The Optometry Money Podcast

Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP®
  • 5.0 (14)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Optometry Money Podcast, hosted by Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP®, where he helps optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. He explores cold-starts, practice buy-ins, career decisions, tax planning, student loans, and other money issues ODs are navigating. Evon cold-started Optometry Wealth Advisors LLC, a financial planning firm dedicated to help optometrists nationwide master their money, build wealth, and plan purposefully with their finances. Learn more about the show, and Evon, at www.optometrywealth.com.

  1. Are Your Retirement Accounts Protected from Lawsuits? A Guide for Optometrists

    6H AGO

    Are Your Retirement Accounts Protected from Lawsuits? A Guide for Optometrists

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. As an optometrist—especially a practice owner—you face real liability exposure from both your professional work and your business. So how well are your retirement accounts and investments actually protected if something goes wrong?  In this episode, we walk through the different layers of liability protection available to ODs and dive into exactly which retirement and investment accounts are shielded from creditors, which ones aren't, and where the common gaps and misconceptions are. What You'll Learn Four common layers of liability protection available to optometrists (entities, insurance, titling, and federal/state law)Why umbrella insurance is one of the most common gaps in OD insurance planningHow ERISA law protects 401(k) and cash balance plans—and why it's the gold standardWhy solo 401(k) plans do NOT carry the same ERISA protection (a common misconception)How SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs fall short on liability protection compared to full 401(k) plansHow Traditional and Roth IRAs are protected in bankruptcy (and the current dollar limit)What happens to liability protection when you roll a 401(k) into an IRA—and a best practice for keeping those dollars separateHow HSAs, taxable brokerage accounts, and 529 plans are (or aren't) protectedSteps ODs should take now to review their liability exposure Key Takeaway Not all retirement accounts are created equal when it comes to liability protection. ERISA-covered plans like 401(k)s and cash balance plans offer the strongest, unlimited federal protection—making maxing those contributions both a tax strategy and a liability strategy.  But accounts like solo 401(k)s, SIMPLE IRAs, and traditional/Roth IRAs don't carry that same blanket protection, and the gaps are highly state-dependent. Understanding where your dollars sit and how they're protected is an important part of your overall financial plan. Resources Submit your questions for upcoming Listener Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionReach out: podcast@optometrywealth.comWant a more proactive approach to your planning? You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide. 👉 Schedule an introductory call The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    17 min
  2. Trump Accounts for Kids: What Optometrists Need to Know

    5D AGO

    Trump Accounts for Kids: What Optometrists Need to Know

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Congress created a brand new investment account for kids called Trump Accounts, and the questions from optometrists have been flowing in. In this episode, we break down exactly what these accounts are, how they work, who can contribute, and - most importantly - whether they actually add anything new to the lineup of options you already have for investing on behalf of your kids. What You'll Learn What Trump Accounts are and how they workWho can contribute, how much, and whenHow contributions are taxed (and why the after-tax structure matters)How employer contributions work - and potential hurdles for practice owners contributing to their own kids' accountsWhat happens when the child turns 18How Trump Accounts compare to existing options like UTMA/UGMA accounts, 529s, and custodial Roth IRAsThe best use cases for ODs, including the $1,000 federal seed money and Roth conversion planningKey Takeaway Trump Accounts aren't a game-changer, but they can definitely be a benefit for our kids. The biggest win is the $1,000 seed money for eligible kids and the renewed attention on starting retirement savings early. They don't replace anything already in your toolkit - think of them as one more option alongside 529s, custodial accounts, and Roth IRAs. Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction[01:00] What are Trump Accounts?[02:00] When they're available and how to open one[02:30] Who can contribute and contribution limits[03:00] Why contributions are after-tax (and why that matters)[05:00] Employer contributions through your practice[06:00] Can practice owners contribute to their own kids' accounts?[07:30] Government and nonprofit contributions & the $1,000 pilot program[08:30] Investment options inside Trump Accounts[09:00] What happens when the child turns 18[10:00] Withdrawal restrictions and the ABLE account exception[10:30] How Trump Accounts compare to existing options for kids[14:30] Best use cases for optometrists[17:00] Final thoughts: The real positive of Trump Accounts Resources Mentioned IRS Form 4547trumpaccounts.govSubmit podcast questions: www.optometrywealth.com/podcastquestionContact: podcast@optometrywealth.comWant a more proactive approach to your planning? You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate those same decisions nationwide. 👉 Schedule an introductory call The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    19 min
  3. How to Invest Tax-Efficiently and Keep More of Your Returns (After-tax)

    FEB 5

    How to Invest Tax-Efficiently and Keep More of Your Returns (After-tax)

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. In this episode, we break down tax-efficient investing for ODs, showing you how to pair the right investments with the right accounts to maximize your after-tax wealth over your career. What You'll Learn Taxes can be the difference between two optometrists with identical investment returns ending up with vastly different retirement wealth. This episode breaks down how to invest tax-efficiently by pairing the right investments with the right accounts.  You'll learn which investments create tax-inefficient income (bonds, REITs) versus more favorable income (stock index funds), and the strategy for placing them across your taxable accounts, pre-tax retirement accounts, Roth accounts, and HSAs.  The key is treating all your accounts toward the same goal as one coordinated household portfolio instead of managing each separately.  Key Takeaway Don't let the tax tail wag the dog. Start with good, prudent, evidence-based investments - then optimize their placement to minimize taxes along the way. The goal isn't to avoid all taxes; it's to maximize your after-tax wealth over your lifetime. Episode Chapters [00:00] Introduction: Why tax-smart investing matters for ODs[03:00] Why taxes matter: The real drag on your investment returns[05:00] Tax Layer 1: Understanding investment account types (taxable, pre-tax, Roth, HSA)[06:00] How different types of investment income get taxed[10:00] Tax Layer 2: Tax characteristics of stocks, bonds, and REITs[12:00] How fund management impacts your tax bill[16:00] Asset location strategy: Putting it all together[20:00] Common constraints and considerations[22:00] Mistakes to avoid when managing multiple accounts[24:00] Conclusions: Focus on good investing while managing taxesResources Mentioned Free Download: Get Your OD's Guide to Tax-Smart Investing Inventory your accountsIdentify tax-inefficient holdingsEvaluate if investments are in the right placesReady for a Second Opinion? Want help reviewing your current setup? Reach out for a no-pressure conversation about whether your investments are working as tax-efficiently as they could be. Click Here to schedule your free consultation!  Submit Your Question for Q&A Episodes!  Have questions you'd want answered on the podcast? Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestion The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    27 min
  4. Listener Q&A: Practice Ownership, Backdoor Roths, and Student Loans

    JAN 31

    Listener Q&A: Practice Ownership, Backdoor Roths, and Student Loans

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. In this first-ever OD listener Q&A episode, we tackle seven questions covering practice ownership, retirement accounts, student loans, and tax strategy. From why your practice is your most important investment to navigating the backdoor Roth IRA maze, we break down what actually matters for ODs at different career stages. Submit Your Questions to the Podcast: Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestion Listener Questions We Tackle: What can younger optometry practice owners do to build wealth in the first few years of ownership?How are "backdoor" Roth IRA contributions recorded on an optometrist's tax return?Why does a traditional IRA "ruin" the "backdoor" Roth IRA contribution for optometrists?Why is a 401(k) plan "better" for optometry practices than a SIMPLE IRA?Are owner's distributions from optometry practices taxable?Should optometrists pay down student loans or save for practice ownership?If an optometrist is on the PAYE plan for student loans, does he/she need to switch repayment plans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?Episode Chapters [00:00:52] What can younger optometry practice owners do to build wealth in the first few years of ownership? [00:06:08] How are "backdoor" Roth IRA contributions recorded on an optometrist's tax return? [00:09:01] Why does a traditional IRA "ruin" the "backdoor" Roth IRA contribution for optometrists? [00:12:29] Why is a 401(k) plan "better" for optometry practices than a SIMPLE IRA? [00:17:25] Are owner's distributions from optometry practices taxable? [00:20:42] Should optometrists pay down student loans or save for practice ownership? [00:25:34] If an optometrist is on the PAYE plan for student loans, does he/she need to switch repayment plans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? Resources Mentioned Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes: OptometryWealth.com/podcastquestionThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 151: How Filing Taxes Separately Impacts Student Loan Outcomes for OptometristsThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 143: How the Final One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Optometrists – Taxes, Student Loans, and More!The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 68: Financial Planning Considerations When Preparing for Practice OwnershipThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 69: Financial Planning Considerations for the Early Years of Practice OwnershipThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 70: Financial Planning Considerations for Owners of Established Optometry PracticesThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep. 49: An Optometrist’s Guide to Business Entities The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    29 min
  5. How Filing Taxes Separately Impacts Student Loan Outcomes for Optometrists

    JAN 23

    How Filing Taxes Separately Impacts Student Loan Outcomes for Optometrists

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Tax filing season is here, and for married optometrists planning toward student loan forgiveness, how you file your taxes can save you thousands of dollars per year.  In this episode, we break down how tax filing status impacts your income-driven repayment calculations and when filing separately makes financial sense. Key Takeaways: The three core student loan strategies for optometrists: paying off like any other debt, pursuing forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans, or using a hybrid approach for specific cash flow goalsHow filing married jointly includes both spouses' income in the student loan calculation, even if only one spouse has loansFiling married separately allows you to exclude your spouse's income from the calculation, often resulting in dramatically lower monthly paymentsHow community property states offer even more student loan planning opportunities for optometristsThe additional tax costs of filing separately and how to compare them against student loan savings to make the right decisionCritical timing considerations for filing your tax return and student loansWhy filing an extension may make sense if you're unsure about your strategyChapters: 00:00 Introduction  01:00 The Core Student Loan Strategies Optometrists Should Consider  03:50 Income is the Most Important Planning Lever for Income-Driven Repayment Plans  05:05 Filing Taxes Married Jointly Includes Both Spouse's Income in the Student Loan Calculation  06:00 How Filing Taxes Married Separately Allows for Better Student Loan Planning for Optometrists  07:00 Example of How Filing Separately Can Improve Optometrists' Student Loan Calculations  08:45 How Community Property States Magnify the Student Loan Planning Opportunities for Optometrists  12:00 Additional Tax Costs to Consider When Filing Taxes Separately  15:00 The Math - Compare the Student Loan Savings vs. Higher Tax Costs When Filing Separately  16:00 Next Steps for Optometrists Resources mentioned: Click Here to Download Your Free 2025 Tax Filing Guide for OptometristsReady to work with a financial advisor who understands student loan and tax planning for optometrists? Click Here to Schedule a conversation. The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    21 min
  6. Four Tax Planning Levers You Can Still Pull for 2025

    JAN 15

    Four Tax Planning Levers You Can Still Pull for 2025

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Even though we're already into 2026, tax planning for 2025 isn't over. While most tax planning happens before December 31st, there are still several impactful levers you can pull before filing your return. In this episode, Evon breaks down four specific tax planning opportunities still available to optometrists in early 2026, including strategies for individual ODs, practice owners, and real estate investors. Whether you're looking to maximize retirement contributions, reduce your 2025 tax burden, or accelerate depreciation on investment properties, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for what's still possible. Key Takeaways IRA and HSA contributions can be made until April 15th and still count toward your 2025 tax yearThe "backdoor Roth IRA" remains available regardless of income, but requires careful execution to avoid the pro-rata rulePractice owners can make profit-sharing contributions up until their business tax filing deadline (including extensions)Cost segregation studies can accelerate depreciation for real estate investors, and why January 19, 2025 is a key dateNot every strategy makes sense for every situation - tax bracket, liquidity needs, and long-term plans all matter when deciding which levers to pullEpisode Chapters 00:00 - Welcome and Listener Question01:00 - Tax Planning Lever #1: IRA and HSA Contributions by April 15th03:00 - Watch Out for Tax Filing Quirks and the Pro-Rata Rule with "Backdoor" Roth IRA Contributions07:00 - Tax Planning Lever #2: 529 Contributions If Your State Provides a Tax Benefit08:00 - Tax Planning Lever #3: 401(k) Profit Sharing Contributions10:00 - Do Profit Sharing Contributions Make Sense for Your Optometry Practice?13:00 - Don't Forget About Cash Balance Plans for Mature Optometry Practices13:00 - Tax Planning Lever #4: Cost Segregation Studies for Investment Real Estate16:00 - Final Thoughts for Optometrists Before Tax Season 📅 Want a more proactive approach to your planning? If you're a practice owner wondering which of these levers makes sense for your situation, we'd be happy to help you think it through. You can schedule a no-commitment introductory call to discuss what's on your mind financially and learn how we help optometrists navigate these decisions nationwide. 👉 Schedule an introductory call 📑 Resources mentioned in the episode: Podcast Ep. 108: Navigating Commercial Real Estate Decisions with Colin CarrPodcast Ep. 148: Profit Sharing Demystified - How Optometry Practice Owners Can Maximize Their 401(k) with Matt Ruttenberg IRS: IRA contribution and income limits📬 Stay Connected Subscribe to the Optometry Money Podcast for practical financial planning insights designed specifically for optometrists, and never miss an episode. The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    19 min
  7. What’s Changing in 2026: Five Key Financial and Tax Updates for Optometrists

    JAN 7

    What’s Changing in 2026: Five Key Financial and Tax Updates for Optometrists

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. 2026 brings several important financial and tax changes that can directly impact optometrists - especially practice owners and those with student loans. In this episode, Evon walks through five key updates to be aware of as you plan for the year ahead, including changes to retirement contributions, student loans, health insurance, and tax planning opportunities. To make this easier, we’ve also created a free, 2-page 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide for Optometrists, which you can download using the link below. What We Cover in This Episode 1. Annual Tax & Retirement Updates for 2026 Adjustments to tax brackets and the standard deduction2026 retirement plan contribution limitsSpecial catch-up contribution rules for ages 60–63HSA and IRA contribution updatesSocial Security wage base increaseHow to adjust payroll contributions early in the year2. OBBBA Changes Taking Effect in 2026 Expanded phase-out thresholds for the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductionWhy this matters for optometry practice owners and 1099 ODsHow this creates a longer planning runway for higher-income householdsAn overview of new “Trump Accounts” expected to launch mid-year3. Student Loan Rule Changes and Key July 1 Deadlines Ongoing changes to income-driven repayment plansIntroduction of the new RAP planWhat currently practicing optometrists need to knowWhy July 1, 2026 is a critical date for consolidation decisionsDifferences between planning for current borrowers vs. future optometrists4. Health Insurance Changes: ACA & HSA Updates ACA premium tax credits reverting to pre-COVID rulesThe return of the 400% federal poverty line “cliff”Why income planning matters more again in 2026Expanded HSA eligibility for Bronze and catastrophic ACA plansUsing HSAs as a long-term planning tool5. Roth-Only Catch-Up Contributions for High Earners Mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for certain high-income earnersWho this applies to and how it’s determinedWhy catch-up contributions may no longer reduce taxable incomeWhat to check with your 401(k) plan administrator📥 Download the Free 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide We distilled everything discussed in this episode—and more—into a simple, two-page reference covering the key 2026 numbers and rule changes optometrists should know. 👉 Download the guide here 📅 Want Help Applying This to Your Situation? If you’d like to get a head start on your 2026 planning, you can schedule a no-pressure introductory call to talk through what’s on your mind financially and learn how we work with optometrists nationwide. 👉 Schedule an introductory call 📬 Stay Connected When you download the guide, you’ll also receive the Eyes On The Money weekly newsletter - practical financial planning insights designed specifically for optometrists. The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    20 min
  8. Profit Sharing Demystified: How Optometry Practice Owners Can Maximize Their 401(k) with Matt Ruttenberg

    09/25/2025

    Profit Sharing Demystified: How Optometry Practice Owners Can Maximize Their 401(k) with Matt Ruttenberg

    Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! We'll answer your question on the show. Episode Summary: As your practice grows and profits increase, one of the most powerful tax and retirement planning tools available to optometry practice owners is profit sharing within your 401(k) plan. But what exactly is profit sharing, and how can you optimize it for both you and your employees? In this episode, Evon welcomes back Matt Ruttenberg of Life Inc. Retirement Services to break down everything optometrists need to know about profit sharing contributions. They discuss how profit sharing works, the different methods of calculating contributions, and how practice owners can use this strategy to maximize retirement savings while managing taxes. Whether you’re new to 401(k) plans or you’re ready to level up your retirement savings strategy, this conversation will give you clarity on how to align your plan design with your goals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What profit sharing in a 401(k) plan actually is and why it matters for practice ownersThe “three-tier wedding cake” framework of retirement plan contributionsDifferent methods of profit sharing:Pro Rata (the simple but costly method)New Comparability (targeted, strategic contributions that benefit owners most)How factors like employee demographics, age, and owner wages impact profit sharing efficiencyWhy your Safe Harbor match choice (match vs. non-elective) matters when layering on profit sharingHow profit sharing integrates with cash balance plans to supercharge retirement savingsKey deadlines practice owners need to keep in mind before year-endResources & Links: Learn more about Matt Ruttenberg and his team: 401k.expertThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 111: 2024 Mid-Year Retirement Plan Updates and Deadlines Practice Owners Need to Know with Matt RuttenbergThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 64: How to Invest Six Digits A Year Into Your Practice Retirement Plans with Matt RuttenbergThe Optometry Money Podcast Ep 63: Choosing A Retirement Plan for Your Optometry Practice with Matt RuttenbergWork With Us: Thinking about working with a financial planning firm that specializes in optometry? At Optometry Wealth Advisors, we help ODs nationwide align their practice and personal finances for growth, tax efficiency, and long-term wealth. 👉 Schedule a free, no-pressure intro call here: optometrywealth.com The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Optometry Money Podcast, hosted by Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP®, where he helps optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. He explores cold-starts, practice buy-ins, career decisions, tax planning, student loans, and other money issues ODs are navigating. Evon cold-started Optometry Wealth Advisors LLC, a financial planning firm dedicated to help optometrists nationwide master their money, build wealth, and plan purposefully with their finances. Learn more about the show, and Evon, at www.optometrywealth.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Evon Mendrin CFP®, CSLP®
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Optometry Money Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Optometry Money Podcast

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