Veterinary Financial Podcast

Christine Staten, DVM, MBA has been a veterinary practice owner for over 20 years, and in that time, has made lots of great decisions (and some she wouldn’t make again!) while growing her practice and her team. Dr. Christine joins Meredith to share her story and why she’s so passionate about helping other vets build veterinary practices that succeed so they can keep doing the work they love.Key Topics:Christine shares how she started on the path to becoming a vet practice ownerChristine gives practical advice for how to manage a team and utilize data and strategic team retreats to accelerate business growthThe value of community for practice owners to combat isolation and being overburdened by your responsibilitiesHow going back to school to get an MBA in her 50s further improved her veterinary practiceWhy work life balance is impossible, and what you should aim for insteadChristine’s personal framework for managing stress, burnout, and day-to-day worriesLinks and resources:Connect with Christine on Instagram @veterinary_mba Find Christine Staten and her community of veterinary practice owners at veterinary-mba.com as well! Interested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Veterinary medicine and financial planning share a common framework: history-taking, diagnostics, treatment or action plans, and progress exams. Recognizing these parallels can help make money conversations less intimidating and much more familiar for veterinarians.Key Topics:How financial planning and veterinary medicine share the same step-by-step processWorking up a case in vet med mirrors working up a case in financial planningThe role of history-taking and information gathering in both fieldsHow treatment plans compare to financial action plansWhy progress exams and financial check-ins serve the same purposeHow my clinical background shapes my financial adviceInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com

Medical records have historically been one of the biggest time drains and stressors in veterinary practice. AI notetakers, also called scribes or transcription tools, are changing that.I share stories from my ER career and financial planning work, along with insights from veterinarians in the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group, on how these tools save time, improve accuracy, and reduce late-night record writing. You’ll also hear strategies that can help when AI isn’t an option.Veterinarians describe how AI notetakers have transformed their daily workflow—helping them juggle multiple cases, keep up with busy shifts, and finally stop staying late just to finish records.Highlights include:The challenges of managing medical records in busy clinical settingsHow AI notetakers can save time, reduce errors, and boost efficiencyWhat veterinarians are saying about their favorite toolsThe cost of an AI notetaker - and why it may be worth paying for yourself if your hospital won’tOther efficiency tools, including human scribes and TextExpanderWhether you’re curious about AI notetakers, overwhelmed by incomplete records, or just looking for ways to reclaim your time, this conversation offers real-world insights into how these tools are changing veterinary practice.Links and Resources:Debt-Free Vets Facebook groupThread in Debt-Free Vets on AI notetakersInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com

Perfectionism might have helped you get into vet school, but it could be holding you back financially. Dr. Jason Balara joins Meredith to talk about how an “all or nothing” mindset can sabotage your financial goals and delay meaningful progress. Jason is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and founder of Lark Capital, a real estate investment firm.They explore:Why striving for excellence beats chasing perfectionHow perfectionism shows up in investing, budgeting, and student loan strategiesWhy it’s better to start small than wait for the “perfect” financial planHow Jason restructured his career to prioritize time and autonomyWhether you’re working toward loan forgiveness, thinking about launching a side business, or feeling stuck because you don’t have all the answers—this episode will help you take action without waiting for perfect conditions.Links and Resources:Contact Jason Balara at jason@larkcapital.com or on LinkedInCheck out the Know Your Why Podcast with Dr. Jason BalaraInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or check out allvetfinancial.com

In this episode, I walk through what the student loan changes in the Big Beautiful Bill mean for current and future veterinary students.If you’re already in repayment, be sure to check out the previous episode, which covers what these changes mean for veterinarians who have already graduated.Most of the updates won’t take effect until July 1, 2026, but they’re important to understand now—whether you’re a student or someone who mentors future vet students.Key topics include:Who is and isn’t affected by the new $200k federal student loan capWhen the changes take effect and which class years are impactedGrad PLUS loans are going away—and what that means for vet studentsWhat we know about the new RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan) so farHow consolidation strategy may shift next yearHow this bill may affect access to the profession going forwardI also share practical advice for current students, future students, and anyone advising future applicants—as well as my thoughts on how these changes could reshape the veterinary profession.Interested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

In early July, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, bringing sweeping changes to student loans. In this episode of the Veterinary Financial Podcast, I’m breaking down what the bill means for veterinarians who have already graduated and are already in repayment.Key topics include:What happens if you're on IBR, PAYE, or SAVEA closer look at the new 30-year RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)What happens if you don’t make a new plan selection by 2028Important tax and spousal income considerationsA couple of bright spots—like employer benefits and servicer fundingI also answer top questions from the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group and share what vets should be thinking about now to stay ahead of the changes.Stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll focus on how the bill impacts current and future vet students.Mentioned in this episode:Debt-Free Vets Facebook GroupInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Allvet Financial - a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm serving veterinarians and their partners nationwide.In this episode, I share the story behind starting my own firm, my path from ER vet to financial planner, and why I believe vet-specific financial planning matters.You’ll hear about:Why I launched a firm built just for veterinarians
My transition from ER vet to financial planner
How I help clients navigate student loans, income shifts, and big decisions
The challenges vets face that most planners don’t understand
What it’s like to work with me at Allvet Financial
If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to connect!Interested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Are you working relief shifts as a self-employed vet—or thinking about it? In this Q&A episode, I answer some of the most common questions that came up when I recently asked the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group: “Self-employed relief vets—what financial questions do you have?” From choosing the right business structure to navigating taxes, retirement savings, and health insurance, we cover the essentials (and the often-overlooked details) that can make or break your financial confidence as a relief vet.Key topics:Do you need an LLC or PLLC to do relief work?Why getting an EIN can protect your privacyHow to separate business and personal finances (and why it matters)Pros and cons of a Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRANavigating quarterly taxesCommon tax write-offs for relief vetsMentioned in this episode:Contact Meredith: meredith@allvetfinancial.comDebt-Free Vets Facebook GroupEpisode 59: Perfectionist Traps That Are Costing You MoneyInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Student loans are still in a state of chaos, and Meredith Jones, DVM, CSLP®, AFC® is here to help you make sense of it all. From court rulings to sweeping legislative proposals, borrowers are facing a confusing and rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're pursuing forgiveness, considering switching repayment plans, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode helps you understand what’s happening now, what could be coming, and what actions (if any) veterinarians and vet students should take.Key topics:The status of the SAVE plan and what borrowers should consider if switching to IBR
What’s actually in the House reconciliation bill—aka the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
How the proposed RAP plan could impact veterinarians specifically
What changes might be coming to PSLF, Grad PLUS, and borrowing limits for future vet students
Why panicking (or refinancing) is not the move right now
One overlooked benefit in the bill that could help borrowers long termLinks mentioned in this episode:Debt-Free Vets Facebook GroupAdam Minsky – Student Loan Updates on ForbesInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

A lot of well-meaning advice says to put money into a Traditional IRA to lower your tax bill. But for most veterinarians, that move can backfire. We’ve seen it again and again: smart, hardworking vets unknowingly setting themselves up for a bigger tax hit down the road. We’re breaking down why that happens, who should be using Traditional IRAs, and where your money might be better off instead. It’s not about scaring you off IRAs completely, it’s about showing you how to make smarter, more tax-efficient choices.Key moments:(03:47) Traditional IRA income limits are lower than you think, and many vets can’t get the tax deduction(10:43) Smarter places to put your money if a Traditional IRA isn’t the right fit(12:02) Backdoor Roths get messy if you’ve already contributed to a Traditional IRA(17:41) Locking up your money with no tax benefit can hurt you more than help long-termInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Student loan benefits at work sound great on paper, but understanding the details requires asking the right questions. The tax-free $5,250 benefit established under the American Rescue Plan Act sunsets after 2025, which changes the long-term value proposition. We're breaking down crucial questions to ask: Does this payment count toward forgiveness program requirements? What about private loans? We'll also discuss that eye-catching $60k benefit being marketed to vet students by a major hospital group and explore alternatives worth considering during negotiations.Key moments:(04:20) Tax-free student loan benefits expire after 2025 (and it could cost you money)(10:34) Directly negotiating a higher salary may be better than complex student loan benefits(12:55) Benefits paid across several years assume longer employment than a vet may maintain with that employer(15:05) Employer loan benefits don't always reduce monthly payments(18:01) Career path alignment matters more than student loan benefit packagesLink mentioned in this episode:Employer Student Loan Repayment Benefit: Amazing for Some, Unhelpful for MostInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Ever noticed how veterinarians give each other the most conflicting financial advice? We've spotted some truly head-scratching tips being shared across vet med forums and Facebook groups. We're breaking down some popular but problematic mantras like "everyone should pay off their loans ASAP" or "always choose a Roth 401(k)” and tackling the biggest misunderstandings around tax filing status and production pay. Your finances deserve the same nuanced approach you give your patients — let's talk about finding YOUR path to financial success, not someone else's oversimplified version of it.Key moments:(04:06) The Roth 401(k) debate — what's right depends on your individual financial situation(10:49) Marriage tax filing status should reflect your student loan repayment strategy(17:11) Are your production bonuses really taxed more? The truth behind the withholding(21:03) The math proves it: bigger paychecks win even with income-driven repaymentLink mentioned in this episode:2025 AVMA Economic State of the Profession ReportInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

When a San Diego couple found a mortgage lender advertising a lower interest rate than competitors, they thought they'd made a smart financial decision — until just before closing day and a sudden ultimatum nearly cost them their dream home. We’re unpacking what went wrong and sharing what questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and strategies to balance competitive rates with quality service. For vets, this is the straight talk on what actually matters when you're making probably the biggest purchase of your life.Key moments:(02:28) Working with several lenders is normal during the home-buying process(08:06) Surprise revelation(14:36) How veterinarians can avoid mortgage lending pitfalls when buying homes(18:25) Interview multiple loan officers, but remember that the lowest rate isn't always the best deal(21:42) The realtor matters more than their company — prioritize individual fit over agency nameInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Your perfectionist mindset (the one that makes you an amazing doctor) might not be doing your finances any favors. Here’s what we mean: You’re making countless decisions every single day — from complex medical calls to juggling client conversations to managing your packed schedule. By the time you get to your finances, your brain is fried. So you either overthink everything or just avoid money decisions completely. Learn how perfectionism can show up in your financial life and explore practical strategies to make financial decisions when you're already dealing with decision fatigue.Key moments:(04:41) Overcoming analysis paralysis with the “dart method”(07:09) Set up your 401(k) now — the “worst” investment choice beats waiting for the perfect option later(11:01) Perfectionism about investing for your student loan tax bomb is actually costing you thousands(14:39) You're smart enough to do anything, but that doesn't mean you should do everything yourself(17:08) The one mindset shift that will dramatically improve your finances as a veterinarianInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Veterinarians are no strangers to financial stress, especially when it comes to student loans. But what happens when those forgiven loans turn into a massive tax bill? Discover what you need to know about the looming tax bomb with student loan forgiveness and how to avoid the costly mistakes vets make when trying to save for it.Key moments:(03:20) Using retirement accounts for the tax bomb isn’t the best idea(04:36) The Roth IRA’s “break glass” option lets you withdraw contributions penalty-free, but there’s a catch(09:27) Declaring insolvency as a last resort (17:48) How much should you actually save for the tax bomb?Interested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Recent court rulings and policy shifts have created confusion, leaving borrowers wondering what to do next. Should you stay on SAVE, switch plans, or wait it out? We break down what’s happening, why PAYE and ICR are back in the spotlight, and whether sticking with SAVE or switching plans is the smarter strategy. We’ll also cover key financial factors that could affect your repayment plan, like credit card debt, maternity leave, and tax filing choices. If you’re unsure what this means for you, tune in for insights and next steps to keep your student loan strategy on track.Key moments:(03:38) When sticking with SAVE is the smartest financial move(06:19) Ditching SAVE could fast-track PSLF loan forgiveness(10:24) Your tax filing status could be the key to lowering your student loan payments(16:09) If you borrowed federal loans between October 2007 and July 2014, PAYE might be a golden opportunityInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Veterinarian pay structures can be surprisingly complex — and sometimes, just plain weird. We’re breaking down the most common ways vets get paid, the misconceptions many have about their own compensation, and the hidden pitfalls in different pay structures. Learn about ProSal, production-based pay, and other models and how each impacts your income. If you’re navigating a new contract or trying to make sense of your paycheck, this conversation will give you fresh insights and might even help you earn more.Key moments:(02:05) The three ways vets get paid, and why ProSal isn’t as straightforward as it seems(09:48) Vet pay structures leave plenty of room for errors (and lost income)(14:26) Salary plus production sounds stable until you realize you’re actually working on commission(22:01) Emergency vets: Shift pay makes compensation even more complicatedLinks mentioned in this episode:A Prescription for ChangeInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Sign-on bonuses are more common than ever in veterinary medicine, but not every use of that bonus sets you up for financial success. We’re breaking down the top three mistakes we see veterinarians make with their sign-on bonuses, how to avoid them, and what to do instead.Key moments:(05:07) Don’t use your sign-on bonus to pay student loans if you’re going for forgiveness — it’s wasted money(05:56) Using your bonus for a more expensive car can jeopardize your ability to buy the right home(08:29) Avoid “YOLO investing” in trends like crypto or single stocks(11:29) Sign-on bonuses can come with strings, here’s how to handle the money to avoid feeling stuck in your job(16:17) Use this checklist to turn your sign-on bonus into a fast track to wealthInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Non-compete agreements are creating waves in the veterinary profession, thanks to the FTC’s recent ruling. Financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to discuss how these agreements shape your career, why the AVMA is weighing in, and what the potential ban on non-competes could mean for veterinarians everywhere. You’ll learn which states have already banned non-competes, what alternatives employers might use, and how veterinarians can advocate for contracts that work in their favor.Key moments:(01:14) What’s inside a typical non-compete agreement for veterinarians(06:16) How the AVMA is responding to the FTC’s recent ruling on non-competes(08:33) A firsthand look at how non-competes limit career options(15:32) States that have banned non-compete agreements — and what it means for vets(16:38) Practical ways veterinarians can advocate against restrictive contractsLink mentioned in this episode:FTC Announces Rule Banning NoncompetesInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts 

Veterinarians take on jaw-dropping levels of student debt, often pay longer than other professions, and face repayment rules that seem anything but fair. Travis Hornsby, founder and CEO of Student Loan Planner and SLP Wealth, joins us in unpacking why veterinarians are often left with the short end of the stick under current student loan rules. He shares how he uncovered this systemic issue and the viral article that started a conversation in the vet world. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by student loans or wondered how to navigate them as a vet, this episode gives you actionable insights and a dose of real talk about what’s broken — and what vets can do to get their own loans on track.Key moments:(04:19) Limited lobbying power leaves veterinary medicine at a disadvantage compared to human health care when it comes to student loans(10:50) Pandemic pet adoptions and retirements have boosted salaries in veterinary medicine(15:27) New vet schools could flood the labor market, potentially driving incomes down due to increased competition(20:29) Pet owners are treating animals more like family, increasing demand for high-quality careLinks mentioned in this episode:Veterinarians Are Treated Horribly Under Student Loan RulesInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Schedule a free intro call or email meredith@allvetfinancial.com Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts