Should physicians attack medical school loans immediately or pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)? That question drives this episode. Student loans are not just math. They often shape how you live, how you work, and how much flexibility you may have over your future.

This episode is designed for residents and future attendings who are trying to balance debt, life goals, and long term financial planning without getting trapped in one size fits all advice approach.

We explore the emotional side of debt, the tradeoffs of different strategies, and how student loan decisions connect to bigger goals like buying a home, starting a family, building wealth, and creating flexibility later in life.

Topics include:

💭 Paying off medical school loans vs PSLF

💭 Lifestyle tradeoffs in residency and early attending years

💭 Emotional freedom of being debt free vs forgiveness strategies

💭 Income based repayment and tax planning considerations

💭 Filing jointly vs separately and why it can make a big difference

💭 PSLF planning for different family and career scenarios

💭 How retirement planning and student loans intersect

💭 Thinking long term instead of reacting short term

This episode is about learning how to think strategically about student loans in a way that fits real life.

If you are a resident, future attending, medical student, or partner of a physician navigating student debt, this conversation is built for you.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Student Loans for Medical Professionals

00:53 Pros & Cons of Student Loan Forgiveness

02:30 Physicians and FIRE Choice

04:54 PSLF Option

06:41 Pros/Cons of PSLF

07:29 Help Deciding if PSLF Makes Sense

08:38 Tax Filing on PSLF

09:10 Strategies for Income-Driven Repayment

10:51 Should All Residents Use the Employer Match?

14:52 Michael is a Strategy Nerd

15:20 Rant About Taxes!

16:29 Single Physician Scenario Loan Example

20:39 Married Physician & Non-Physician PSLF Example

26:52 Physician and Homemaker

28:46 Dual Physician Loan Strategies

32:49 Youtube Disc. TN & Words.mp4

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

Stepping into medicine changes a lot including your relationship with money. In this episode of Common Curiosities, we rewind to the very beginning of the financial journey for resident physicians and future doctors. From student loan overwhelm to first paychecks, we explore the big questions that show up when debt, income, and long term planning all collide at once.

Topics include:

💭 The two big student loan paths: aggressive payoff vs forgiveness strategies

💭 What Public Service Loan Forgiveness actually requires

💭 Income based repayment and what “qualifying payments” really mean

💭 Nonprofit work rules and why your future employer matters

💭 Federal vs private loans and how refinancing may change your options

💭 The often overlooked tax side of loan forgiveness

💭 Why the right strategy depends on your career path, income trajectory, and family life

If you are in residency, medical school, or planning your future in medicine, this episode is about helping you think more clearly about your options and the tradeoffs behind each choice.

More episodes in this medicine focused series are coming next as we continue unpacking the pros, cons, and long term planning realities.

Stay curious.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters:

00:00 New Physicians Common Questions

01:32 Medical School Loan Payoff Options

02:12 Forgiveness vs Payoff for Med School Loans

04:30 How to Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness

05:59 Be Careful Refinancing

07:06 How to Qualify

07:43 Tax Implications of Loan Forgiveness

10:20 Deciding the Right Loan Repayment for You

12:15 Youtube Disc. TN & Words.mp4

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

We’re digging into three big questions that involve incentives, trade‑offs, and possible ripple effects few talk about.

𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

💭 A proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates

💭 Who may benefit and who could lose when credit card rates are limited

💭 How lower interest rates could affect rewards, approvals, spending and stock prices

💭 Why Fannie and Freddie buying mortgages may push rates down

💭 The potential impact on home prices, taxpayers, and mortgage investors

💭 Whether investing in the stock market is pivotal or just one option

💭 Saving versus investing and why fear often comes from unfamiliarity

💭 Alternative ways people invest in themselves outside traditional markets

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

Chapters:

00:00 Michael's Attempt at a Trophy Husband

02:44 10% Credit Card Cap Potential Winners & Losers

07:40 $200 Billion Mortgage Buying Effect Markets?

08:41 How Would Buying Mortgages Reduce Mortgage Rates?

09:55 Who Benefits & Who May Be Hurt?

12:26 Any Concern it Reminds of '08-'09?

12:59 Is it Scary To Invest?

18:21 Is the Stock Market Designed to Go Up?

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

Why did my tax bill go up… even though little changed at work?

As interest rates have gone up, a lot of people started earning more on cash sitting at the bank. And at tax time, that surprise can show up in a real way. In this episode, Michael, CFP®, EA walks through one of the most common and overlooked reasons people owe more than expected: ordinary income taxes on savings, CDs, and money markets.

Using a simple whiteboard example, Michael breaks down how bank interest is taxed, why it feels sneaky, and how planning strategies may change as you move closer to retirement. This is about understanding where taxes are coming from and deciding where your money might work more efficiently for you.

𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:

💭 How interest from high yield savings and CDs are taxed and at what rate

💭 How higher rates can create hidden tax bills even when spending stays the same

💭 The difference between marginal and effective tax brackets

💭 Why too much cash may quietly become one hefty tax bill for you

💭 Using retirement accounts that can help shield from recurring taxes

💭 When an emergency fund might live outside the bank checking or savings

💭 Asset location vs asset allocation and why where you hold assets matter

💭 Tradeoffs between cash, bonds, municipal bonds, and equities

💭 How tax efficiency may shift depending on age, income, and time horizon

💭 Why owing taxes is not always bad news and what it may actually signal

If you have money sitting at the bank and have ever wondered why April feels a little more painful than expected, this episode is designed to help connect the dots. No scare tactics. Just clarity, context, and planning ideas to consider as rates and life change.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro Compliance

00:13 Surprise Tax Bills?

01:34 Taxes on Cash/HYSA

03:11 Leaving Large Sums at the Bank

05:26 Tax Bill Comes from a CD?

07:41 Emer. Fund in a Retirement Account?!

08:14 Can I Protect Taxes on My Emer. Funds Somehow?

12:13 Trying to Use Large Work Plan Limits in Our Favor

16:54 What if I'm Not 55-60? What Could I Do?

18:33 Does the Gov't Incentivise You to Invest?

21:23 Municipal Bonds for Taxes

23:42 Strategies After 2022 Int. Rate Hikes

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

We’re taking a closer look at the loudest housing headlines currently happening. Are we actually on the brink of another 2008-style crash, or is the story more complicated? Could 50‑year mortgages be a lifeline for buyers or a slow‑burn problem in the making? And how do you figure out whether a home truly fits your life, not just what a lender says you can qualify for?

Topics include:

💭 What a 50 year mortgage does to your monthly payment and your long term interest

💭 Who may a 50 year mortgage and who could it help?

💭 Why affordability today can turn into a headache later especially near retirement

💭 The five to seven year rule and why short stays in a home can be riskier than they seem

💭 A big overlooked tax rule that may be quietly locking people into their homes and why Michael, CFP®, EA thinks we should change the rule

💭 Renting vs buying and when renting may actually be the smarter move

💭 How Airbnb investors, private equity, and supply shortages affect prices

💭 Common housing budget rules like the 28 percent guideline and where they can fall apart

💭 Why bank pre approvals are not the same thing as real life affordability

💭 Ways and strategies to save for a home

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

00:00 Housing Thoughts & Ideas

01:21 Housing Market Crash Worse Than 2008?!

02:40 50-Year Mortgage Helpful or Harmful?

04:58 Interest Owed on a 15 Year vs 50 Year Morgage?

06:06 Who Likes a 50-Year Mortgage?

07:08 Make Sense to Rent?

08:53 Shouldn't It Be Cheaper to Own Than Rent?

13:15 Mortgage Still Around at Retirement?

14:37 Housing Crash Soon?

15:45 How Could We Fix Housing Affordability?

17:29 Who's Buying All the Homes?

18:49 Basic Housing Rule of Thumbs

21:37 Are Classic Housing Rules Even Possible Now a Days?

24:16 The Emotional Side of Home Buying

26:25 Do Banks Offer More Than You Can Actually Afford?

29:23 Should We Raise the Tax Free Amount on a Home?!

33:47 Move & Property Taxes Skyrocket? Why?!

35:11 Ways to Save Up for a Home

37:44 Youtube Disc. TN & Words.mp4

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

Ever wonder whether you’re on track for your retirement goals? In this episode, Michael walks through the question from a couple in their mid‑40s who hope to retire at 62 and spend about $120,000 a year in today’s dollars. They’ve built a strong foundation by saving early, and now they’re asking a great question: Can we ease up a bit and enjoy more life today without getting off course for tomorrow?

Michael CFP®, EA uses the retirement software to help this couple see what this may look like.

Topics include:

💭 Is this couple on track for their goals?

💭 Does working a few extra years really matter?

💭 What often trips people's retirement goals up?

💭 How retirement planning software actually works

💭 Why assumptions matter more than the final percentage

💭 What Monte Carlo simulations can and cannot tell you

💭 The hidden planning necessary when retiring before Medicare

💭 Roth versus pre-tax tradeoffs in your 40s and 50s

💭 Using projections as a planning tool

If you are somewhere between “we should probably check on this” and “retirement is getting real,” this episode is for you.

As always, stay curious.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Chapters

00:00 Retirement Analysis for Mid 40s

02:01 Details of the Example People

02:54 Different Accounts Different Growth Goals?

04:46 Expenses the Same in Retirement?

05:20 Their Saving Amounts

06:47 Monte Carlo Analysis

08:00 Cash Flow Analysis

08:59 RMD Concerns

11:31 Does Retirement Work for This Couple?

12:34 Where do They Take Money From First?

13:07 Don't Forget Health Costs in Retirement

14:11 Should They Look at Using Roth or Pre-Tax?

15:10 Is 3 More Years of Work Actually Worth That Much?

17:33 Mid 40's Difficult Middle?

18:24 Youtube Disc. TN & Words.mp4

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

In this episode, Michael, CFP®, EA tackles Q&A questions ranging from the new inherited IRA rules, why a reverse mortgage may not make sense right, key Roth IRA and 401(k) contribution rules, and juggling student loans, saving for a home, and building an emergency fund.

Topics:

💭 How inherited IRA rules changed and what the 10 year rule really means

💭 Why tax bracket management matters when withdrawing inherited IRA money

💭 Should retirees use a reverse mortgage or spend retirement savings first

💭 When a reverse mortgage may make sense and when it usually does not

💭 Can you fund a Roth IRA and a Roth 403b at the same time?

💭 How retirement account contribution limits actually work

💭 What to focus on first at age 25 with student loans and a future home goal

💭 Emergency funds versus debt payoff versus investing

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

We hear it all the time. Roth this and Roth that. "Convert now before it’s too late" and many more. We think Roth conversions can be powerful in the right situations. But what most people don't talk about is that sometimes they may actually do more harm than good to your lifetime tax bill.

In this episode of Common Curiosities Retirement, Michael CFP®, EA discusses the conversation and explores the other side of the Roth conversion story. When he thinks they may not make sense to use.

Topics include:

💭 Why the upfront tax bill can matter more than the long term potential math

💭 Cash flow pressure and how Roth taxes actually often get paid

💭 When charitable giving can make pre tax dollars more powerful

💭 Why state taxes and future moves often get ignored

💭 Shadow taxes like IRMAA, ACA subsidies, capital gains, and hidden surcharges

💭 Life expectancy and planning for kids versus just yourself

💭 The irreversible nature of Roth conversions and timing decisions

Roth conversions could help you keep more money long term. They can also quietly trigger taxes and costs you did not see coming.

As always, stay curious.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

📧 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: custerfinancialadvisors@lpl.com

00:00 Not Choosing Roth?

01:39 Why People Do Like Roth Assets

03:46 What is a Roth Conversion?

05:01 Everyone Has a Business Partner!

05:42 How Much Does the Government Allow?

06:36 Willing to Pay Tax Now?

08:07 Could You Get a Penalty?

10:07 Gifting Plans Affect Your Choice?

11:30 State Tax Effects!

12:55 How Many People Are You Tax Strategizing For?

15:06 Forgetting Your Shadow Taxes

16:24 65+ Extra Tax Deduction

17:09 The Irreversibility of Conversions

18:34 The Complexity of Roth Conversions

19:49 Youtube Disc. TN & Words.mp4

Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.