The Dentist Money Show | Financial Planning & Wealth Management

What's on the minds of one Pedo and two GPs? Debt repayment, retirement plan consolidation, and equipment budgeting. And in this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan address each of these listeners' questions by reacting to a well-known blogger's advice about debt, explaining the right way to fund new retirement accounts, and describing how equipment should be viewed from an investment perspective.

Is your office manager irreplaceable? Or do you have systems in place to stay afloat if you had to find someone new? In this Dentist Money™ interview, Reese welcomes Kiera Dent, founder of Dental Masters and practice consultant for dentists across the country. Kiera covers issues related to embezzlement risk, office manager dependency, daily reporting, and setting budgets for staff. She also shares three simple things you can do to boost production immediately.

Have you looked into target date funds as an investment option? A lot of dentists are drawn to this seemingly safe, inexpensive, and low maintenance way to save for retirement. But there's often a misunderstanding about why these funds exist and who should be using them. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan explain the intent of target date funds, the limitations they impose for dentists, and how they often get misused.

What are your options when it comes to buying or selling a practice? Will it be a gradual buyout or a clean break? In this episode of Dentist Money™ recorded at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Reese Harper, CFP® welcomes Wayne Oplinger, Transitions Analyst at Benco Dental who shares the most common mistakes dentists make when going through transitions. He talks about the current state and future outlook of the dental practice market, observations he's made during hundreds of interactions with practice owners, choices and variables to consider when planning a transition, and the biggest regret dentists usually face after selling their practice.

How does your savings rate compare to other dentists? More importantly, how much money should YOU be putting away each month? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan cover Savings Rate fundamentals and recap a few insights gained from this month's Elements® analysis for clients of Dentist Advisors. They talk about appropriate levels of saving, how Savings Rate might change throughout a dentist's career, and why the advantages of a balanced savings plan go beyond building a financial reserve.

How would you rate your study club experiences? Do they add real value or do they seem unproductive? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese welcomes Dr. Martin Mendelson, Executive Vice President of Client Services at Spear Education. In this interview, Dr. Mendelson shares the keys to cultivating a successful study group. He also explains the roles of coaches, consultants, and mentors in a dentist's life and the mindset of practice owners who embrace continuous improvement.

Do you have burning questions about your personal or practice finances? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan respond to three dentists who submitted questions about office retirement plans, annuities, and "backdoor Roth" accounts. Advice includes the bigger picture around retirement plan selection, questions to ask about your existing annuities, and how cash flow plays into investment account decisions.

What's the right balance of delegation and direct involvement? As the CEO of your practice, do you have enough information to be strategic, but not so much that it bogs you down? In this episode of Dentist Money™ Reese Harper welcomes Penny Reed who explains how practice management has evolved over the past twenty-five years. Penny is a renowned speaker and author, and has coached dentists across the country to become more profitable through better delegation and accountability. In this interview, she discusses the true value of a good consultant, how your personality should play into business decisions, and common mistakes that lead to poor office cultures.

How much cash should you keep on hand? Beyond an emergency fund, what are the advantages of maintaining adequate liquidity? And at what point have you accumulated too much cash? In this episode of Dentist Money™ Reese & Ryan dive into a calculation called "Liquid Term" from the periodic table of financial Elements® and recap findings from last month's client performance analysis. They raise common questions around cash management, highlight the lesser known advantages of having enough liquidity, and describe how a dentist should expect liquidity to grow over the course of a career.

What does it take to build a business beyond yourself? Even if you're the only producer, how can you maintain the humanity of your practice as you grow? In this Dentist Money™ interview recorded at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Reese welcomes Peter Shallard, Founder of Commit Action, and personal coach to entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley to Wall Street. Peter discusses the intersection of business and psychology, and explains why it's so easy for dentists to become their own worst enemy when trying to grow a practice. He talks about the lies business owners often tell themselves, how burn out usually sets in, and the danger of an all-or-nothing thinking.

The listeners asked, and we responded. But it was mostly by email, and the people who asked the questions were the only ones who got the advice. So we had an idea: "Let's choose the best financial questions from our loyal listeners and answer them on air." Then we high fived each other and made this episode. You'll hear Reese & Ryan answer a liquidity question from a graduating dental student, an entity structure question from a mid career dentist, and a retirement plan question from a practice owner in his 60's.

How would you rank the building blocks of a valuable practice? Are there certain assets within your business that carry more weight than others? In this episode of Dentist Money™ Reese welcomes Steven J Anderson, co-founder of Crown Council and the TOPS Institute. Steven describes the foundation of every great practice and the leadership qualities exemplified by the best owners. He also shares his view on the new standard of care in dentistry.

Has your schedule gotten away from you? Have you thought about hiring another dentist to help you shoulder the load? In this episode of the Dentist Money™ Show, Reese & Ryan discuss some of the most common reasons dentists feel overworked and underpaid. They also explain why the source of the pain might not always be what you think it is.

Are you sick of surprise tax bills? How do you know if you're paying a fair amount for your level of income? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan cover all things taxes including income calculations, common deductions, entity structure implications, and how tax reforms at the end of 2017 might impact conversations with your CPA. They also explain why it's not always easy to compare your tax rate to your peers'.

Have you considered buying an annuity? Maybe you already have one. Either way, you should understand how they work and why a lot of people experience annuity remorse. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan list ten things annuities and timeshares have in common. They also explain how dentists often get pressured into purchasing annuities and why they don't always get the returns they expected.

Is it possible that your desire to achieve is keeping your practice from reaching the next level? Or more broadly, are your ambitions holding you back from a more epic life? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese welcomes Dr. David Maloley, owner of Vail Valley Dental Care and host of the Relentless Dentist Podcast. Dr. Maloley reflects on his journey from "deadbeat undergrad" to one of the most successful practice owners in Colorado, and offers his formula for greater fulfillment — both personally and professionally. He describes his daily routines, how he stays in the moment, and two core principles that changed the trajectory of his practice.

When can we expect the next major market correction? Plenty of experts have weighed in recently as financial markets continue to expand. So who should you listen to? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan evaluate headlines from major financial publications over the past several years to determine the accuracy of market projections. They also pose a more important question investors should ask to ensure their portfolios remain bubble-proof.

What's the right mix of fee-for-service and PPOs? While the answer may vary by practice, most dentists would like to run a business that relies less on insurance income. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese welcomes Gary Takacs, who explains how practices can thrive in a world of heavy handed insurance companies and the emergence of corporate dentistry. He also provides answers to questions like: When should I hire my next front office employee? Should I continue to use my lab or buy a CEREC? When is it time to part ways with an employee? When should I hire an associate? When is it time to sell my practice?

Should you pay down debt or invest? The sum of student loans, practice loans, equipment loans, and real estate loans can seem insurmountable for a dentist. So what's the right pace to chip away at them? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan explain how managing debt the right way can help you build wealth much faster. They also discuss the way debt should be viewed at different phases of a dentist's career.

What's with all the Bitcoin hype? Is it here to stay? More importantly, is it a viable investment option? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explain the origin of Bitcoin and its emergence in the market over the past few years. They examine the sophisticated "cryptocurrency" trading platform, highlight pros and cons of owning Bitcoin, and share stories of investors who bought in (for better or worse).

Are you taking the right amount of risk with your money? Do you know how much life insurance you need? What about disability? Liability? Policy selection requires more than looking at your budget and deciding how much you can afford. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explain how much coverage you should carry and how the amount can change during your career. They also discuss two elements of a dentist's risk profile that aren't covered by insurance.

Have you ever thought about investing in a startup? If you haven't already, someday you'll be approached to fund the next big thing. And maybe it's the next Amazon.com. But before you hand over your cash, you'll want to understand exactly what you're getting into. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan walk through the steps of startup investing and provide a list of factors every dentist should consider before jumping in.

There's no such thing as a stupid question. In some cases it might just be the wrong question. And it's not uncommon for dentists to ask the wrong question about financial markets. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explain one fundamental principle of markets a lot of dentists seem to misunderstand. They also explain what a market is by comparing investments to more familiar products we buy in our everyday lives.

Have you ever made a big change to your business or financial plan out of frustration? When cash was tight, the market was down, or collections were stagnant, did you allow short term thinking to get in the way of long term goals? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan identify three classic examples of big sweeping changes dentists make that often come back to bite them. They also offer guidance for choosing less expensive and more effective alternatives.

What's the best way to pay your financial advisor? How does fee structure affect performance? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan explore the pros and cons of five compensation models and the outcomes you can expect from each one. They also describe the fee structure used by DentistAdvisors.com to align clients' best interest with advisor incentives.

When is the last time you took a hard look at your spending habits? Do you wonder how your current lifestyle choices will affect your ability to retire comfortably? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan discuss why it's so easy for dentists to overspend. They also provide valuable reminders to avoid the most common traps that send your personal budget into a tailspin.

What if you looked at your investment portfolio the same way you looked at your practice? Would it change the way you approached financial markets? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explain how the same principles used to build your practice can be applied to capture more value with your investment portfolio.

What does it mean to have financial health? Is it a thriving practice, plenty of income, or an abundant lifestyle? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan approach the World Health Organization's definition of health from a wealth-building perspective, and explore the meaning of financial fitness. They also discuss common decisions dentists wait too long to resolve, and offer advice for overcoming economic atrophy.

Think back to the moment you decided to become a practice owner. What were your hopes and dreams? Did you have visions of freedom, financial upside, and personal fulfillment? Is it playing out like you thought, or has the vision become slightly blurred? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan describe what it means to live the dream of practice ownership. They discuss common reasons dentists get discouraged along the way, and provide three important keys to building a profitable practice while maintaining work life balance.

How does brainpower impact your investment outcomes? Do smart people have the edge when it comes to recognizing the most lucrative opportunities? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan highlight a major private equity fund that lost everything despite participation from some of the world's most respected organizations. They also glean three critical lessons every investor should apply.

A bet is a bet whether you realize you're making it or not. Are you letting your future ride on risky propositions that could be avoided altogether? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan discuss the most common ways dentists allow luck to determine their financial outcomes. They also share advice for building a plan that doesn't bank on hitting it big.

Have you ever jumped on an investment bandwagon that went south? As a successful dentist you're a prime target for opportunistic dealers who don't mind risking other people's money. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explain the difference between legitimate investments and potential money pits. They also list the warning signs of dangerous advice so you can avoid it altogether.

Is your financial plan ready to go the distance? Have you eliminated all the distractions so you can focus on the fundamentals that drive better results? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan break down three habits followed by the world's greatest athletes and describe how the same principles apply to dentists who strive for financial independence at an earlier age.

Pledge allegiance to the flag, support the troops, and cheer for your favorite Olympian. There's nothing wrong with a little home country pride. But how does love for your country affect your investments? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan compare Americans, Canadians, and Australians to illustrate how home country bias can influence investment decisions.

Would you be happy if your investment portfolio earned average market returns? Is that enough to secure a comfortable retirement? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan discuss four important habits followed by effective investors, how to set proper expectations for portfolio growth, and a new way to measure the value of a good advisor.

The world's greatest inventors, most accomplished musicians, and best athletes often attribute their success to persistence. It's the same trait that pushed you through dental school and keeps your practice moving forward. But what does it mean to have a persistent financial plan? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explore four steps to developing persistence and how each one translates to long term financial success. Show notes: dentistadvisors.com/tt

What can brown do for you? In the early 2000s, UPS unveiled a new way to navigate its routes. The idea seemed too simple to be effective, but it drastically improved productivity and saved the company millions of dollars. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan compare the attributes of a well-run shipping company to those of a good financial plan and explain what it means to have an efficient investment portfolio.

What is the role of a good advisor? It depends who you ask, which is part of the problem with the financial industry—there's no real consensus. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan explore the spectrum of services offered within financial planning and how some advisors fall short of expectations. They also explain the difference between performance-based and advice-based planning.

When will you have enough money to make work optional? Are you building the right mix of assets? Is your tax rate minimized? Do you have the proper amount of insurance? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan introduce a periodic table of twelve key indicators called Elements® which gives dentists a straightforward way to answer the some of the most difficult questions about their financial health. Tt Guide Book Download 4 Keys for Dentists Download

Do you know how your advisor gets paid? If not, there's a good chance your best interest is taking a back seat to handsome commission checks and all-expenses-paid vacations. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan describe a hypothetical DSO where production incentives are out of whack and patients are getting the raw end of the deal. Then they draw a comparison to the way many financial firms compensate their advisors. Listen to the podcast then visit: http://dentistadvisors.com/review/

How is it possible that the average dentists retires later than the average American? Income can't be the reason — dentists are among the highest earners in the country. And you can't put all the blame on personal spending when there's an entire web of variables to consider. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan cover five main reasons dentists have a difficult time holding onto their income and building enough wealth to retire comfortably.

Milton Friedman, Peter Lynch, Warren Buffett. When financial advice comes from a nobel laureate, a legendary mutual fund manager, or an Oracle of Omaha, people tend to listen. But do they really understand the context of the advice? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan dissect quotes from five famous economists and clarify the intended message of each. They also explain how the principles taught can be applied to dentists.

Are your investments protected from conflicts of interest? What is the relationship between your advisor and the custodian of your accounts? In this Dentist Money™ episode, Reese & Ryan discuss the role of a custodian, why it matters who your custodian is, and how investors have lost fortunes by trusting the wrong people. They also explain how custodians get paid and provide tips for protecting yourself from investment fraud.

Are you hesitant to invest your extra cash? If that emergency fund has turned into an emergency fortune, it's probably time to let your money spread its wings in the market. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan discuss findings from a Vanguard study which compares two common approaches to investing large amounts of cash: Lump Sum Investing and Dollar Cost Averaging. They explain the tradeoffs of each approach and the factors to consider before deciding which strategy will work best for you.

Should you pay someone else to do a job you can handle yourself? As a practice owner, you might struggle to know when it makes more sense to outsource or keep things on your own plate. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explore the fundamentals of trade, specialization, and opportunity costs, and how economic lessons taught to fifth graders can help dentists improve their net worth.

Do you know what's happening in your front office? Has your staff been properly trained to offer appointments, ask for payments, and deal with cancellations? In this Dentist Money™ episode, Reese welcomes Laura Hatch, founder of Front Office Rocks, an online resource for dentists who need specialized training for their team on all aspects of the front desk. Laura discusses the four most common challenges in the front office and their financial impact on a practice. She also offers solutions to improve communication within the office, strengthen your value proposition against the competition, and increase case acceptance. Show notes: https://youtu.be/YgbnDtCDlTM www.frontofficerocks.com [email protected]

Have you ever made a financial decision on the grounds that "everyone else is doing it?" When all the facts aren't readily available, human nature is to follow public opinion. But the herd can lead you off a cliff if you're not careful. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese & Ryan reflect on recent financial trends that led mobs of people to the poor house. They also provide a list of common investment bandwagons that leave dentists holding the bag.

Let's say you have an extra $30,000 in cash. You can pay down a loan with a 6% interest rate or invest in a retirement plan which could return anywhere from -10% to +10% this year. What should you do? In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan dive into the not-so-simple answer and explain why a lot of people get it wrong. They also weigh in on the pros and cons of cost-driven investment portfolios and provide a list of questions to ask before locking yourself into a loan.

Marketing pioneer John Wanamaker said, "Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know which half." As a practice owner, you might feel the same way. The challenge of measuring marketing results can be especially difficult for small businesses that have plenty of questions and not enough time to answer all of them. In this Dentist Money™ interview, Reese welcomes Wendy Phillips, founder of Big Buzz, who implements customer-focused dental marketing solutions for practice owners across the country. She highlights the most common marketing mistakes in dentistry, describes what to look for in a marketing agency, and provides inexpensive solutions for market research.

Remember the last time your retirement account took a hit? A lot of people do. You might have questioned the quality of your portfolio and the competency of your advisor. (Your concerns might have been valid by the way). Regardless of who or what's to blame, losing hurts, and behavioral psychologists have spent years researching how pain avoidance can influence major financial decisions. In this episode of Dentist Money™, Reese and Ryan explain how the fear of losing money can lead to losing more money. They also provide guidance for gaining emotional clarity so you can invest with more confidence.