MtoM #259: PA Pays Off Student Loans in 16 Months and Financial Boot Camp: What is a Bond?
Release Date: 01/26/2026
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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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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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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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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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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 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: https://shesfinanciallyfree.com/starterkit
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? Gelt is a tax firm focused on proactive tax strategy, guided by expert CPAs and optimized via in-house AI tools. They work with physicians and practice owners to use the tax code more intelligently so your structure, deductions, and planning help you keep more of what you earn. As a White Coat Investor reader, you can book a free strategy intro at joingelt.com and receive 10% off your first year with Gelt. It’s time to start using your tax plan as a lever for growth.
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/gelt
Celebrating your stories of success along the journey to financial freedom! Tune in every Monday to the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast, where we celebrate the financial achievements of our listeners and share practical tips for reaching your own milestones. We want to celebrate your milestones—no matter how big or small—and help inspire others to follow your lead. Every week, these episodes feature one listener who has recently achieved a milestone they are proud of and want to celebrate, and they give any advice they have for those who want to follow their example. Make sure to listen every Monday to be inspired by your fellow white coat investors.
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00:00 MtoM Podcast #259
02:34 PA Pays Off Student Loans in 16 Months
11:48 Pushing Through Difficulty
20:22 Financial Boot Camp: What is a Bond?