#125 Should Physicians Bother with a Backdoor Roth Right Before Retirement?

#125 Should Physicians Bother with a Backdoor Roth Right Before Retirement?

Author: Nate Reineke July 23, 2025 Duration: 23:23

Finally being ready to retire is a huge milestone. It takes years of planning and hard work. There is nothing worse than feeling like you missed something in all that preparation. Listen in as Ben Utley and Nate Reineke break down whether it is worth it to open a new backdoor Roth account right before retirement. We discuss the factors to consider and how your time will come into play when making that decision.

 

We also answer your colleagues' questions. 

 

Social Security: A Pain Management doc in New York is wondering, with everything happening politically, should we take Social Security early since it may go away? And a Psychiatrist in Missouri read the latest federal report that Social Security will run out in the next 8 years. They ask if they should include Social Security in their plan.

 

Emergency Fund: The spouse of a hospitalist in Tennessee says that they have 7 kids, so that's a lot of college to pay for. They also don’t have an emergency fund. They’re curious about what to put off while building the emergency fund. 

 

Paying for private K-12: The spouse of a dermatopathologist in Pennsylvania asks, given the recent 529 rule changes that are coming with the “Big Beautiful Bill,” should I be putting more money in my 529 to pay for private K-12 school?

 

Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into all the money you need for college and retirement? It’s time to make a plan and get on track. To find out if we’re a match 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


Finding a clear path through financial planning feels uniquely challenging when your career is in medicine and your heart is at home with family. The Physician Family Finances Podcast exists in that specific, demanding space. Host Nate Reineke, alongside co-host Chelsea Jones, brings their experience as Certified Financial Planner™ professionals directly to conversations with physician parents. They understand the dual pressures of managing a practice, caring for kids, and making smart long-term decisions with your earnings. Each episode moves beyond generic advice to tackle the real questions you face, from navigating student loan strategies and investment options tailored to a physician's timeline to planning for retirement without sacrificing your family's present. This isn't about quick tips; it's about building a sustainable framework that aligns with your values and goals. Tune in for a candid, practical discussion that makes complex topics like tax laws and wealth building accessible, so you can gain confidence and clarity with your finances. The entire podcast is built on the principle that securing your future should feel like an achievable part of your life's work, not an overwhelming distraction from it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Physician Family Finances Podcast
Podcast Episodes
At what net worth should I begin a financial plan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:33
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke address a key question: At what net worth should you begin a financial plan? They explore various financial challenges faced by physician families, including…
What Insurance Strategies Should you Consider for your Future? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:31
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke address various financial situations and questions from physician families, focusing on investment strategies, insurance options, and the effective management…
Are adjustable rate mortgages right for you? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke discuss important financial topics for physician families, including managing inherited assets and evaluating insurance coverage. They also touch on relevant…
Should you increase stocks before retirement? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
Episode Overview: In this milestone 80th episode of the Physician Family Financial Advisors podcast, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke celebrate their journey before addressing pressing financial questions from their listeners.…
Great income and a job I love but no balance - What should I do? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:30
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke explore estate planning and work-life balance with a focus on the unique needs of physicians. They share strategies for securing your financial future while e…
Why does it feel like we don't make great money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Episode Overview: In this episode, Nate Reineke and Ben Utley discuss financial strategies for high-earning physicians. They explore how a $50,000 inheritance could potentially support your child’s education through a 52…
Should I be taking more risk? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:53
Episode Overview: In this episode, Nate Reineke and Ben Utley discuss socially responsible investing (SRI) and how physicians can align their investment choices with their values. They cover the importance of diversifica…
Tight on cash, where do I start saving first? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
Episode Overview: In this episode, Nate Reineke and Ben Utley discuss financial planning tailored for physicians. They explore the challenges of high-performing stocks like Tesla and the tax implications of practice buy-…
Should I be more aggressive with my college investments? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:18
Episode Overview: In this engaging episode, we explore the multifaceted aspects of financial planning designed specifically for physician families. Hosts Nate Reineke and Ben Utley share insights on navigating topics lik…
Should I put my cash in treasuries? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:25
Episode Overview: In this episode of the Physician Family Financial Advisors podcast, hosts Nate Reineke and Ben Utley, both Certified Financial Planners, discuss financial strategies for physician families. They explore…