WCI #454: The Numbers and Psychology of Retirement Spending with Christine Benz
Release Date: 01/15/2026
MtoM #260: General Contractor Becomes a Millionaire and Financial Boot Camp: How Does Dental Insurance Work?
White Coat Investor Podcast
In this episode, we talk with a contractor who built a millionaire net worth without sky-high incomes or an inheritance. He and his wife have paid off their home, invested consistently, and recently took the leap to start a contracting business just nine months ago. Starting out making a combined $70,000 and never earning more than $210,000 in a year, they prove you do not need a massive salary to build real wealth. They have an impressive 65 percent savings rate, and their story is a powerful reminder that consistency beats income alone. This podcast is sponsored by . He is an independent...
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WCI #456: Alternative Investments with Larry Swedroe
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today we’re diving into all the stuff everyone seems to be arguing about lately: AI and whether it is actually a bubble, why nobody wants small value, international, or bonds anymore, and what to say to the growing crowd of S&P-500-only investors. We also break down the world of alternative investments in a way that is simple and actually useful, from real estate and crypto to reinsurance, annuities, peer-to-peer loans, commodities, and all the messy complexity in between. And of course, we talk about your new book Enrich Your Future. It is a packed episode, so settle in and enjoy....
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MtoM #259: PA Pays Off Student Loans in 16 Months and Financial Boot Camp: What is a Bond?
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today we talk to a PA who paid off $155,000 of student loans in just 16 months, entirely on her own. She did it by cutting expenses, living like a resident, and staying focused on rapid debt payoff. Along the way, she built an app to help herself stay organized and motivated, which later became a tool she could share with others. Most importantly, she explains why paying off debt quickly was not just a financial decision, but a key strategy for preventing burnout and protecting her long-term well-being. Arden's Budgeting Resource: If you’re a high-income physician, you already know...
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WCI #455: Student Loan Forgiveness, Taxes, and Retirement Accounts
White Coat Investor Podcast
In today’s episode, we’re answering your questions about student loans, taxes, and what to do next once you’re already doing a lot of things right. We talk about Borrower’s Defense cases and when the government might actually forgive your loans, then dig into smart loan repayment strategies. We also cover investing after you’ve maxed out your 403(b), what to know after doing your first Mega Backdoor Roth and solo 401(k), and a few tax form gotchas. We wrap up with how to think about cash balance plans when you still have a long runway to invest. Today’s episode is brought to us by...
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MtoM #258: Student Gets Full Ride to Medical School and Financial Boot Camp: 529s
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today we are chatting with a second year med student who received a full ride scholarship to medical school. He was prepared to pay for his education fully with loans and then got the incredible news that he had been selected for the scholarship. He is an awesome example of getting financially educated early so he will be ready to hit the ground when he finishes training. After the interview we are talking about 529s for Financial Boot Camp. If you’re a high-income physician, you already know how hard you work for every dollar. The question is: how much are you actually keeping after taxes?...
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WCI #454: The Numbers and Psychology of Retirement Spending with Christine Benz
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today we sit down with Christine Benz, Author, WCICON Speaker, and Director of Mutual Fund Analysis at Morningstar, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. We dive into her annual retirement income research, the realities of spending in retirement, and the challenge many retirees face in giving themselves permission to spend. Christine also reflects on the stark gender imbalance in the finance world and highlights the women she believes every investor should be following, whether they invest on their own or work with an advisor. It is a thoughtful, information-rich interview you will...
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MtoM #257: Emergency Medicine Doc Reaches Financial Independence, Cuts Back to Half Time and Bike Rides over 2,000 Miles Across Europe and Financial Boot Camp: How Does PSLF Work?
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today we are talking to an ER doc who fulfilled her dream of doing an epic bike ride across Europe. She rode 2,500 miles from Italy to Norway with over 500 people from all over the world. She knows that health is never guaranteed and wanted to accomplish this goal while she is still physically strong enough. She has taken care of her financial life and has reached financial independence so she had the freedom to make some changes to achieve her goal. She was willing to quit her job if necessary but ended up going to part time and with the help of great colleagues she was able to take 7 weeks...
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WCI #453: Common Real Estate Questions from High-Income Professionals
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today’s episode is all about real estate, straight from the questions you asked during our recent live webinar. We dig into Real Estate Professional Status, short term rental rules, and how the tax benefits actually work across direct properties, syndications, and private funds. We also tackle REITs, including whether target date funds are enough, other Vanguard options beyond VNQ, and where REITs belong in your portfolio from a tax perspective. We also discuss if you really need real estate at all, and how do syndications, funds, and real estate debt compare in the real world. Questions...
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MtoM #256: Internist Pays Off $300,000 of Student Loans in 7 Years and Financial Boot Camp: High Deductible Health Plans vs PPO
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today we are talking to an internal medicine doc with a great story. She started her medical school journey later in life when she and her husband decided to do whatever it took to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. Her husband quit his job to stay home and care for their 4 children and she went to medical school. Today we are celebrating her paying off $300,000 of student loans. She has worked hard to pay down debt alongside saving and buying a nice home for her family. Her tips for success are to ground yourself, have a plan and do not let your emotions make your decisions for...
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WCI #452: The Case for Self-Employment with Dr. Tod Stillson
White Coat Investor Podcast
Today’s episode dives into a hotly debated topic in physician employment: 1099 work. We’re joined by Tod Stillson, who brings an enthusiastic case for why independent contracting and self employment can open doors and empower doctors in ways traditional employment often doesn’t. Dr. Dahle offers a thoughtful counterpoint, questioning just how impactful 1099 status really is for most physicians. It’s a friendly, engaging conversation with plenty of respectful debate, and we think listeners on both sides of the issue will find something to appreciate—and maybe even reconsider. Tod's...
info_outlineToday we sit down with Christine Benz, Author, WCICON Speaker, and Director of Mutual Fund Analysis at Morningstar, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. We dive into her annual retirement income research, the realities of spending in retirement, and the challenge many retirees face in giving themselves permission to spend. Christine also reflects on the stark gender imbalance in the finance world and highlights the women she believes every investor should be following, whether they invest on their own or work with an advisor. It is a thoughtful, information-rich interview you will not want to miss.
Getting Going on Savings Initiative: https://boglecenter.net/gettinggoing/
Best of Jonathan Clements Book: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Jonathan-Clements-Timeless-Financial/dp/0988780348
Laurel Road is committed to serving the financial needs of doctors, including helping you get the home of your dreams. Laurel Road’s Physician Mortgage is a home loan exclusively for physicians and dentists featuring up to 100% financing on loans of $1,000,000 or less. These loans have fewer restrictions than conventional mortgages and recognize the lender’s trust in medical professionals’ creditworthiness and earning potential. For terms and conditions, please visit https://laurelroad.com/wci
Disclosures:
NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All mortgage products are subject to credit and collateral approval. Mortgage products are available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice.
1. 100% financing is only available to interns, residents, fellows, doctors, dentists, clinical professors, researchers, or managing physicians with a current license and a degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Only available when purchasing or refinancing with no cash out on a primary residence and loan amount does not exceed $1,000,000. Retired doctors are not eligible. Additional conditions and restrictions may apply.
The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles.
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00:00 WCI Podcast #454
02:31 Christine Benz Interview
04:00 The Numbers and Psychology of Retirement Spending
24:15 The State of Retirement Income