The transition from a high-earning career to retirement might hide a major—and expensive—cliff. When it comes to managing your health insurance after you stop practicing, it can seem like there are a million moving pieces, and the rules of the game just changed for 2026. While the open market offers flexibility, it also introduces a sharp cutoff for financial help: if your income is just one dollar over the limit, you could lose your entire tax credit, costing your family $18,000 a year. In this episode, Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones break down how these health insurance subsidies work, what actually counts as income toward that "cliff," and how doctors like you can strategically structure your portfolio to secure massive savings on your monthly bills without sacrificing your lifestyle. We also play another round of “ Asking for a Friend,” and we answer your colleagues' questions. A Vascular Surgeon in Connecticut asks, “We currently have another $60k of extra money. We will need most of it for maintenance and upgrades on our home in the next 2-3 years, but don’t need it immediately. With the market the way it is, should we put 60,000 as a lump sum into our taxable account?” An Anesthesiologist in New York says, “I just surrendered my WL insurance policy, and while I am glad you were able to finally help me break free from the high monthly premiums, now I need to know what to do with the cash I recently got out of the policy. What should I do with the money?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started,' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures

If you’ve been working with a CPA this tax season, they may have recommended a cash balance plan. Generally, these plans can help docs like you save in taxes. Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones look at one doctor in California who got that exact advice. We break down what exactly a cash balance plan is and how it can help when tax season rolls around. We also look at some factors that could indicate it’s just not the right time to start a cash balance plan. We also answer your colleagues' questions. A Pediatric Hospitalist in Virginia asks, “If my spouse has our children on her HSA-eligible health plan, and I also have an HSA-eligible plan, can we contribute more than the $8,750 family limit?” An OBGYN in Arizona says, “Should I buy points on my new mortgage? What are they and why are they being offered?” A GYN ONC in Oregon is buying their first home soon and is curious about physician loans. A Nephrologist in Pennsylvania wonders, “My spouse only makes 40k/year of self-employment income. Is it worth setting them up with a solo 401 (k)?” Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started,' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures

The end of a career brings a lot of transitions. After working for decades to be successful, you want to ensure your transition into retirement is smooth and that you aren’t missing any last-minute savings opportunities. Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones look at a Cardiologist in Oregon who is retiring soon and is questioning whether they should contribute to their IRA. We look at why the answer isn’t simple across the board but varies based on individual situations. We also answer your colleagues' questions. One doc asks, “Should I refinance if my mortgage balance is low?” An oncologist in California says, “Should I transfer my old 401(k) into my new one?” A child psychiatrist in Nevada is curious if they should shop around for a better disability insurance quote. Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com. See marketing disclosures at physicianfamily.com/disclosures