#135 W-2 or 1099: Are the Tax Savings Actually Worth It for Doctors?

#135 W-2 or 1099: Are the Tax Savings Actually Worth It for Doctors?

Author: Nate Reineke October 1, 2025 Duration: 23:43

Starting a new job always brings changes and new opportunities. For some docs, it may bring the question if being a 1099 contractor will create tax savings or a headache? Nate Reineke breaks down what you should consider if you are deciding between being a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor. We discuss how things like benefits and employer costs should factor into the decision. Be sure to listen to the end to hear what you should ask your CPA in order to make the best decision. We also answer your colleagues’ questions. A Surgeon in New York is planning to pay for their child to attend undergraduate and graduate school in the Northeast. They are worried about overfunding a 529 and want to know if they should use a 529 to save everything for college. An audience member at our webinar asked us how to choose a 529 plan since the state they live in doesn’t offer any state benefits. An Ophthalmologist in Chicago says, we are building a house and are being offered a “lender's credit”. Should we put it toward closing costs or use it to buy down the interest rate? 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
#133 Dependent Care FSA: Time Suck or Tax Saver for Doctors? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:26
There are a thousand opinions out there on how to raise kids, but the one thing everyone can agree on is that raising kids is expensive. Luckily, there’s a way that doctors like you can save on taxes and use pretax dolla…
#132 Should Physicians Own AI Stock? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
Before Amazon was Amazon, some people took a huge risk and bought stock in the company. Luckily, that risk paid off for them! Now, history is repeating itself with some AI stocks where they could be the next Amazon, or t…
#129 Will a Summer Splurge Spoil Physicians' Savings Plans? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:42
Summer means vacations, and vacations can lead to splurges. While following a plan is important, the occasional splurge is inevitable, even for the pros. Listen in as Nate Reineke, Chelsea Jones, and Kyle Hoelzle reveal…
#126 One (More) Big Beautiful Episode with Ken Eremita, CPA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
The One Big Beautiful Bill remains long and confusing. Some people think that the new tax laws are barking mad, while others are wagging their tails with delight. Listen in as Ben and Nate are joined by Ken Eremita, CPA…