Shows
Financially Free Era by SLP WealthThe #1 Wealth Killer: The Brand New SUVWe're talking about cars — not from a "never buy anything nice" angle, but from the perspective of how much they can quietly drain from your long-term wealth. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us to break down what an $80,000 SUV really does to your savings rate. We also look at the pressure to "upgrade" when life changes (new baby, new job, new neighborhood) and how to separate what you actually need from what feels normal around you. You'll learn practical ways to get a reliable, safe car without letting transportation become the biggest drag on your wealth. Key mome...
2025-11-1438 minFinancially Free Era by SLP WealthThe Delicate Balance: Living Your Best Life Now vs. the FutureEver feel like you're stuck between wanting to enjoy life now and knowing you should be saving for the future? It's a tug-of-war that doesn't magically disappear when you start making more money. Financial planner Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, joins us today to talk about how to find that sweet spot between spending today and saving for tomorrow, whether you earn $100k or $1M a year. You'll learn why your savings rate matters more than almost anything else when it comes to building wealth and how even a small increase in savings can shave years off your wo...
2025-08-0131 minFinancially Free Era by SLP WealthYours, Mine, and Ours: Smart Bank Account Structures for CouplesMerging lives often means merging finances, but how do you do it without stepping on toes? Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, from the SLP Wealth team, joins us to unpack common questions couples face when managing money together. From deciding whether to combine accounts to setting up smart bank structures that support your goals, we cover the practical steps and money conversations that can strengthen your relationship, how to set boundaries without starting fights, and which tools make budgeting as a couple way less painful. Key moments: (02:51) How Jake and Meagan approach money differently in their ow...
2025-05-3038 min
Financially Free DentistsThank You — See You on Financially Free EraTune in to the new show, Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth, discover the biggest misconceptions people have about being "financially free," the various forms of FIRE ("Financial Independence, Retire Early"), and more. We're excited to launch this new podcast and hope you subscribe on your favorite podcast app! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or Pocket Casts
2025-05-2202 minFinancially Free DentistsLife Insurance for Dentists: When It Matters, What to Buy, and Common MistakesLife insurance isn't the most exciting topic — but it can be an important one, especially as your career and family grow. We sit down with Ben Lacomis, CSLP®, a financial planner here at SLP Wealth, who started his career at one of the big Fortune 100 mutual insurance companies. Now, as a fiduciary advisor, he brings a balanced perspective on how to think through your options. We talk about when life insurance makes sense, how your needs change over time, and what to know about term vs. permanent policies. You'll also hear some offbeat real-life examples (yes, people rea...
2025-05-0845 minFinancially Free DentistsSkip the Residency, Buy the Practice? With Dr. Cole SmithWhat career decisions would you reconsider with the wisdom of hindsight? Dr. Cole Smith, DDS, shares the career move he'd revise if given a second chance, and why he might suggest skipping a general residency program. Learn how this Austin-area dentist transitioned to practice ownership without a down payment, discover tips to manage practice profits, and get an inside look at how he's redefined work-life balance. Recent graduates and associates eyeing practice ownership — prepare for an honest conversation that might just save you years of trial and error on your own dental journey. Key moments: (04:16) Dr...
2025-04-2430 min
Financially Free DentistsBlending the Right Ingredients For Your Investment SmoothieSo many dentists we work with are literally throwing money away at retirement — we're talking tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes. But a completely legal, under-the-radar approach lets dental practice owners slash their tax bills both now and in retirement. We reveal our "financial smoothie" approach and how the "three bucket strategy" creates the perfect blend to drop your tax rate. Learn exactly which accounts to blend together, in what proportions, and the precise timing that makes this work. After years of building your practice, make sure you — not the IRS — enjoy the rewards. Key moments: (03...
2025-04-1034 min
Financially Free DentistsHow this Endodontist Built a Successful Practice in a Crowded MarketEver wondered what it really takes to build a dental practice from the ground up in one of America's most saturated markets? Join us as we chat with Dr. John Oganesyan, DDS, about his journey from USC endodontic residency to establishing a successful dental practice in the competitive Los Angeles market. He shares how he pivoted from larger dental corporations to private practice ownership, including candid stories about building a patient base, managing insurance transitions, and the decisions that ultimately led to his growing success. Key moments: (06:17) Your first dental job is rarely your dream...
2025-03-2730 min
Financially Free DentistsInvesting Gone Wrong: The Most Common Mistakes We See Dentists MakeAt first glance, investing seems simple — put money in, watch it grow. But just like a night at the casino, emotions, overconfidence, and bad bets can wreck your long-term success. Learn the biggest investment mistakes we see dentists make and how to avoid them. Through personal stories of financial missteps, we'll unpack the dangers of both overly complex and overly simplistic strategies. Plus, we'll explain why aligning risk with your comfort level and timeline is key, and share insights on diversification, tax-smart investing, and building a portfolio that works for you. Key moments: (04:44) Cashing out yo...
2025-03-1340 min
Financially Free DentistsFrom Patients to Pacifiers: How Dentists Can Prepare for ParenthoodStarting a family is a huge milestone, but how do you make it work financially as a dentist? Whether you're in dental school, working as an associate, or running your own practice, family planning comes with big decisions — both personal and financial. SLP Wealth partner and financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP® joins us to break down the real considerations dentists face when growing their families. We'll cover everything from timing your family plans around your career to managing parental leave, childcare costs, and practice ownership. If you're wondering when the right time is to have kids or h...
2025-02-2731 min
Financially Free DentistsPlaybook for Protecting Your Dental Practice: Financial & Operational Must-KnowsYou've invested years into building your dental practice — are you doing enough to protect it? We're addressing the essential steps every dentist should consider, from financial safeguards to operational planning and succession strategies. You'll learn how to shield your practice from risk, maintain its value, and ensure long-term success, no matter what challenges arise. Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your safety net, this episode is packed with practical advice every dentist needs. Key moments: (05:16) The financial safety nets every dental practice needs (but too many ignore) (10:06) You can't afford to sk...
2025-02-1331 min
Financially Free Dentists1099 or W-2? Tax and Financial Impacts for DentistsLearn how employment classification can make or break your financial plan as we explore the key differences between 1099 independent contractor roles and W-2 employee positions. Special guest Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, CSLP®, CBDA, from the SLP Wealth dental planning team, joins us and shares expert insights on how each option affects your taxes, benefits, legal protections, and long-term financial goals. If you're an associate evaluating job offers or a practice owner deciding how to structure your team, tune in to discover how to choose the path that sets you up for success, both in your practice and your fi...
2025-01-3027 min
Student Loan PlannerHomeownership Then vs. Now: Should You Just Rent Instead?The age-old question of renting versus buying takes center stage in this episode as we explore whether the American dream of homeownership lives up to the hype. Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, a financial planner with the SLP Wealth dental team, joins us for a lively debate as we dig into the financial and lifestyle factors that go into this decision, bust some common myths, and help you weigh what's right for your situation. In the end, we'll help you decide if buying a home is truly all it's cracked up to be. Key moments: (07:07) The co...
2025-01-2432 min
Financially Free DentistsHow Perpetual Learning Led to 60% Practice Growth in 2 Years What does it take to achieve remarkable growth in your practice? We're joined by special guest Dr. Christian Mullin, a practice owner in Virginia Beach, who shares his inspiring journey of growing his practice's collections from $1.1 million to $1.85 million in just two years. He walks us through his journey from Michigan to Virginia and the mindset shifts, strategies, and relentless pursuit of learning that fueled his success. From tackling operational challenges to rethinking patient care, his story is packed with insights for practice owners looking for sustainable growth. Tune in to get actionable takeaways and f...
2025-01-1636 min
Financially Free DentistsFinancial Fitness for Dentists: Your 2025 Gym Membership Plan Still recovering from December's spending spree? If your finances could use a reset, we've got you covered. Enter "financial hibernation" — our go-to strategy for bouncing back after the holidays. Instead of vague New Year's resolutions, we're focusing on what really works for dental professionals who want to build wealth in 2024. Join Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, to explore 401(k) retirement options for practice owners and 1099 associates, tools like Monarch Money to make tracking your finances actually enjoyable (yes, really), and the "Financially Wrapped" approach to revamp your money habits. Plus, get the latest on retirement trends...
2025-01-0235 min
Financially Free DentistsSmart Ways to Buy and Depreciate Practice Equipment Depreciation isn't just what happens quickly to your new Cybertruck — it's a strategy that could save you thousands. Logan Foltz, MD, EA, tax manager at SLP Wealth and former physician, joins Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, to break down equipment depreciation and tax planning tips for dental practices and 1099 associates. You'll learn from real-world examples like depreciating an $80,000 CBCT machine, vehicle expense deductions, business vs. personal use, and airtight expense tracking for tax compliance. We'll explore surprising things you might be able to depreciate, how to time purchases for maximum tax savings...
2024-12-1935 min
Financially Free DentistsYou're a Practice Owner, Now What? You've taken the leap and bought your own dental practice — congratulations! Owning a practice is a huge milestone, but it also comes with a big question: what's next? Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, walk you through the key steps that will help you build a successful practice and keep your finances on track. But it's not just about the numbers. Great leadership and a strong vision are just as important as a solid financial foundation, and we cover that, too. Key moments: (05:35) The must-know basics of bookkeeping, LLCs, and managin...
2024-12-0541 min
Financially Free DentistsNavigating Post-Election Uncertainty for DentistsThe election sparked uncertainty and possible changes, leaving many dentists wondering how to protect their financial future. Join financial planners Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, as well as special guest Travis Hornsby, CFA®, CFP®, to explore how the election could affect your personal finances. Key moments: (03:04) Self-care routines we use to recover from burning the candle at both ends (05:46) Why dentists need this podcast to help grow wealth (10:28) Get clarity on whether your student loan strategy needs to change post-election (15:14) What a second Trump term could mean for dentis...
2024-11-2129 min
Financially Free DentistsSurprising Reasons NOT to Buy a Dental PracticeBuying or starting a dental practice is a major financial and professional commitment — and one of the best ways to grow your net worth while gaining work flexibility. But is it always the right move? Join financial planners Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, as they explore the top reasons not to buy a practice. While we're strong advocates for dental practice ownership, we also know that the "perfect" practice on paper can sometimes turn into financial regret. Discover the common pitfalls and misconceptions that lead dentists to buy for the wrong reasons, and make su...
2024-11-0731 min
Financially Free DentistsWelcome to Financially Free DentistsJoin me Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP® and my co-host Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP® on a journey for dentists eager to take control of their financial futures—without the pain of a dental drill! Each episode explores the unique challenges and opportunities in dentistry, offering insightful tips and plenty of laughs (because finance doesn't have to be boring). From managing debt to smart investing to practice management, we cover everything essential and outrageous. Because financial health for a dentist is about crafting a career and lifestyle that makes you and your patients smile. Whether you're an associ...
2024-11-0400 min
Student Loan Planner40 Essential Power Moves to Conquer Student Loan Repayment (Pt 1)Whether navigating the post-graduation grace period, exploring new repayment options, or looking to supercharge your loan payoff, this episode is jam-packed with practical advice to help you take charge of your financial journey. Hosts James Mwombela, CFP®, CSLP®, Rebecca Baldauf, Jake Courtney and Sam Silberstein deliver a wealth of insights for effectively managing student loans. No matter where you are in your career, you'll walk away with actionable tips and the latest strategies to confidently tackle your student loan debt. In today's episode, you'll find out: The financial benefits of paying during the grace pe...
2023-12-1223 min
Student Loan PlannerStudent Loan Forgiveness, Refunds, and Fresh Starts for BorrowersThe weight of student loans can be a significant challenge. Many borrowers have felt powerless, fearing that their student debt would control their life decisions for ten or twenty years or more. However, it doesn't have to dictate your financial journey. Senior Student Loan Advisor Lauryn Williams, CFP®, CSLP®, is joined by Student Loan Advisors Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, and Marcel Miu, CFA, CFP®, to help you find a balance between student loans and enjoying life. In today's episode, you'll find out: How PSLF's reputation steered borrowers away from forgiveness options Why borrowers with high student loan b...
2023-10-2429 min