Physicians don’t need to retire early to win.

They just need the power to choose what “enough” looks like.

I've seen the difference in real life many times, and its HUGE.

That’s Financial Independence, Recreational Employment.

8. Protect Your Energy

Money buys options, not happiness.

The goal isn’t to hoard cash, it’s to own your time.

Don’t allow the pursuit of financial independence replace the reason you wanted it.

7. Redefine “Work”

Once you’re financially independent, work becomes recreational.

- Cut back to 0.8 FTE
- Do locums a few months a year
- Teach or consult
- Build something of your own

You’re not escaping medicine. You’re reshaping it.

6. Keep Investing Simple

No need for complexity.

Example allocation:

60% US Stocks
20% International
10% Real Estate
10% Bonds/Cash

Index funds. Low cost. Rebalance once a year.

I share this concept with my clients regularly - your returns come from time in the market not outsmarting the market

5. Plan for Health Insurance

The hidden cost of early freedom is healthcare.

Budget $25-35K/yr until Medicare.

Use ACA plans, private coverage, or part-time work benefits.

If you do consistent 1099 work, you can deduct the premiums.

It’s not a reason to quit the plan, just be prepared.

4. Build Tax Flexibility

Diversify where your money lives - pre-tax, Roth, and taxable.

That mix gives you total control in early retirement:

You can manage your bracket, convert to Roths, and fund your life w/o penalties.

Get to investing in these accounts as early in attendinghood as possible.

Keep housing ≤2× income*
Drive cars for 8+ years
Stop pretending every dinner is a reward for surviving another shift

Every “upgrade” delays your independence.

*Yes if you live in a HCOL are, you may have to adjust your retirement timeline expecation.

3. Control Lifestyle Inflation

Your biggest threat isn’t taxes, it’s lifestyle expenses.

Examples of ways to mitigate that:

2. Save Aggressively

You can hit FI in 10-15 years, but only with a 40-50% savings rate.

✅ Max 401(k)/403(b)/457(b)
✅ Do backdoor (or even mega backdoor) Roths
✅ Max HSA
✅ Invest overflow in a taxable brokerage

High income gives you the opportunity.

Discipline turns it into freedom.

1. Know Your Number

Figure out what your ideal life actually costs.

➡️ Annual expenses × 25 = baseline FI number (4% rule).

If you want independence in your 40s or 50s, use 30× instead.

Don’t guess. Know the target.

That’s what Financial Independence, Recreational Employment (F.I.R.E.) really means:

✅ Freedom to walk away
✅ Flexibility to design your week
✅ Fulfillment from work that feels optional

Here’s how to get there 👇

Most doctors chasing FIRE picture an escape hatch.

But if you’re honest, you don’t actually want to stop working, you want to stop needing to work, right?

At least that's what I've learned across many conversations with doctors.

You want control over your schedule, your patients, and your time.

On Spotify:

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On Apple:

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haha yeah!

Remember: this sets your entire career trajectory.

A bad first contract can delay wealth-building by 5–10 years.

Don’t sign until you understand every clause like your life depends on it, because your lifestyle does.

Get help. Seriously.

You’re a doctor, not a contract attorney.

Hire someone who reviews physician contracts daily.

If you need a vetted one, check Resolve — they specialize in this.

Benefits aren’t always benefits.

“CME allowance: $3,000”

Sounds good... until you realize you’re expected to travel cross-country for mandatory CME.

Same with “sign-on bonuses.” Check if you have to repay them if you leave early.