YFP 407: Ask YFP: Using 529s for Student Loans & Buying Bitcoin Efficiently
Release Date: 05/15/2025
Your Financial Pharmacist
Tim Ulbrich and Tim Baker tackle one of the most common questions we hear from pharmacists: “Do I need this whole life insurance policy?” They dive into who needs coverage, common misconceptions, and why the “buy term and invest the difference” strategy may be the smarter approach. Episode Summary YFP Co-Founder & CEO, Tim Ulbrich, PharmD, and YFP Co-Founder & COO, Tim Baker, CFP®, RLP®, RICP®, tackle one of the most common questions we hear from pharmacists: “Do I need this whole life insurance policy?” We’ve seen an increasing number of pharmacists with...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Asking for and getting a raise can make a significant difference in your financial plan for years to come. In this episode, Tim Ulbrich walks through a five-step playbook with practical tips and strategies to help you confidently ask for and get the raise you deserve. Episode Summary Asking for and getting a raise can make a massive difference in your financial plan, not just today, but for years and even decades to come. For many pharmacists, the thought of walking into their boss’s office and asking for more money can feel as unpleasant as getting a cavity filled. It’s uncomfortable,...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
In this special episode, Tim Ulbrich introduces the winners of the YFP Gives scholarship. Deja Preusser, Zipporah Williams, Michaela Martin-Worley, Julia Miller, and Mildred Asamoah share their inspiring stories, showcasing the drive, resilience, and vision of the next generation of pharmacy leaders. Episode Summary YFP Co-Founder & CEO, Tim Ulbrich, PharmD introduces the five recipients of the 2025 YFP Gives Scholarship. These inspiring stories reflect the passion, perseverance, and leadership of the next generation of pharmacy professionals. The 2025 YFP Gives scholarship winners are...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially for pharmacists facing student loans, rising rents, and high interest rates. Tony Umholtz, mortgage loan officer at First Horizon, shares a realistic path to homeownership, even in today’s challenging real estate environment. This episode is brought to you by First Horizon. Episode Summary Buying a home as a first-time buyer in today’s market can feel overwhelming, especially for pharmacists juggling student loans, high rents, and rising interest rates. In this episode of the Your Financial Pharmacist Podcast, Tim Ulbrich is joined by Tony...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Cory & Cassie Jenks return 5 years after first sharing their Coast FI journey. Tim Ulbrich talks with them about career shifts, family life, and how they’re balancing financial freedom with living fully while raising three kids under six. Episode Summary In early 2020, pharmacists Cory and Cassie Jenks shared their inspiring journey toward Coast FI on Episode 134 of the YFP Podcast, explaining how they front-loaded their retirement savings to create more flexibility, time freedom, and intentional living. Now, over five years later, they’re back for a “Where Are They Now?” update. A...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Tim Ulbrich, PharmD, breaks down student loan updates from the Big Beautiful Bill, including key changes, how we got here, and what it means for your repayment strategy. Episode Summary In this episode, YFP Co-Founder & CEO, Tim Ulbrich, PharmD breaks down recent student loan updates stemming from the newly passed Big Beautiful Bill. With so many repayment options, formulas, and acronyms flying around, it’s more confusing than ever for borrowers to make confident decisions. Tim walks through: ✅ Key changes included in the Big Beautiful Bill ✅ How we got here and why this matters ✅...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Jackie Boyle returns nearly two years after paying off $200K+ in student loans to share how that milestone shaped her growth. Jackie also discusses mindset shifts, burnout in pharmacy, and her mission to help ambitious women reconnect with their purpose and potential. Episode Summary In this episode, Jackie Boyle, PharmD, returns to the YFP Podcast to share what’s happened in the nearly two years since she and her husband paid off over $200,000 in student loans. Jackie and Tim Ulbrich dive into the pressure many pharmacists feel to follow a traditional career path, the mindset shifts...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Pharmacists and real estate investors Nate Hedrick and David Bright explore today’s shifting housing market and ask: Is real estate investing less volatile than the stock market? Episode Summary In this episode, pharmacists and real estate investors Nate Hedrick and David Bright break down what they’re seeing in today’s real estate market, from inconsistent pricing strategies to shifting buyer and seller behavior, and explore the bigger question: Is real estate investing less volatile than the stock market? They reflect on how current trends compare to recent years and what that...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Wondering whether to contribute to a Roth or Traditional retirement account? Tim Ulbrich and Tim Baker break down key factors like tax brackets, Roth 401(k) access, and long-term planning tips to help you decide. Episode Summary One of the most common questions we get is: Should I contribute to a Roth or Traditional retirement account? In this episode, YFP Co-Founder & CEO, Tim Ulbrich, PharmD, and YFP Co-Founder & COO, Tim Baker, CFP®, RLP®, RICP®, break down the key factors to consider when deciding between Roth and Traditional contributions, including: ✅ Your current and...
info_outlineYour Financial Pharmacist
Thinking about changing jobs or just got promoted? In this episode, Tim and Tim cover 7 key financial considerations, from negotiating offers to managing benefits, to help you navigate the transition with clarity and confidence. Episode Summary If you recently changed jobs or just landed a promotion, congratulations! A new opportunity, whether internal or external, often brings exciting possibilities…and important financial decisions. In this episode, 7 Key Financial Considerations During a Job Transition, YFP Co-Founder & CEO, Tim Ulbrich, PharmD is joined by YFP Co-Founder & COO,...
info_outlineTim Ulbrich and Tim Baker answer two questions from the YFP community on using 529 funds for student loans and the most cost-efficient ways to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin.
Summary
In this episode, YFP Co-Founder & CEO Tim Ulbrich, PharmD, is joined by YFP Co-Founder & COO Tim Baker, CFP®, RLP®, RICP®, to answer two insightful financial questions from the YFP community.
First, they explore whether it makes sense to use 529 plan funds to pay off student loans. Tim and Tim break down the relevant provisions of the SECURE Act, highlight key limitations and tax implications, and discuss scenarios where this strategy could be beneficial—or not.
Next, they tackle a question about buying Bitcoin efficiently. They compare the most cost-efficient ways to invest, including using various platforms, ETFs, and tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs. They also weigh the pros and cons of each approach, including fee structures, accessibility, and long-term considerations.
Whether you’re considering how to best use your 529 funds or exploring your first steps into cryptocurrency, this episode provides practical, pharmacist-specific guidance to help you make informed financial decisions.
Mentioned on the Show
- YFP 368: How Much is Enough for Kids' College?
- YFP 211: The Ins and Outs of the 529 College Savings Plan
- YFP 404: 5 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Planner
- YFP 386: Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets: Definitions, Origins, and Risks
- YFP 387: Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets: Investment Considerations and Tax Implications