Financially Free Dentists

Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship

Are you a dentist with student loans? Join Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP® from financial planning firm SLP Wealth (who specializes in working with 6-figure student loan debt borrowers) 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 associate fresh out of dental school or a seasoned practice owner wanting to work fewer clinical hours, our practical advice and casual banter will get you on the right track. Subscribe now and join us to learn how to make your money work as hard as you do—because getting your finances in shape doesn't need to feel like a root canal!

  1. 3d ago

    Dentist Financial Fantasy Draft with Travis Hornsby

    There’s a lot of noise about inflation, government spending, and passive income “tricks”—but none of that matters as much as the fundamentals. This conversation is for dentists who want to know which everyday financial decisions genuinely push you closer to financial independence and which ones just distract you. You’ll walk away able to prioritize what matters most so you don’t waste years chasing small wins or getting stuck on the wrong risks. Key moments: (05:57) Why inflation isn’t the existential threat for dentists that headlines claim (13:34) The “fantasy draft” for dentist financial moves, and what actually matters (18:00) Why working three clinical days a week is more achievable than you think (24:24) Long-term disability coverage: the underrated risk most dentists skip (29:38) Rental properties versus doubling down on your practice income Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  2. Aug 26

    Beyond the 401(k): Brokerage Accounts for Dentists

    Most dentists know the playbook for their 401(k) and Roth IRA. But what should you do after you’ve checked those boxes, have extra cash building up, and want to use your money flexibly before retirement? This week, I break down why taxable brokerage accounts fill that gap, how they work, and the mistakes I see most often when dentists open one. You’ll learn where the line falls between investing and gambling (including the rise of sports betting as a “strategy”), when you actually need a brokerage account, and how taxes, account titling, and estate planning should shape your decisions. Key moments: (02:12) The line between gambling and investing is becoming blurred (10:47) What a brokerage account is, and why it matters after maxing your 401(k) and Roth (13:13) Five reasons dentists use brokerage accounts, and which apply to you (19:34) How taxes work in brokerage accounts, and the phantom tax bill to avoid (29:01) Two common brokerage account mistakes dentists make, and how to dodge them Links mentioned in this episode: Betterment 2026 Retail Investor SurveySchwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  3. Aug 19

    Dr. Paul Goodman on Money, Conflict, and New Practice Ownership

    Financial freedom for dentists looks very different in 2026, especially with the new student loan borrowing caps just rolled out. I sat down with Dr. Paul Goodman, founder of Dental Nachos and Dentist Job Connect, to explore how these changes affect access to dental school, practice ownership, and what it actually takes to build a fulfilling career as a dentist. We get into how capped federal borrowing might shift the dental pipeline, why most practices succeed or stall in those first six months of ownership, and the real-world differences between practice startups and buy-ins. Key moments: (04:44) Student loan limits for dental students (12:52) Is dentistry still worth it? (17:57) Why dentists suffer (22:50) Common mistakes new practice owners make (25:28) Metrics that show you’re ready to hire your first associate Links mentioned in this episode: Dental Nachos Facebook groupDentist Job ConnectDental Success Institute“To Sell Is Human” by Daniel Pink“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. GerberDental Amigos podcast Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  4. Aug 12

    Practice or House: Which comes first?

    If you're a dentist weighing whether to buy your first home or your first practice, you know there are big stakes—and it's rarely as simple as "just do both." We get into what really matters when you’re deciding which to buy first, the hidden costs of getting the order wrong, and how current interest rate moves actually impact your timing. You'll learn how things like community ties, mortgage qualification, student loan balances, and even your future commute should factor into the decision, and what to know about working with doctor-specific lenders. Key moments: (01:05) The timing dilemma: house vs. practice and why it matters long-term (09:47) Why buying a home is an emotional decision, but the practice is your anchor (12:38) Real-life mortgage qualification issues after buying a practice (19:29) Building your down payment and practice liquidity at the same time (23:45) The often-overlooked costs and pain points if you buy the house before the practice Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  5. Aug 5

    The $1 Million Milestone: What It Actually Feels Like When Dentists Hit It (And What Changes)

    We unpack the journey to achieving millionaire status as a dentist, the true impact of that milestone, and important mindsets to adopt on the path to financial freedom. We introduce a new segment, "The Root of It," providing a timely analysis of news affecting financial decisions in dentistry, starting with the latest developments in AI and how they might influence investing and the dental profession. Key moments: (04:51) Potential future of AI models (07:42) Discussing AI market dynamics and how it affects dentists (16:09) Reflecting on financial milestones (24:22) Balancing spending and financial goals Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  6. Jul 29

    From Burnout to Building Wealth: The Dentist's Investing Playbook

    If you're a dentist juggling a high income, a big student loan balance, and the constant pull to chase the next hot stock, this one is for you. We break down the two mistakes we see most often: concentrating your wealth in a handful of tech or crypto stocks, and buying VTI or VTSAX without a plan for the taxes that come with it. We get into how to grow your net worth intentionally, what most dentists get wrong with single-stock investing, and how to use tax-smart strategies that move the needle. I’ll also share my own story about buying a house, and why things aren’t always as affordable as they look on paper. Key moments: (02:29) How burnout leads dentists to risky investment decisions (08:14) Why single-stock bets can derail your long-term wealth (12:59) Understanding price-to-earnings ratios (18:52) Building a globally diversified, low cost index portfolio (26:04) How tax loss harvesting works and why it pays off at a practice sale Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  7. Jul 22

    A Student Loan Update for Dentists

    Five student loan rules changed this year, and if you're a dentist carrying six figures of debt, most of the generic coverage you've seen doesn't tell you what actually matters for your situation. We’ll walk you through all five. You'll learn which changes hit practicing dentists, which ones don't, and how to tell whether you're still a good candidate for forgiveness or better off refinancing. Key moments: (07:07) PAYE sunsets in 2028, how to know if you should switch or refinance (16:24) Why RAP is usually a non-starter for dentists, and when it isn't (19:48) New federal borrowing caps on dental school and residency (24:10) SAVE forbearance ends, and the 90-day window you actually get (29:05) The temporary 1% autopay discount, and how it changes refinance math Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

  8. 05/08/2025

    Life Insurance for Dentists: When It Matters, What to Buy, and Common Mistakes

    Life 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 really do insure their hair) and learn how to think through your own situation, whether it's paying off debt or leaving something behind for the people you love. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a clear conversation to help you figure out what fits your life and goals. Key moments: (06:18) Why life insurance is often a must-have early in your career — especially for young professionals (14:09) The big differences between term and whole life insurance, and how each works (20:01) Understanding the "three G's" of life insurance (30:50) What to know about cash value and why some policies take longer to build it up (37:51) The 4% retirement rule and how to make your retirement spending feel more flexible Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth. Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Are you a dentist with student loans? Join Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP® from financial planning firm SLP Wealth (who specializes in working with 6-figure student loan debt borrowers) 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 associate fresh out of dental school or a seasoned practice owner wanting to work fewer clinical hours, our practical advice and casual banter will get you on the right track. Subscribe now and join us to learn how to make your money work as hard as you do—because getting your finances in shape doesn't need to feel like a root canal!

Information

  • Creator
    Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SLP Wealth LLC
  • Show Website
    Financially Free Dentists

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