WCI #463: 529 Plans: How Much to Save and What They Can Be Used For

The 4% rule has been one of the most widely used frameworks in retirement planning—but is it still valid today? In this episode, we sit down with Bill Bengen, the creator of the 4% rule, to discuss how retirement strategies have evolved and what high-income professionals should be thinking about now. We cover his latest book, A Richer Retirement, along with his current recommendations on safe withdrawal rates, portfolio construction, and how different asset classes can impact retirement income. We also address common misconceptions about the 4% rule, answer audience questions, and explore what actually leads to a successful—and happy—retirement. If you're a physician, dentist, or high-income professional planning for retirement, this conversation will help you better understand how much you can safely spend—and how to think about risk, flexibility, and long-term planning. 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 

In this episode of the Milestones to Millionaire series, we meet a physician who recently completed fellowship and, together with their spouse—a nurse—has already reached an impressive $500,000 net worth early in their careers. They share how they built wealth during medical training, the financial strategies that helped them reach the half-million milestone, and the lessons they learned along the way. We also discuss how couples with different healthcare careers can coordinate their financial planning, maintain a strong savings rate, and build a solid foundation for 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  00:00 $500K Net Worth Right After Training 02:11 Half-Million Net Worth After Training 10:56 Lessons From Reaching the $500K Milestone 16:45 Mutual Funds Explained

529 plans are one of the most popular ways for families to save for education—but many parents still have questions about how much to contribute and what those funds can actually be used for. In this episode of the White Coat Investor Podcast, Dr. Jim Dahle answers several listener questions about 529 education savings plans, including how much parents might consider saving for a newborn child and how to think about long-term education funding goals. We also discuss the concept of "Trump accounts" (530A accounts) and what these proposed or new account types are intended to do. Finally, we explore whether 529 funds can be used for continuing education expenses such as CME, and how the rules around qualified education expenses actually work. Understanding the details of education savings accounts can help physicians and other high-income professionals plan more effectively for their children's education while staying tax-efficient. Resolve is the #1 rated physician contract team, reviewing 1000+ physician contracts every year. They empower physicians with location specific compensation data which leads to unparalleled leverage during the physician contract negotiation process. A physician contract lawyer is included and can negotiate on your behalf – alleviating the stress that can go along with reviewing complex legal terms. Flat-rate pricing and flexible schedules are designed for a physician's schedules. Use code WHITECOAT10 for 10% off! https://WhiteCoatInvestor.com/Resolve 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  00:00 WCI Podcast #463 05:10 How Much Should You Put in a 529 for a Newborn? 35:22 What Are 530A "Trump Accounts"? 57:05 Can You Use a 529 for CME or Continuing Education?

In this episode of Milestones to Millionaire, we meet Chabely Rodriguez, a certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) who has built an impressive $850,000 net worth early in her career. Chabely shares her financial journey, including the realities of working in anesthesia, how locums work has influenced her income strategy, and the steps she has taken to steadily build wealth. We discuss how high-income healthcare professionals outside of medicine can still follow many of the same White Coat Investor principles, including maintaining a strong savings rate, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and creating a long-term investing plan. Chabely also explains the strategy behind reaching this milestone and reflects on the lessons she has learned along the way. Her story highlights how consistent saving, intentional financial decisions, and a clear plan can lead to significant progress toward financial independence. Whether you are a physician, anesthesia professional, or other high-income professional, this episode offers valuable insights into building wealth and staying focused on long-term financial goals. One of the most underrated financial moves in medicine is working locum tenens. It pays significantly more on average, and you can work locums full time or on the side of your full time. When you work with CompHealth, the #1 staffing agency, they cover your housing and travel costs —which on top of higher pay, really adds up. Locums also gives you more control of your career, allowing you to go where you want, when you want, with a schedule that works for you. It's the perfect way to get ahead financially while getting focused on what you love.  Whether it's locum tenens or a regular permanent position, visit https://whitecoatinvestor.com/CompHealth and build your career your way with the power of CompHealth. 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  00:00 Milestones to Millionaire Podcast #266 03:46 $850K Net Worth as an Anesthesia Assistant 20:24 Healthcare FSAs

In this interview, Dr. Jim Dahle is joined by David Stein, host of the Money for the Rest of Us podcast and author of the book Money for the Rest of Us. David shares his personal story of burnout, how it reshaped his relationship with work and investing, and why many high-income professionals struggle not because they lack information—but because they focus on the wrong details. The conversation explores lessons from institutional investing, how to live well without constantly worrying about money, and why simplicity and clarity often outperform complexity. This episode is especially relevant for physicians and other high-income professionals who want a thoughtful, disciplined approach to money—without turning investing into a second full-time job. One of the most underrated financial moves in medicine is working locum tenens. It pays significantly more on average, and you can work locums full time or on the side of your full time. When you work with CompHealth, the #1 staffing agency, they cover your housing and travel costs —which on top of higher pay, really adds up. Locums also gives you more control of your career, allowing you to go where you want, when you want, with a schedule that works for you. It's the perfect way to get ahead financially while getting focused on what you love.  Whether it's locum tenens or a regular permanent position, visit https://whitecoatinvestor.com/CompHealth and build your career your way with the power of CompHealth. 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 does an $8 million physician net worth actually look like—and how was it built? In this episode, Dr. Jim Dahle sits down with a physician who started with very little and methodically built a multimillion-dollar net worth over time. They walk through the key decisions, habits, and tradeoffs that mattered most, and the lessons other doctors can apply to their own path to wealth. This conversation goes beyond inspiration and focuses on practical takeaways for physicians building wealth: consistency, patience, avoiding big mistakes, and staying disciplined over decades—not chasing shortcuts. 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 00:00 Inside an $8 Million Physician Net Worth 02:44 From Nothing to Multimillionaire: A Physician's Story 17:04 Lessons for Doctors Building Wealth 19:36 HSAs

Physicians face unique financial risks that go beyond budgeting and investing. In this episode, Dr. Jim Dahle breaks down the essential protections every doctor needs, including: -Whole Life Insurance: Do doctors need it for estate planning, and what risks should you watch for? -Disability Insurance: One doctor's story of how disability can impact your finances and why protecting your earning ability is critical. -Umbrella Insurance: How much coverage makes sense for physicians, and why high-limit policies are often worth it. -Malpractice Coverage: Understanding claims-made vs. occurrence policies, negotiating terms in your contract, and ensuring protection if your employer fails. Whether you're early in your career or looking to protect decades of earnings, this episode gives actionable insights to safeguard your finances. 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 

In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, we follow the financial journey of a gynecologic oncologist navigating student loans, a high cost of living, and the long runway to physician wealth. We discuss what it looks like to build wealth while still carrying debt, how short-term sacrifices can support long-term financial stability, and whether becoming a doctor still makes financial sense in today's environment. This episode highlights the tradeoffs, patience, and intentionality required during the early and mid-career years of medicine. These are the kinds of real-world financial decisions many physicians face—but rarely talk about openly. If you're a high-income physician, you already know how hard you work for every dollar. The question is: how much are you actually keeping after taxes? Gelt is a tax firm focused on proactive tax strategy, guided by expert CPAs and optimized via in-house AI tools. They work with physicians and practice owners to use the tax code more intelligently so your structure, deductions, and planning help you keep more of what you earn. As a White Coat Investor reader, you can book a free strategy intro at https://joingelt.com and receive 10% off your first year with Gelt. It's time to start using your tax plan as a lever for growth. 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 

Physician burnout is often discussed, but rarely explained clearly. In this White Coat Investor interview, we're joined by Rutherford Pascal, a leadership coach who works closely with physicians. The conversation explores why burnout happens, why traditional fixes often fall short, and how concepts like deliberate rest, autonomy, and leadership skills play a meaningful role in long-term career sustainability. Rather than focusing on surface-level solutions, this discussion looks at structural and personal factors that influence physician well-being—especially for doctors navigating demanding clinical environments. 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 

Reaching a seven-figure net worth isn't just about income—it's about decisions. In this Milestones to Millionaire episode, a CRNA walks through how he built wealth, why he ultimately fired his financial advisor, and the challenges that came with taking full ownership of his financial life. The conversation covers income and net worth context, the emotional and practical hurdles of managing money independently, and how spousal alignment played a role in long-term success. This episode isn't about shortcuts or market timing. It's about clarity, accountability, and the decisions that mattered most on the path to the first million—especially for high-income professionals navigating complex financial choices. If you're a high-income physician, you already know how hard you work for every dollar. The question is: how much are you actually keeping after taxes? Gelt is a tax firm focused on proactive tax strategy, guided by expert CPAs and optimized via in-house AI tools. They work with physicians and practice owners to use the tax code more intelligently so your structure, deductions, and planning help you keep more of what you earn. As a White Coat Investor reader, you can book a free strategy intro at https://joingelt.com and receive 10% off your first year with Gelt. It's time to start using your tax plan as a lever for growth. 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