#139 This or That: What Retirement Plan Should Physicians Choose?

#139 This or That: What Retirement Plan Should Physicians Choose?

Author: Nate Reineke October 29, 2025 Duration: 25:27

It is Halloween! The kids are out trick-or-treating, and the air is a little crisper as the seasons change. A change in jobs or open enrollment can lead to the spooky decision of what retirement plan is best: a defined benefit plan or a defined contribution plan? Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones break down what each plan means and the benefits that come with each. We also discuss some key things you should consider when deciding.

We also answer your colleagues' questions.

A Cardiologist in Oregon asks, “Should I own gold?” They also say, “My workplace plan now offers a Roth 403(b). Should I maximize that to get more into my Roth or just continue as normal with the backdoor Roth?”

The Spouse of a dermatologist in Virginia says, “We want to retire at 50, but know that we can’t get Medicare until we are 65. What are our options to stop working or dramatically scale back with that in mind?”

An Internal Med Doc in Washington just switched jobs. With their new employer, they can elect for the employer match to go into my 401 (k) or take it as a cash balance. Which should they choose?

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
#169 Is Physician Workplace Insurance Enough to Protect Your Family? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:35
As a busy physician mom or dad, you put everything into your practice and your kids, meaning you want to make sure you're doing the absolute right thing with the money you earn. But when it comes to safeguarding your fam…
#168 Why Your Physician Portfolio Doesn't Need to Be Busy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
Between managing a packed clinic and a chaotic home life, the last thing any physician needs is a financial statement that looks as cluttered as a playroom floor. Nate and Kyle tackle a question from a Washington dermato…
#167 Are Physicians Itchy About High-Yield Savings Accounts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
It’s time to talk about the "cash itch,” that restless feeling doctors get when a healthy high-yield savings account starts to look like a missed opportunity. Nate Reineke and Chelsea Jones dive into a dilemma from a rad…
#166 Physician Mothers Need To Put On Their Oxygen Mask First [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:10
As we head into Mother’s Day this weekend, we reflect on everything moms do for us. In today’s world, more and more parents are supporting their children for longer. Nate Reineke looks at the question “What should my kid…
#165 Does Tax-Free Growth Beat Liquidity for Docs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:10
When you’re sitting in the 37% tax bracket, the opportunity to shield more wealth from the IRS through a Mega Backdoor Roth feels like a no-brainer. But is the promise of tax-free growth worth the price of locking your m…
#164 Extra, Extra: Hear All About Where Docs Can Keep Extra Savings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
Building on the momentum of your high-earning years can sometimes feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. When it comes to finding a home for your extra savings, it can seem like there are a million account types, and it…