WCI #479: How to Access Retirement Money Before Age 59.5

How do you pay off $313,000 in medical school student loans just one year after residency? In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, Jake shares how he and his wife eliminated more than $300,000 in student loan debt through a combination of high income, smart financial decisions, and multiple sources of income. We discuss his journey from medical school to psychiatry practice, how building a business alongside medicine changed his financial trajectory, and why increasing your income can dramatically accelerate your path to financial freedom. Jake also shares lessons from his early financial mistakes, including investing mistakes, cryptocurrency, and hiring financial advisors too soon. Building wealth as a physician is not just about cutting expenses. Increasing your earning potential and making intentional decisions with your money can change your financial future. This podcast is sponsored by Bob Bhayani at Protuity. He is an independent provider of disability insurance planning solutions to the medical community in every state and a long-time white coat investor sponsor. He specializes in working with residents and fellows early in their careers to set up sound financial and insurance strategies. If you need to review your disability insurance coverage or to get this critical insurance in place, contact Bob at https://whitecoatinvestor.com/protuity today by email [email protected] or by calling (973) 771-9100. Celebrating your stories of success along the journey to financial freedom! Tune in every Monday to the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast, where we celebrate the financial achievements of our listeners and share practical tips for reaching your own milestones. We want to celebrate your milestones—no matter how big or small—and help inspire others to follow your lead. Every week, these episodes feature one listener who has recently achieved a milestone they are proud of and want to celebrate, and they give any advice they have for those who want to follow their example. Make sure to listen every Monday to be inspired by your fellow white coat investors. Celebrate YOUR Milestone on the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast: https://whitecoatinvestor.com/milestones  Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

How could a busy physician take their family abroad for months at a time without sacrificing their career, their children's education, or their financial future? In this episode, Dr. Jim Dahle talks with anesthesiologist and palliative care physician Dr. Sarah Gebauer, author of Go Anyway: The Practical Guide to Long-Term Travel With Kids. Sarah has traveled to more than 50 countries with her husband and four children while taking 3-5 month sabbaticals from her private practice. She explains how she created a workable sabbatical policy, used trusted locums coverage, and found that taking extended time away did not reduce her income as much as she expected. They discuss the real cost of long-term international travel, how living abroad can sometimes cost less than staying home, and the tradeoffs between slow travel, remote work, and constant movement. They also tackle the questions many physician parents have: Can children stay on track academically? What happens to friendships and activities? Can physicians in primary care, surgery, or dual-doctor households make this work? And can a sabbatical actually help with burnout and career direction? Financial literacy is not just about maximizing accounts. It can give you the flexibility to design a life with more time, curiosity, and connection with the people who matter most. Today's episode is brought to us by SoFi, the folks who help you get your money right. Paying off student debt quickly and getting your finances back on track isn't easy, but that's where SoFi can help — they have exclusive, low rates designed to help medical residents refinance student loans—and that could end up saving you thousands of dollars, helping you get out of student debt sooner. SoFi also offers the ability to lower your payments to just $100 a month* while you're still in residency. And if you're already out of residency, SoFi's got you covered there too. For more information, go to https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/Sofi SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Additional terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles. Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

How does a physician become a millionaire by age 38? In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, we talk with a physician who recently reached $1 million in net worth at a relatively young age, while also receiving more than $300,000 in student loan forgiveness through Public Service Loan Forgiveness. We discuss the financial decisions that helped build wealth early, the impact of student loan forgiveness, and advice for other physicians working toward financial independence. Building wealth as a physician is often a long journey, but smart financial decisions early in your career can make a major difference. Goodman Capital is a premier real estate credit investment firm specializing in senior-secured, low loan-to-value lending on Class A properties in prime markets across the greater New York metro area. Founded on a family legacy dating back to 1987, Goodman has closed more than $850 million+ across 95+ loans with a track record of zero principal loss. Their flagship private mortgage REIT, Liquid Credit Strategy Fund I, delivered a steady 9% net dividend yield since inception at a very conservative sub-50% LTV. Invest in tax-efficient, high-yield, risk-adjusted debt investment strategies with Goodman Capital at https://whitecoatinvestor.com/goodman Celebrating your stories of success along the journey to financial freedom! Tune in every Monday to the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast, where we celebrate the financial achievements of our listeners and share practical tips for reaching your own milestones. We want to celebrate your milestones—no matter how big or small—and help inspire others to follow your lead. Every week, these episodes feature one listener who has recently achieved a milestone they are proud of and want to celebrate, and they give any advice they have for those who want to follow their example. Make sure to listen every Monday to be inspired by your fellow white coat investors. Celebrate YOUR Milestone on the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast: https://whitecoatinvestor.com/milestones  Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

Can you access retirement money before age 59.5 without penalty? In this episode of The White Coat Investor Podcast, we discuss the Rule of 55 retirement strategy and how it may allow certain investors to access retirement funds earlier than expected. We also answer listener questions about the risks of linking financial accounts to budgeting apps like YNAB⁠, strategies for optimizing Trump accounts, and how to think about inherited taxable accounts and legacy investments. Understanding the rules around retirement withdrawals and account strategy can help physicians make smarter long-term financial decisions. This podcast is sponsored by Bob Bhayani at Protuity. He is an independent provider of disability insurance planning solutions to the medical community in every state and a long-time white coat investor sponsor. He specializes in working with residents and fellows early in their careers to set up sound financial and insurance strategies. If you need to review your disability insurance coverage or to get this critical insurance in place, contact Bob at https://whitecoatinvestor.com/protuity today by email [email protected] or by calling (973) 771-9100. The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles. Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

What is the real purpose of building wealth? In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, we meet a physician who reached $1 million in investable assets, but a serious health scare involving his wife changed how their family thinks about money, saving, and enjoying life in the present. We discuss the financial journey to this milestone, how unexpected life events can reshape financial priorities, and the important balance between preparing for the future and making the most of life today. Building wealth matters, but understanding what that wealth is ultimately for may matter even more. This podcast is sponsored by Bob Bhayani at Protuity. He is an independent provider of disability insurance planning solutions to the medical community in every state and a long-time white coat investor sponsor. He specializes in working with residents and fellows early in their careers to set up sound financial and insurance strategies. If you need to review your disability insurance coverage or to get this critical insurance in place, contact Bob at https://whitecoatinvestor.com/protuity today by email [email protected] or by calling (973) 771-9100. Celebrating your stories of success along the journey to financial freedom! Tune in every Monday to the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast, where we celebrate the financial achievements of our listeners and share practical tips for reaching your own milestones. We want to celebrate your milestones—no matter how big or small—and help inspire others to follow your lead. Every week, these episodes feature one listener who has recently achieved a milestone they are proud of and want to celebrate, and they give any advice they have for those who want to follow their example. Make sure to listen every Monday to be inspired by your fellow white coat investors. Celebrate YOUR Milestone on the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast: https://whitecoatinvestor.com/milestones  Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

How can physicians maximize charitable giving while reducing their tax burden? In this episode of The White Coat Investor Podcast, Dr. Matt Moore joins us to discuss charitable trusts, recent changes affecting charitable giving, and advanced strategies physicians can use to give more efficiently. We cover the different types of charitable trusts, tax implications, when these strategies make sense, and important considerations for high-income professionals thinking about long-term wealth and legacy planning. For physicians who prioritize both philanthropy and tax efficiency, understanding charitable trusts can open up powerful planning opportunities. This episode is brought to you by KeyBank! For six years, White Coat member benefit partner, Laurel Road, has been part of KeyBank. As of March 16th, that partnership becomes even stronger as Laurel Road is now officially under the KeyBank brand. With the transition to KeyBank, the same tools and services you rely on now come with enhanced resources and support and the same great experience you trust. WCI members can continue to enjoy the benefits and financial resources as they always have, with even more support from KeyBank. To learn more and for terms and conditions, please visit https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/keybank The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles. Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

What should you do when a large amount of money suddenly enters your life? In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, we talk with a physician who received an unexpected inheritance and had to make important decisions about how to manage that new wealth responsibly. We discuss the financial choices made after receiving the inheritance, lessons learned along the way, and advice for other physicians navigating major financial decisions. Sudden wealth can create opportunity, but thoughtful decision-making matters just as much as the amount itself. Step away from day-to-day public market volatility and consider diversifying with private real estate through MLG Capital's professionally managed investment funds. With more than 38 years of experience across multiple market cycles, MLG Capital applies a disciplined, long-term approach focused on capital preservation, income generation, and tax-efficient outcomes. Its current offering, Fund VII, features an 8% cumulative preferred return, return of capital, and a shared profit split. Eligible White Coat Investor participants may receive an enhanced 77/23 split once group investments reach $5 million. Learn more at https://mlgcapital.com/whitecoatinvestor today.   This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. Investments in private offerings are speculative, illiquid, and involve risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult your financial, tax, or legal advisors before making any investment decisions. Celebrating your stories of success along the journey to financial freedom! Tune in every Monday to the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast, where we celebrate the financial achievements of our listeners and share practical tips for reaching your own milestones. We want to celebrate your milestones—no matter how big or small—and help inspire others to follow your lead. Every week, these episodes feature one listener who has recently achieved a milestone they are proud of and want to celebrate, and they give any advice they have for those who want to follow their example. Make sure to listen every Monday to be inspired by your fellow white coat investors. Celebrate YOUR Milestone on the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast: https://whitecoatinvestor.com/milestones  Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

What happens when a physician-owned practice takes on corporate medicine? In this episode of The White Coat Investor Podcast, we discuss how a group of emergency physicians successfully fought to preserve their independent practice in a dispute that drew national attention. We explore the challenges facing physician-owned groups, the growing influence of corporate medicine, and what this case could mean for physician independence. We also answer listener questions on Rabbi trusts, brokerage accounts held in trusts, changing asset allocation near retirement, and how annuities can affect portfolio construction. Today's episode is brought to us by SoFi, the folks who help you get your money right. Paying off student debt quickly and getting your finances back on track isn't easy, but that's where SoFi can help — they have exclusive, low rates designed to help medical residents refinance student loans—and that could end up saving you thousands of dollars, helping you get out of student debt sooner. SoFi also offers the ability to lower your payments to just $100 a month* while you're still in residency. And if you're already out of residency, SoFi's got you covered there too. For more information, go to https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/Sofi SoFi Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Additional terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles. Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

What happens when financial success gives you the freedom to rethink your career? In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, we meet a physician who reached millionaire status and then made an unexpected decision: returning to fellowship and changing specialties. We discuss the financial journey that made this career move possible, the role financial security played in creating options, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation also covers financial mistakes, what the guest would do differently, and advice for other physicians working toward long-term financial independence. This podcast is sponsored by Bob Bhayani at Protuity. He is an independent provider of disability insurance planning solutions to the medical community in every state and a long-time white coat investor sponsor. He specializes in working with residents and fellows early in their careers to set up sound financial and insurance strategies. If you need to review your disability insurance coverage or to get this critical insurance in place, contact Bob at https://whitecoatinvestor.com/protuity today by email [email protected] or by calling (973) 771-9100. Celebrating your stories of success along the journey to financial freedom! Tune in every Monday to the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast, where we celebrate the financial achievements of our listeners and share practical tips for reaching your own milestones. We want to celebrate your milestones—no matter how big or small—and help inspire others to follow your lead. Every week, these episodes feature one listener who has recently achieved a milestone they are proud of and want to celebrate, and they give any advice they have for those who want to follow their example. Make sure to listen every Monday to be inspired by your fellow white coat investors. Celebrate YOUR Milestone on the Milestones to Millionaire Podcast: https://whitecoatinvestor.com/milestones  Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 

Should investors stick with traditional index funds, or does factor investing deserve a place in a portfolio? In this episode of the White Coat Investor Podcast, we interview Jeromey Thornton from Avantis about the firm's origins, investment philosophy, and approach to factor investing. We discuss portfolio tilts, the evidence behind factor premiums, how investors should think about choosing funds, and what makes Avantis different from DFA. Whether you're a dedicated index fund investor or considering factor tilts for the first time, this episode explores the tradeoffs, potential benefits, and practical considerations involved. This episode is brought to you by KeyBank! For six years, White Coat member benefit partner, Laurel Road, has been part of KeyBank. As of March 16th, that partnership becomes even stronger as Laurel Road is now officially under the KeyBank brand. With the transition to KeyBank, the same tools and services you rely on now come with enhanced resources and support and the same great experience you trust. WCI members can continue to enjoy the benefits and financial resources as they always have, with even more support from KeyBank. To learn more and for terms and conditions, please visit https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/keybank The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles. Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com  YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube  Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor  Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor  Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com  Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter