#177 Should You Skip a 529 Without a State Tax Break?

#177 Should You Skip a 529 Without a State Tax Break?

Author: Nate Reineke July 22, 2026 Duration: 18:38

When planning for your children's future education, a lack of an upfront state income tax deduction can make saving feel like a raw deal. Nate Reineke breaks down a question from a Florida surgeon tempted to skip 529 plan contributions entirely because the state lacks a state income tax break. We discuss why focusing solely on short-term deductions can miss the benefit of long-term tax-free compounding growth.

We also answer your colleagues’ questions.

A double-doctor family in Kansas says, “We did our Backdoor Roth conversions this year, but I am not sure TurboTax coded it right when we filed. How can I tell?”

An anesthesiologist in Oregon asks, “I am applying for disability insurance but there is a lot of paperwork, and I am unsure about how to do this the right way. What should I do?”

Are you ready to turn worries about taxes and investing into a plan for college and retirement? If you’re evaluating your options and want to learn more, visit physicianfamily.com and click 'Get Started' or you can ask a question of your own by emailing podcast@physicianfamily.com.

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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: 50

Physician Family Finances Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#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…
#160 Taxes are a drag. How can physicians cut the weight? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
If you have a tax-inefficient portfolio, it can be like swimming with a giant t-shirt on. You can do it, but there is a lot of unnecessary drag. Nate Reineke and Kyle Hoelzle break down what tax drag in a portfolio means…
#159 How Do Doctors Know When To Break Their ARM? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:26
Mortgage rates are on the move once again, and if you have an ARM that is coming up on a variable rate period, it may be time to consider changing your mortgage type. The answer to knowing if you should is easier than yo…
#158 What Should Doctors Upgrade Right Before Moving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
The housing market seems to be heating up again as mortgage rates start to come down. If you’re planning a move, it can be hard to determine what upgrades to do on a house that will actually have a good return on investm…
#156 What is a Mega Backdoor Roth, And When Should Doctors Use One? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:16
If you plan to hit your 401K contribution limit for the year, but see that you can still add money through “after-tax contributions,” you may be wondering if that is a Mega Backdoor Roth and, more importantly, if you sho…