Veterinary Financial Podcast

Self-care gets talked about a lot in veterinary medicine, but what does it actually look like for veterinarians in real life? Meredith shares results from a Debt-Free Vets poll about what vets actually spend money on to make this career more sustainable.Poll results: time off and experiences, physical care, therapy, and moreWhat vets are actually spending money on (horses, massages, hobbies, travel, and house cleaners)Why flexibility and reducing workload came up repeatedly in the commentsThe idea of “buying back your time” and why it matters for long-term career sustainabilityIf you'd like help creating a financial plan that supports your life and career, learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

If you’re trying to lower your taxes and your income-driven student loan payment, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is the number that drives both. Joe and Meredith walk through the most common ways vets can bring that number down.Key Topics:Making pre-tax retirement contributions and why Roth doesn’t lower AGIUsing a Solo 401k with 1099 relief incomeContributing to an HSA if you’re on a qualifying high-deductible planTaking advantage of Health Care or Dependent Care FSAs through your employerMaking sure legitimate Schedule C business expenses are reducing your net profit if you’re self-employedInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Relief work offers flexibility and higher earning potential, but it comes with unique financial considerations. In this episode, Meredith covers the core money basics relief vets and techs should have in place.Organizing your finances as a relief vet or techPlanning for quarterly taxes for 1099 incomeRetirement options for self-employed relief vets and techs (Solo 401k, SEP IRA)Using relief work to support sabbaticals and flexibilityStudent loan strategy basics, including reducing adjusted gross incomeInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Student loan forgiveness can come with a tax bill, and recent changes to repayment plans have prompted many veterinarians to revisit how they’re preparing for it.Meredith walks through the most common questions we get about the student loan tax bomb, how it works, what’s changed, and what to review as part of a long-term plan.Key topics:When student loan forgiveness is taxable and when it isn’tHow to think about preparing for the tax bomb over timeWhy investing, rather than saving, for the tax bomb often makes senseWhat happens if you’re not prepared when forgiveness occursInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Dr. Meredith Jones and Joe Warner share a practical look at financial resolutions veterinarians can focus on in the new year, with an emphasis on clarity, strategy, and aligning money decisions with what matters most.Topics covered:Building a realistic budget and understanding cash flowOptimizing student loan strategies, including what SAVE borrowers should knowIncreasing retirement contributions sustainablyUsing money intentionally to support the life you wantWhat veterinarian-specific financial planning actually looks likeEpisodes Mentioned:73: Five Steps to Prepare for the Jump in Student Loan Payments74: How a Sabbatical Can Reset Your Life - Dr. Anna Foster77: What Happens in a Student Loan ConsultInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Veterinary medicine is demanding in ways most financial advice ignores. Schedules change, cases run long, and emotional fatigue is common. Financial plans that assume unlimited energy and perfect follow-through often don’t hold up.In this episode, we talk about how to burnout-proof your finances so your money supports you through real life, not just on good weeks.Key Topics:Why emergency funds function as mental health tools, not just savingsHow automation reduces financial decision fatigueDesigning your finances around sustainability, not hustleFlexibility and optionality as financial goalsGiving yourself permission to choose stability over optimizationYour financial plan should make your life easier, not heavier.Interested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

The Dept of Ed has announced an agreement to officially end the SAVE plan. If you’re in the SAVE forbearance, this episode walks through planning your next move.Key Topics:What the end of the SAVE plan means and what we know so farWhat happens if you’re currently on the SAVE forbearanceWhich repayment plans borrowers are likely to switch toWhy planning now matters, even without set deadlinesHow income recertification and tax filing status can impact your paymentCommon planning opportunities we’re seeing for veterinarians right nowInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Dr. Meredith Jones and Joe Warner, both Certified Student Loan Professionals, talk about what actually happens during a student loan consult for veterinarians. If you’ve ever wondered how we sort through repayment rules, forgiveness options, and tax implications, this episode walks you through it step by step.Highlights:Why veterinarians seek student loan guidance: overwhelm, confusing regulations, major life changes, and uncertainty about which plan is bestWhat you share beforehand (your student loan file, plus your spouse’s if they have federal loans) so we can prepareHow the consult starts with your goals and your student loan story, which helps shape the conversationHow we compare repayment plans, estimate long-term costs, check progress toward forgiveness, and decide whether you’ll need to save for a future tax billWhy your tax filing status can change your payment far more than you’d expect if you’re marriedWhat you walk away with: clear action steps and follow-up email support if questions come up afterwardInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Meredith sits down with Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, emergency and critical care specialist veterinarian and mental health advocate, to talk about her new book A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian.Key Topics:Marie’s path through specialty training, academia, burnout, and wellbeing advocacyWhat inspired A Compassionate Calling and the misconceptions it aims to clear upReal stories that show both the fulfillment and emotional complexity of veterinary medicineHow emergency and critical care shaped her perspective on moral stress and client communicationPractical wellbeing resources available through RevivingVetMed.com and her advice on prioritizing mental healthConnect with Marie Holowaychuk: Marieholowaychuk.comRevivingVetMed.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarieholowaychuk/Instagram: @marieholowaychukInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Meredith shares practical grocery hacks that make life easier, save money, and help you waste less. Inspired by conversations at home and with clients, she walks through simple strategies to plan smarter, shop intentionally, and enjoy cooking again - without feeling deprived.If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge wondering how you spent $150 and still don’t have a dinner plan, this one’s for you.Highlights:Plan ahead: Use a dry-erase board for meal planning, and check your pantry before shoppingShop smart: Do the math on price per ounce, and test one store-brand swap each weekInvest wisely: A good chef’s knife and quality pan make cooking faster and more enjoyableCook once, eat twice: Bulk cook, freeze extras, and make “leftovers night” a ritualSplurge intentionally: Great coffee or olive oil can be worth it - just spend with purposeInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Dr. Anna Foster is an emergency veterinarian and co-founder of The Evolved Vets, which helps veterinarians grow personally and professionally through coaching, education, and community. She also writes Dr. Anna Foster – Travel Vet on Substack, where she shares reflections on self-development, travel, and her recent three-month sabbatical. Anna joins Meredith to talk about what inspired her career break and the lessons she learned along the way.Highlights:Why Anna decided to take a three-month sabbatical after years in ER medicine and leadership rolesHow she planned ahead - financially, professionally, and emotionally - to make it possibleThe emotional toll of emergency medicineHow the Shift Shedding meditation helps veterinarians decompress after difficult shiftsWhat she learned from a three-day phone-free reset and how it changed her relationship with technologyWhy the antidote to rushing isn’t slowing down, but being presentResources:Dr. Anna Foster – Travel Vet: https://substack.com/@drannafosterThe Evolved Vets: evolvedvets.comDr. Anna Foster on Instagram: @drannafosterInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

With the recent student loan repayment changes, many veterinarians are facing a much bigger bill than before.Whether you’re moving from SAVE to PAYE, preparing for Old IBR in a couple of years, or switching plans and suddenly seeing your payment double, the jump can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in this — and you can prepare.In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key steps to help you get ready for higher student loan payments:Know your next steps: Which plan are you eligible for, and what payment can you expect? If you’re married, could you save money by switching your tax filing status?Get clear on your budget: Use Monarch Money, a spreadsheet, or whatever works - awareness is key.Build breathing room: Practice your higher payment now to avoid a cash-flow shock later.Be intentional with your compensation: Negotiate for higher pay, stronger production, or better benefits. And if you’re picking up extra shifts, make sure they’re in alignment with your goals — not just a reaction to student loan stress.Shift your perspective: Remember, the COVID pause was unusual — higher payments are tough, but you can adapt.If you’ve been feeling stressed or blindsided by your new payment, this episode will give you both the tools and perspective to move forward.Mentioned in this episode:Episode 67: What the new Student Loan Bill Means for VeterinariansDebt-Free Vets Facebook GroupInterested in vet-specific financial planning? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at 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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at 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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at 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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

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? Learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com