Shows
Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth7 Mistakes DIY Investors Don't Realize They're MakingThink you've got your investments under control? You might be surprised. Two SLP Wealth partners — Travis Hornsby, CFA®, CFP®, and Conor Mahlmann, CFP®,CSLP® — break down seven costly mistakes even the most hands-on investors make, from subtle market timing to tax traps that quietly eat away at returns. Discover what most people miss when managing their own portfolios and learn how to spot (and fix) the issues before they snowball. Key moments: (04:38) Sneaky ways you might "time the market" without realizing it (12:26) What tax-loss harvesting really involves (and why most people don't do...
2025-11-0759 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
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 PlannerHow the Modified REPAYE Plan Could Cut Student Loan Payments In Half for Millions of BorrowersThe Biden Administration announced a new income-driven repayment plan that can significantly benefit millions of student loan borrowers. Student Loan Advisors Meagan McGuire, CSLP®, and Conor Mahlmann, CSLP®, discuss the revamped REPAYE plan that was recently proposed. Find out how the modified plan increases the poverty line deduction and provides interest subsidies to lower payments for anyone on income-driven plans. Whether you have undergraduate or graduate loans, you'll learn the mechanics of how the plan calculates payments and how it could affect you. Meagan and Connor also note that the plan is still in the commenting period an...
2023-01-1742 min
Student Loan PlannerStudent Loan Cancellation and Why It's Not Too Late to Take Advantage of the PSLF WaiverMeet Conor Mahlmann, CSLP®, one of our newest consultants as he joins Meagan Landress, CSLP®, and Ben Lacomis, CSLP®. Conor joined the Student Loan Planner team back in May and just hit his 300th consult. The team is covering many topics this week — from the changes we've seen, the PSLF waiver, cancellations, and what we hear directly from clients. We're also jumping into student loan updates, so there's a lot of ground to cover. In today's episode, you'll find out: How Conor got into financial planning and what attracted him to student loan planning The m...
2022-10-1143 min