Veterinary Financial Podcast

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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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 check out 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 check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out 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? Schedule a free intro call or check out allvetfinancial.com

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 check out allvetfinancial.com

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 check out allvetfinancial.com

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 check out allvetfinancial.com

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 check out allvetfinancial.com

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 check out allvetfinancial.com