Published in EM Resident February/March 2005
At least half of the physicians entering practice this year will change practices within two years. Why does this occur? From the physicians I have worked with, the largest reason is that the practice they joined did not live up to their expectations.

Published in EM Resident  September/October 2005
...Is there a way to break this cycle, and give your children your level of education, without your level of debt? With tuition rates increasing at 5% per year, and inflation increasing at 2% per year, even diligent savers might get sticker shock when they see the bill to put their children through school.

Published in EM Resident, Dec 2007/Jan 2008 Issue
In recent weeks, I have been contacted by many clients who are in residency and fellowship regarding the recent media blitz over the “sub-prime” lending debacle. I would like to use this article to provide a brief but hopefully insightful overview of what this topic is all about and why you might or might not really care at the end of the day.

A recurring theme among residents is the question of how to evaluate and purchase appropriate disability insurance. In response, this article is a nuts and bolts summary of disability terms and conditions. An understanding of these terms will allow you to make informed purchasing decisions.

Published in: February/March 2007 EM Resident  
In this article, I have asked a CPA associate to join me for a brief overview of the primary factors for consideration in the most common types of independent contractor structures.

Published in August/September 2008 EM Resident
When you break financial success down to the most consistent, lowest common denominators, you will find three things: Effective cash management, appropriate risk management and effective retirement planning.

It's never too early or too late to prepare yourself and your loved ones for future financial security. What kind of planning have you done to ensure that you will achieve your financial goals?

Physicians are afforded an unique opportunity in life. With intelligent planning, physicians can enjoy both a very comfortable lifestyle and true financial security. Unfortunately, this opportunity is sometimes lost through a lack of attention to sound personal financial practices.

If you have not already established a financial plan you risk getting yourself into debt and wondering what happened to all the money. Setting short and long term financial goals will help ensure your financial security...

Published in: December 2006/January 2007 EM Resident
The classification of “single” wage earner, and perhaps more important taxpayer, affords many opportunities as you work through your residency and move in to practice. For purposes of this article, I will cover four main financial themes, separated into strategies during residency and then post residency.

Published In:  August/September 2006 EM Resident
The intent of the article is to provide guidance based on personal and professional feedback from others. Please note that there could be many other factors that can not be fully discussed within this type of article.

Published in EM Resident   December/January 2004
Trade small amounts of stock often. Buy a stock based on a hot tip. Overestimate your knowledge. Don't invest in the stock market.

Published in EM Resident October/November 2004
From the first days of medical school through the first few years in practice, effective cash management can either make or break your checkbook, your psyche, and ultimately even your career. Let’s face it; the medical training process does an excellent job of preparing individuals to practice medicine, but it does not teach effective money management. In my eight years of working with resident physicians, I see consistent frustrations around cash management.

Published in EM Resident December/January 2005
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) offer an excellent opportunity for both novice and experienced investors to earn a rate of return similar to the overall stock market with minimal effort and know-how.

Published in: February/March 2006 EM Resident
Just as you would want a trained specialist to diagnose and treat a particular medical condition, a trained accountant can efficiently manage the tax piece of your financial planning team. This is increasingly important as you complete your training. I have found that my clients have much less stress moving out of training when they have the confidence of knowing that their complete financial structure has been well defined through the transition.

Published in EM Resident April/May 2005
Despite the millions of pages published on investing (mostly crap), the subject is widely misunderstood and many potential investors are scared away. Investing is the long-term key to your financial future.

Published in: October/November 2006 EM Resident 
I encourage you to spend some brief time catching up on various topics of interest. If you only have ten minutes to think about your finances, here are the things that I would like for you to know.

Published in EM Resident  February/March 2004
The greatest deterrent I have found to financial success is procrastination. Most of us are guilty of it. If you feel there are areas of your financial program not on track, make 2004 the year to set things straight. Establishing a coordinated financial plan could be the important step missing in achieving financial success.

Published in EM Resident, Oct/Nov 2007 Issue
Your Scientific Assembly is at hand and with it the opportunity to get out of the ED and find out what is going on around the country. I encourage you to spend some brief time catching up on various topics of interest. If you only have ten minutes to think about your finances, here are the things that I would like for you to know.

Published in EM Resident June/July 2005
At this time of year, many departing residents are faced with the issue of relocation. Paramount is the issue of where you are going to live, and under what terms! With interest rates at near historic lows and very liberal financing, it is easier than ever for starting physicians to purchase a new home. The focus of this article will be on three facets of the mortgage process

Published in EM Resident February/March 2009
As we move in to a new year, new political administration and a drastically reshaped economy, many are wondering what to do now.

Published in EM Resident, June/July 2007
The time has come. Medical school, match day, graduation. All are now in the past. You are a first-year resident.  First, congratulations. Second, there is no time to waste. Your time will not be your own for at least two years. I strongly recommend you take the time to organize your finances now and set the stage for a financially confident residency.

Published in: April/May 2006 EM Resident
The following is intended to provide a quick reference of potential timely opportunities.

Published in EM Resident, Aug/Sept 2007 Issue
EM Residents are familiar with change. To stay on top of your game, you balance your PGY status, salary changes, practice opportunities, debts, expenses, budgets, families, and numerous other situations. As you balance your personal and professional lives, I want to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on the most recent changes in the financial community, as they relate to you.

Published by: June/July 2006 EM Resident
The transition from residency to practice will be a rewarding and challenging time in your career.  One day, you walk out of your training making $42,000 and into a new practice with income having quadrupled. Effectively dealing with the many issues that come along with this income can be a challenge.

Published in EM Resident December 2008/January 2009
Yes, in this time of economic strife and uncertainty, I am talking about unprecedented opportunity.

Published in EM Resident April/May 2004
Opening and fully funding a Roth IRA is the most important financial move you can make as a resident. You can open a Roth IRA in minutes with virtually any online broker.

Published in EM Resident  August/September 2004
Most medical school financial aid offices will advise you to pay off your loans in the shortest possible amount of time. Do NOT listen to these misguided creatures. You should pay your loans off over as long a period as possible, usually 30 years.