#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
Why should physicians own bonds? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:27
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke discuss the often-overlooked topic of bonds and their role in a physician's investment portfolio. The conversation addresses a listener's question about the v…
Should we push hard now and slow down in our 50's [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:49
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke address the important question of whether physicians should focus on intense work and savings early in their careers to achieve the possibility of slowing dow…
Should we put all our resources toward our student loans? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:05
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke address essential financial decisions that physician families might encounter, particularly regarding student loan management and resource allocation. They ex…
Am I eligible for a Solo 401k ? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:19
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke explore the specifics of solo 401(k) eligibility for physicians. They address common misconceptions and complexities related to retirement accounts, discussin…
Should I open an ABLE account for my child with a disability? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:08
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke discuss the importance of financial planning for families with children who have disabilities, focusing on the benefits of ABLE accounts. They explain how the…
Pension or 403b: Which should I choose ? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke explore the important decision-making process physicians face when selecting between pension plans and 403(b) retirement plans. They discuss the specifics of…
Should my taxable account mirror the investments in my Roth IRA? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:27
Episode Overview: In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke explore important considerations for physician families regarding investment strategies. They discuss whether taxable accounts should mirror the asset allocat…