By Jack Dawson
Medics are highly respected around the globe. It is considered a noble profession that is earned after years of hard work, training, research and spending thousands of dollars on tuition fees. Most doctors will start earning well after the age of 28-30, which is considered late compared to other professions. Their earnings can pick in their early 40s.
The main advantage for most physicians is that they can set up a practice and get to enjoy years of financial success. Even though for some business does go slow at certain times, as soon as the doctor gets more popular and starts providing quality healthcare, there will be adequate cash inflow in the business. The challenge comes in because many of them lack skills in financial planning.
Physicians rarely keep track of how much they earn, their expenses and investment choices. Physician financial planning generally helps people in the healthcare profession to make proper investment choices and keep track of their personal and business expenses. If you are a physician looking forward to properly managing your finances, start with the 5 steps below.
- Start saving early
One of the common mistakes most physicians make is to start splurging as soon as they start earning a decent income. Many of them feel like they missed out on opportunities to enjoy spending money earlier in life. However, you need to keep track of your expenses and focus more on savings and investments as soon as the money comes in. The holidays and fancy cars can come later on.
- Get adequate insurance
As a physician, you need to ensure that your family and profession is protected by taking the right type and amount of insurance. Physicians need to take up life insurance, disability and indemnity coverage. These types of coverage will protect you and your family during unexpected events.
- Take care of yourself
For many physicians, especially those who own private practices, working long hours is part of everyday life. You must be able to take time off work, relax and exercise regularly. You also need to eat right. Taking good care of yourself will contribute to sound financial health.
- Have financial goals
Before you even sit and decide to draw your financial plan, have a set of goals that you want to achieve within a certain timeframe. The rule of thumb is to create SMART goals, that is, specific, measurable achievable, realistic and time-sensitive goals. This will help you keep track of your money and avoid incurring unnecessary expenses.
- Pay off all education loans
Before you even begin to take up a home loan or any other type of credit to buy property, ensure you’ve cleared all your education loans. This will help you to start off with a clean investment portfolio. You can seek the help of a financial planner who helps physicians manage their money better. Be ready to tweak your plan as life situations and income levels change.
Visit https://www.beamalife.com to get assistance on financial planning for physicians.
Jack Dawson
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
