrong with single-stock investing, and how to use tax-smart strategies that move the needle. I’ll also share my own story about buying a house, and why things aren’t always as affordable as they look on paper. Key moments: (02:29) How burnout leads dentists to risky investment decisions (08:14) Why single-stock bets can derail your long-term wealth (12:59) Understanding price-to-earnings ratios (18:52) Building a globally diversified, low cost index portfolio (26:04) How tax loss harvesting works and why it pays off at a practice sale Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

Five student loan rules changed this year, and if you're a dentist carrying six figures of debt, most of the generic coverage you've seen doesn't tell you what actually matters for your situation. We’ll walk you through all five. You'll learn which changes hit practicing dentists, which ones don't, and how to tell whether you're still a good candidate for forgiveness or better off refinancing. Key moments: (07:07) PAYE sunsets in 2028, how to know if you should switch or refinance (16:24) Why RAP is usually a non-starter for dentists, and when it isn't (19:48) New federal borrowing caps on dental school and residency (24:10) SAVE forbearance ends, and the 90-day window you actually get (29:05) The temporary 1% autopay discount, and how it changes refinance math Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

Life insurance isn't the most exciting topic — but it can be an important one, especially as your career and family grow. We sit down with Ben Lacomis, CSLP®, a financial planner here at SLP Wealth, who started his career at one of the big Fortune 100 mutual insurance companies. Now, as a fiduciary advisor, he brings a balanced perspective on how to think through your options. We talk about when life insurance makes sense, how your needs change over time, and what to know about term vs. permanent policies. You'll also hear some offbeat real-life examples (yes, people really do insure their hair) and learn how to think through your own situation, whether it's paying off debt or leaving something behind for the people you love. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a clear conversation to help you figure out what fits your life and goals. Key moments: (06:18) Why life insurance is often a must-have early in your career — especially for young professionals (14:09) The big differences between term and whole life insurance, and how each works (20:01) Understanding the "three G's" of life insurance (30:50) What to know about cash value and why some policies take longer to build it up (37:51) The 4% retirement rule and how to make your retirement spending feel more flexible Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

What career decisions would you reconsider with the wisdom of hindsight? Dr. Cole Smith, DDS, shares the career move he'd revise if given a second chance, and why he might suggest skipping a general residency program. Learn how this Austin-area dentist transitioned to practice ownership without a down payment, discover tips to manage practice profits, and get an inside look at how he's redefined work-life balance. Recent graduates and associates eyeing practice ownership — prepare for an honest conversation that might just save you years of trial and error on your own dental journey. Key moments: (04:16) Dr. Smith shares his perspective on AEGD/GPR value versus direct experience (09:57) How Dr. Smith purchased his practice without a down payment (16:03) The profit problem no one talks about: What to do when your practice is generating too much cash (20:37) How targeted CE can accelerate your career trajectory (25:02) Creating a schedule that prioritizes both family and practice success Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

So many dentists we work with are literally throwing money away at retirement — we're talking tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes. But a completely legal, under-the-radar approach lets dental practice owners slash their tax bills both now and in retirement. We reveal our "financial smoothie" approach and how the "three bucket strategy" creates the perfect blend to drop your tax rate. Learn exactly which accounts to blend together, in what proportions, and the precise timing that makes this work. After years of building your practice, make sure you — not the IRS — enjoy the rewards. Key moments: (03:33) The three bucket strategy explained, and how one lowers your student loan payments (08:16) The overlooked advantages of standard brokerage accounts (14:14) Reverse rollovers are a headache to deal with, but provide long-term benefits (20:06) How to access Roth IRA funds before retirement age without penalties (29:17) Common mistakes about the pro-rata rule Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a dental practice from the ground up in one of America's most saturated markets? Join us as we chat with Dr. John Oganesyan, DDS, about his journey from USC endodontic residency to establishing a successful dental practice in the competitive Los Angeles market. He shares how he pivoted from larger dental corporations to private practice ownership, including candid stories about building a patient base, managing insurance transitions, and the decisions that ultimately led to his growing success. Key moments: (06:17) Your first dental job is rarely your dream position (14:58) Sometimes the practice that doesn't check all your boxes is exactly the right one (20:50) Making the space your own: managing office updates and insurance changes (26:14) Why referral patterns fluctuate and how specialists can create a more consistent patient flow Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts YouTube at Financially Free Dentists