We have become very attached to being instantly available to our friends, relatives and coworkers. We have also become accustomed to having the internet at our fingertips. So, last week while I was on vacation, I was forced off the grid. Some things about this experience were good and others not so| Financial Success MD
When was the last time you asked yourself, “What is most important to me right now?” The most important thing in our live changes frequently. But if we don’t ask the question, we might not be putting our effort where it counts. A big component of burnout is realizing that we have filled our day ... Read more| Financial Success MD
Most people do not like to make a budget. Thus, excuses for why they don’t budget abound. Medical students don’t have an earned income, so they think they don’t need a budget. Residents believe they don’t have time to make a budget. Attendings say they make so much money they don’t need a budget. Ea| Financial Success MD
Most of the doctors I’ve encountered who are financially secure at a young age have one thing in common, they are frugal. They are not cheap and I think that is a big distinction. Cheap is buying a particle board dresser for $60 that may not last more than a few years. Frugal is buying ... Read more| Financial Success MD
When I was 25 years old and in my third year of medical school, I laid out a plan to make me financially secure and able to retire by age 50. I began by calculating an estimate of the monthly income I would need during my retirement years. I then converted that to how big ... Read more| Financial Success MD
Tomorrow many of us will take the day off to celebrate our country’s independence. Thank you to those who report for duty at hospitals around our country making it possible for the majority of physicians to celebrate this special holiday with their families. This year, let’s also celebrate the q| Financial Success MD
We have all heard the saying “starting is half done.” I have found that to be true in my life. It is so easy to make a long list of all the things I want to get done, and daily just read the list without making progress toward accomplishing anything on the list. Nothing happens ... Read more| Financial Success MD
Everyone has an idea of what they want their retirement years to be like. But when we finally pull the trigger and retire, we are traversing a new path for the first time. With no prior experience, we are likely to hit some snags. It’s best to learn about these snags from others and not have to figu| Financial Success MD
This time of year, many physicians are moving and buying new homes. It will likely be their first home. My oldest son bought his first rental house before he even moved out of our house. Then he bought another one shortly before his wedding. After the wedding, he moved into it with his new bride. ... Read more| Financial Success MD
I have often written about the benefits of becoming debt free. In fact, last month I listed 20 good reasons to pay off your home mortgage. Whenever I write about becoming debt free, I get mail informing me that being debt free is a stupid idea. They say things like “I can invest my money and earn mo| Financial Success MD
Personal debt is a topic that lends itself to many disagreements. There is the argument about “good” debt and “bad” debt, which is ridiculous since every debt is a burden. “Good” debt is akin to wearing your cleanest dirty shirt. If given the choice between inheriting a house that has “good” debt (a| Financial Success MD
(The photo with this article is the view I have as I write this from a timeshare resort in Escondido, California. I couldn’t travel as much if I was still working.) I’m a physician who retired from medicine early, based on most people’s thinking. But at what age is retirement early? The Social Se| Financial Success MD
1-on-1 Coaching If you are looking for something a little more personal or are in dire need of help, one-on-one coaching might be just what the doctor ordered. Three Coaching Options1: Total Financial Makeover (Train your money to do what you want)"We've paid off more debt in the 2 years after w| Financial Success MD
