r/whitecoatinvestor

Sorry if this is the wrong sub for this, I’m curious specifically on the financial aspects. Are physicians / residents actually making money from this? I’ve seen an increasing # of physicians who have several tens of thousands of followers. Is their financial incentive to this? I would imagine simply working more would have a better financial ROI, maybe with the exception of physicians marketing their own business.

Pretty much the title. I graduated in 2023 and had about 300k in loans and zero in savings. I have made approximately 400k a year for the last 2.5 years and aggressively invested into the tech hype cycle with the simple thesis that whether AI ends up being a bubble or not, it will take at least several years for the bubble to pop and in the meantime valuations will continue to soar.

This thesis has held up well three years out and I have made 300k in capital gains from about 300k gradually invested into the market starting late 2023. If I had decided instead to "aggressively pay off loans" like it's often recommended I would have essentially set myself back financially by 2 to 3 years and lost out on 300k of cash just magically growing out of thin air, like. It was a gamble, I guess, but one I felt pretty comfortable taking. That is all, lol.

I have been playing around with some AI tools lately to better understand how Social Security payouts actually work. It’s a topic we rarely discuss in this group, but we absolutely shouldn't completely discount it.
What I discovered is a textbook example of the law of diminishing returns.
For context, I have been taxed at the maximum Social Security wage limit for the last 18 years of my career. In digging into the math, I just learned about AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings) and "Bend Points." The data is eye-opening.
Here is the breakdown: The government calculates your benefit using a tiered system. Once your average lifetime earnings hit specific thresholds (the bend points), the rate at which you accumulate future benefits drops drastically.
In summary: Once you reach that second bend point—which is where my current situation sits—working extra years or earning more money will not significantly increase your future Social Security check.
While Social Security shouldn't be the single determining factor in when you choose to retire, it is a piece of the puzzle. Everyone in this group should calculate exactly what bend point stage they are currently in.

18 Years, currently
$3,249 / month

Work 5 More Years
$3,520 / month
+$271 / month

Work 10 More Years
$3,790 / month
+$541 / month

Work Full 35 Years
$4,171 / month
+$922 / month

90% of the first $1,286 = $1,157.40
32% of the amount between $1,286 and $7,749 ($6,463) = $2,068.16
15% of the amount above $7,749 ($7,626) = $1,143.90
Maximum Possible Retirement Benefit at Age 67: $4,171 per month

Hi all, our mortgage lender recently changed to a company that allows us to split our payment into two. I would think this makes more sense to pay half of the mortgage on the 1st and half on the 16th to decrease the amount of time for interest to accrue but not sure if I’m doing the math correctly. Is it worth setting up into smaller twice monthly payments? Does it even make a difference? I’m planning to refinance after I get the sign on bonus for my new job in the fall, so I can have a big chunk of money to make the interest rate drop, but this could help in the meantime. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

I'm a college undergrad very interested in optometry. It has so many attractive aspects: eyes, medical care, clean, non-surgical, work-life balance, strong employment, autonomy, low divorce rate. The only downside is that optometry has one of the worst ROIs in healthcare: an associate optometrist makes ~150k annually only with an average debt of ~300k. However, self-employed doctors make ~250k, which is still a strong ROI. The ROI is low without selling glasses and contacts.

I choose optometry primarily because of my deep interests in eyes. I'll be okay as long as income is sustainable for a living and I'm not aiming to be crazy rich like surgeons. It's likely that my family will pay all COA or at least a large part of it so that I'll take out a smaller portion of loans and costs won't likely be an issue. I'll try to open up my private practice in the future too. I'm mainly interested in specialty contacts and myopia control.

Is it worth to go into optometry? What can I do to maximize income in the future?

Looking for advice regarding my DI situation.

I am a current resident graduating in June. Following a recent medical event from which I have fully recovered, I worked with an insurance agent who informally reached out to the "big five" DI carriers. Based on those discussion, I was advised to wait until ~October 2026 before formally applying for medically underwritten coverage.

I recently spoke with another agent who is able to obtain GSI coverage for me through Principal. However, this would first require submitting a medically underwritten application, with the GSI option serving as a fallback if underwriting is unfavorable. The GSI offers would reportedly be guaranteed regardless of the underwriting outcome, with max benefit $5-7.5k/month. It would not include a blanket increase or COLA rider, though it includes a 3% annual automatic increase without medical underwriting.

My concern is whether formally applying now could negatively affect my future insurability (for example through a decline, rating, exclusion, postponement, or MIB reporting), especially if I may have a stronger underwriting outcome by waiting several more months as originally advised.

I understand that obtaining DI earlier in residency would likely have been ideal, but I am trying to make the best decision based on my current circumstances.

Thank you all -- happy to answer any clarifying questions

My wife and I are trying to figure out the best strategy for paying off her student loans vs. maxing out Roth IRA while I’m in residency. Both of us are new to personal finance, and we’d really appreciate some advice.

I’m about to start a 5-year residency and am very grateful to be debt-free. She earns around $100k/year gross and currently contributes enough to her 401(k) to get her employer match, but she has not been contributing to a Roth IRA so far because she is stressed about her grad school loans. We also currently have an emergency fund of about $10k.

Her student loans are approximately:

~$12k at 8.07%
~$20k at 7.54%
~$17k at 7.54%
~$20k at 7.05%
~$21k at 6.54%
~$21k at 6.54%

I also recently received a gift of around $20k from a relative as a graduation/marriage gift. My first thought was to use $12k of it to wipe out the 8.07% loan, then use the rest to bring our emergency fund closer to $15k.

After that, my current thoughts are:

• Continue her 401(k) match
• Begin maxing both of our Roth IRAs each year to take advantage of this lower-tax portion of our lives
• Throw everything else at the remaining loans, focusing on highest interest first

Given that the remaining loans would still be in the 6.5–7.5% range, would you prioritize the guaranteed return of paying down the loans more aggressively, or would you still try to max both Roth IRAs during residency and then put everything else toward loans? Does it matter? Just wanting to make sure I'm on the right track

Any thoughts are much appreciated

You took a deserving, limited med school spot that could have gone to some other doctor slave who can work for society for 70 years!

Becoming a doctor is a calling! Like a religion! You have to work 50-60 hours a week forever to save lives, not to leave with money and to enjoy life!

There is already a physician shortage! Leaving means more work for everyone else and burnout for others! Patients have to wait longer to see a doctor!

Why is it only the tech bros get applause for quitting to play on the beach?

I was fortunate to have a DI policy started for me during medical school by my parents (somewhat forward thinking but more-so sold to them by NWM). My current policy is not sufficient to cover potential needs and am looking to increase my coverage.

I recently met with one of the recommend independent agents through WCI to help work through what I should do with my policy in setting of needing more coverage. We reviewed quotes from the Big 5. They weren't able to comment too much on NWM (which I get) so appreciate the WCI community's thoughts.

Details:

35-40M, avg health, no chronic medical conditions, no Rx, do not anticipate any issues with medical underwriting, no debt

Income: $240k gross, pedi hospitalist with regular neonatal resuscitation, not infrequent intubation (e.g. INSURE), umbilical lines, LPs, simple suture / I&D in ED if needed

Anticipated benefit need: $12-15k/mo

Included Basic Employer Coverage: ~$10k/mo (pre-tax) -> ~$7k/mo net (est 30% tax to be conservative)

Current NWM Policy:

• $3k/mo benefit
• Annual premium ~$1.5-$1.7k (after NWM "dividend", $2.4k base cost)
• Medical own (fwiw), appears NWM can be wishy-washy on this?
• Additional Purchase Benefit of $2,250 to bring total benefit to $5,250

Options (not including employer coverage):

• Stay with NWM, increase currently policy and open a second policy for total ~$8.7k/mo benefit at ~ $3.5k/yr premium (after "dividend", which is not guaranteed, total is closer to $4.9k/yr assuming no dividend)
• Stay with NWM, increase current policy, and open a second policy w/ Big 5 - ~$8.3k/mo benefit at $3-3.5k/yr premium
• Dump NWM and open new policy w/ Big 5 - ~$5-6k/mo benefit at $1.8-$2.1k/yr premium estimated (quotes for $3k benefit were $900-$1.2k/yr, agent felt doubling was reasonable estimate but not an absolute)

I'm leaning towards option one, as it's less of a headache (i.e. lazy/easy way) but comes at a premium price. While it does give me the most benefit coverage, I also have to deal with NWM. I've also read mixed opinions on NWM DI coverage.

Otherwise I think option 3 of a new policy with Big 5 for $5-6k is going to be the better route. Per agent, I can apply for higher coverage if I indicate that I plan to cancel my current personal DI policy (will not of course until other policy is in effect).

Appreciate any insight/comments!

Just graduated and entered grace. I should submit consolidation now to enter RAP as soon as possible correct? Read it takes 4-8 wks to post.

200k, Direct Unsubsidized

As a PGY-1, I am currently on PAYE which will end 6/2028, so I was planning on transitioning to RAP this upcoming 7/1/26. I used tax returns last year for PAYE certification, and was planning on using pay stubs for recertification this year because I had stock gains the past year that would increase my AGI. I was wondering if anyone knew if pay stubs can be used for RAP certification as well?

I am in a tough situation. Need a large house for my family and my parents (I support my parents entirely and they don’t own a home). The only houses that allow for this much sqft are in the $2-3m range in my city? Household income is $1.2m pre-tax. No debt. We have around $600k in investments between 401k and private brokerage account. Around $100k in savings. My main concern is current interest rates of course. I know I can afford it but I don’t want to be house poor.

Edit: I have been out of training for 1 year. I am honestly leaning towards saving for 2-3 more years before buying such a home.

32M finishing residency in a surgical subspecialty and joining a private practice in a rural LCOL area. Initial compensation will be $385k W-2 base with a realistic expectation of $450–500k after production bonuses.

I genuinely believe this is likely my long-term practice. I have an excellent relationship with the current partners, practice has been around forever and is financially stable. The plan is for a partnership buy-in after ~1.5 years as an associate. Expected buy-in cost is likely $1.5–2M with seller financing amortized over 7–10 years (details still being finalized). Estimated post-partnership income would likely increase to 800K in early 2028. 

My spouse (31F) finishes training in summer 2027 in different surgical subspecialty and is expected to make ~$400–500k W-2 without partnership opportunities. No opportunity for moonlighting during final year of training. 

Current financial picture:

• Combined student loans: $150k at 5%
• No car/credit card debt
• One kid, expecting a second in mid 2027
• ~$175k in Roth IRAs
• ~$30k cash emergency fund

Our long-term dream has always been a large acreage property where we could eventually build a primary home plus additional homes for parents/family. Family would pay for builds of their own homes. A property recently hit the market that checks almost every box:

• 100+ acres
• Mostly cleared land
• City water/electric already run throughout the property
• Existing working septic
• Large barns/outbuildings already in good condition

This is important because most large parcels in this area are raw hunting land with minimal infrastructure, and parcels >80 acres are rare.

The property also includes an older single-family home that likely needs ~$200–300k in renovations, but our plan would be to build a new home on property in several years with cost estimated around $1,500,000. The barns/outbuildings themselves would probably cost several hundred thousand dollars to replicate if starting from raw land.

We believe we could purchase for $1,350,000, which is significantly below asking price. The expected PITI would be ~$10,000/month. This does not include the eventual home we would like to build on the property. We were quoted a 30-year fixed physician loan at 6.5% with 100% financing. Seller’s would cover all closing costs. My expected monthly take home at my base will be ~$21,000, and PITI plus other fixed finances will be approximately ~$20,000 monthly (student loans, daycare, insurance, etc).

The obvious concern: if we buy this property now, this upcoming year would be financially very tight until my wife begins working. We likely would not have the liquidity to renovate or rebuild immediately and would probably continue renting for 2–3 years while simply holding the property, which would cost around $1500-2000/month.

So this feels like a question between accelerating our “dream property” timeline by 5–10 year versus following the more traditional/safe path of renting first, building assets/liquidity, confirming long-term job fit, and delaying the purchase.

From a purely financial perspective, I know the conservative answer is probably “wait.” But a property that checks this many boxes may not come around again. Curious how others here would think through this decision.

Curious to hear peoples thoughts.

I'm thinking of buying a new (to me) car. My current car that I bought used and have driven for 10 more years runs just fine but I'm interested in possibly upgrading literally just for the fun of it. It is absolutely a "luxury" purchase in that my current car totally meets by basic needs and thus this upgrade is purely to increase my own enjoyment of driving.

Car cost would likely be ~$50,000-$80,000

Current financials

HHI: $600,000ish

Non-home net worth: $1.4mill

Age 41

Tax advantaged retirement savings: We're maximizing 403b x 2, BDR IRA x 2, HSA, 457 x 1, Solo401k about 2k/yr,

$10k/yr for 529.

Good Efund

Saving additional $3000-$5000/month into brokerage account.

We are on track of target retirement age 55. Thats all good

My question is:

I currently dont have $50,000 sitting uninvested other than in my Efund (which I will not touch for something dumb like this).

IF you were going to purchase such a car (not asking about the wisdom of said purchase)

Would you

1. Take out a loan @ ~4% x 36 months-ish and cash flow the monthly payments (I would not go with this option of interest ends up being >5.5%)

2. Sell off some brokerage account $$ to either pay car in cash or get financed deal and rapid early payoff and taking the LTCG hit

3. Start saving for said car with combination of cash flow (with some decrease spending in other non-essential areas) and also decreasing contributions to the taxable brokerage to speed things up.

This is a question specifically for those of you who live in a true VHCOL city which we will define as having houses that cost ~$1000+/sq ft (ex. SF, NY, LA, SD, Honolulu, etc.), who have purchased a home post covid (2022 onwards), who have to stretch and pay 3-5x their gross annual income and be "house poor" in order to own a home. Has buying a house been worth it for you? Any regrets?

At the aforementioned prices, a 3-4 bedroom 2000 sq ft single family home is automatically going to cost 2 million+. It's a lot of money, for not a lot of house, usually old and unrenovated and likely requiring much hidden maintenance.

Alternatively, has anybody left such a VHCOL area due to housing un-affordability, and what has that experience been like? Are you happy, or do you regret it?

I am having a hard time understanding housing prices in VHCOL cities. Where others see the American dream, all I see is paying over 100% in interest and a binding contract of being forced to work for another 30 years..

At the same time, it is also hard to leave..

​As we approach financial independence, my family of 4 are eager to explore new destinations (kids 10 and 8) that provide unforgettable experiences. We've enjoyed trips to Disney, cruises, and the areas of Vegas, Orlando, and Miami, but now we're ready to discover fresh adventures.

If you have any recommendations for family-friendly travel spots that offer fun, relaxation, and a chance to create lasting memories, please share! We're excited to hear where others are taking their families to enjoy and explore!

I’m a CRNA, don’t have any student loans, mortgage, car loans or any sort of debt.

I’m looking at buying a house in the next year. Rent right now and happy where I’m at.

I’m 35, max out all my retirement accounts. Maybe $700k net worth.

Looking to save $100k cash for down payment on house, and looking to invest the other $100k somewhere. What recommendations do you have to invest $100k in?

I wanted to share the milestone I just hit because I am actually a little shocked that I got here this quickly. I am about to graduate from fellowship this year and I just calculated my net worth in preparation for attending life and I already got back to broke in just 4 years.

I graduated in 2022 with approximately $230k total in medical school debt. My spouse graduated with a masters degree in December 2024 with about $60k in debt. I am part of a primary care loan repayment program that knocked out $120k for a 3 year service commitment that I will be starting in the fall.

I made about $60k/year during residency in a LCOL location and now make about $75k in a higher cost of living location. My husband also makes about $70k/year.

During residency, I saved pretty aggressively. I took my employer match, maxed my Roth IRA every year of residency, and when possible paid some of my husband's tuition to avoid taking on additional debt. I calculated the amount of my income going towards savings/investing/student loan rate to be almost 50% of my income at one point.

Due to COVID forbearance and then the SAVE plan, I was able to knock out some student loan principle on both my loans and my husband's loans. We currently have about $152,000 left to pay across all our loans with an average interest rate across the loans at about 5%.

We have no other loans, no credit cards, no car payments. A 13 year old car that we rarely need to use due to living within walking distance to work/husband working from home.

I rolled everything from my residency into a Roth IRA so the vast majority of my investments are currently Roth IRA. I have about $135k in investments already and the rest ~17k currently held as an emergency fund/cash. This is more than 6 months of expenses but I will need some of this to cover the ~8 weeks I am taking off between fellowship and my attending job.

We are planning on renting for the first year to save up for a down payment for a home and take advantage of attempting to max out both 2026 and 2027 tax advantaged savings (Max back door roth, 403b, and HSA contribution about $68k/year).

I came from a low-middle class family with somewhat poor financial habits so I certainly wouldn't have gotten here without the white coat investor teaching me like 80% of what I know about investing.

For the context, I am an incoming MD student. I will need to borrow 30k in private loans after the 50k federal per year. I have credit score of 800 and don’t have a co-signer.

I was offered various rates from various banks. For example, sallie mae gave me 3.6%, others gave me 6.6%. However, none of them have multiyear loan options and the deferment during residency is only 4 years after graduation.

On the other hand, there is a new partnership between Elfi and AAMC, where students won’t need any income requirements and there are multiple loan approval. Additionally, there is 8 years deferment option during residency. However, their rate is over 9% interest.

I am concerned because since I don’t have any cosigner, whether I would have problems getting approved for loans next 3 years although I am good for this year. This made me think to go with the Elfi one even though the interest is double sallie mae’s, just for the sake of multi-year approval and residency deferment.

I am here to seek advice from all the experts. Please advise what would be a wise choice for me. Thank you!

Currently in the process of looking at lenders that have physician loans. Would love to hear most recent rates some of you have gotten in the past few weeks and what lenders you’ve used.

Was just quoted
6.75% with Genysis (zero points) for Florida.

Thanks in advance.