PA the FI Way

Kat, PA-C

Becoming a physician assistant (PA) is difficult. But becoming a PA on the way to financial independence (FI) shouldn’t be. Allow the PA the FI Way podcast to be your guide to becoming a physician assistant on the way to financial independence. Unfortunately, even basic personal finance and budget concepts are rarely taught in high school, college or PA school. Then once PA students become certified physician assistants and begin their professional journey practicing medicine, they typically have a heap of student loans just waiting to be paid back. Let’s not only discuss how to prevent large student loan amounts, but also how to pay them back quickly. Let’s discuss how practicing PAs can learn to save and invest for their futures. PA the FI Way’s mission is to provide both future and current PAs alike strategies to not only become financially literate, but to also reach financial independence along the way. Think of it as personal finance for PAs with a financial independence twist. Financial independence provides the freedom to find balance in work and personal life. FI is about creating the life you want to live, choosing when to retire (IF you want to retire early), choosing when to cut back on working, or choosing when to work on another passion in your life. The decision truly is yours, and I hope you decide to join me on the journey to becoming a PA the FI Way.

  1. 164 | Holistic Wellness and Burnout Healing with Psychiatry PAs from PA Mindset Matters

    1D AGO

    164 | Holistic Wellness and Burnout Healing with Psychiatry PAs from PA Mindset Matters

    On today’s episode, Kat sits down with Mercedes and Jessica, psychiatry PAs and hosts of PA Mindset Matters podcast, to talk about holistic wellness and burnout healing for PAs and medical providers. From lifestyle habits to mindset shifts to money stress, this conversation is full of practical tools providers can start using right away to feel more balanced and resilient.   Connect with Mercedes and Jessica with PA Mindset Matters:    Website: www.pamindset.com  Listen to PA Mindset Matters podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5jaHvj5JGxQ81v7oy6okX7  YouTube: youtube.com/@pa_mindsetmatters   Instagram: instagram.com/pa_mindsetmatters   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pa-mindset   Contact: info@pamindset.com     Connect with Kat:  Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here! Website: pathefiway.com Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/  YouTube: @pathefiway www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    42 min
  2. 163 | Pause to Heal: How Sabbaticals Can Beat Healthcare Burnout with Leigha Barbieri, PA-C

    SEP 5

    163 | Pause to Heal: How Sabbaticals Can Beat Healthcare Burnout with Leigha Barbieri, PA-C

    Burnout is all too common in healthcare, but what if the solution isn’t pushing through... it’s pressing pause? In this episode, we sit down with Leigha Barbieri, PA-C, to talk about the transformative power of taking a sabbatical. Leigha shares her own story of moving from exhaustion to renewal, including how prioritizing her mental health, traveling around the world, and resting intentionally helped her reconnect with her purpose. She opens up about the challenges of stepping away from her PA role, the financial strategies that made it possible, and the surprising benefits of house and pet sitting along the way. Leigha also introduces her course, Pause to Heal, created to help healthcare professionals reimagine their careers, take control of their well-being, and return to medicine on their own terms.   Connect with Leigha:  YouTube: @seeyaleigha  https://www.youtube.com/@seeyaleigha Instagram: @helloimthepa https://www.instagram.com/helloimthepa/ TikTok: @helloimthepa https://www.tiktok.com/@helloimthepa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-barbieri-515751230/ Website + Course: offdutyonpurpose.com   Connect with Kat:  Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website: pathefiway.com Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/  YouTube: @pathefiway www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    56 min
  3. 162 | How and When to Find a Financial Planner You Can Trust: Interview with Caleb Pepperday, CFP®, ChFC®

    AUG 22

    162 | How and When to Find a Financial Planner You Can Trust: Interview with Caleb Pepperday, CFP®, ChFC®

    In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Pepperday, CFP®, ChFC®, fee-only fiduciary financial planner and founder of Advanced Practice Planning, to discuss financial planning for physician associates and other healthcare professionals. Caleb shares what drew him to work with PAs and other APPs, and how his dual designations as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant give him a unique perspective when guiding clients toward financial independence. He also breaks down the confusing landscape of financial credentials and explains why not all financial advisors are created equal. Caleb helps demystify what PAs should look for in a trustworthy planner. He explains what it really means to be a fiduciary, the red flags to watch for in the industry, and the key questions to ask when interviewing a potential advisor. Caleb also walks us through the different ways financial professionals get paid (commission-based, assets under management / AUM, and flat-fee models) and highlights the pros and cons of each. For those wondering when it makes sense to manage your own money versus bringing in professional help, Caleb provides a balanced perspective tailored to busy healthcare professionals who want to build wealth without burning themselves out along the way.  Finally, we dive into a case study featuring a mid-career PA and NP couple with a strong income and growing portfolio, but with gaps in areas like tax diversification, estate planning, college funding, and insurance. Caleb outlines practical next steps to help them stay on track toward their goal of retiring at 55 while protecting their family along the way.   Disclosures: Information presented in this podcast is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but no guarantee is made to its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the subjects presented.  Advisory services offered through Advanced Practice Planning, LLC an investment adviser registered with the states of Montana and Pennsylvania. For disclosure information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/ Tax and Legal Matters The tax and estate planning information offered by the advisor is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. General Market Commentary Statements The opinions expressed in any commentary discussed on this episode are solely those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC. These opinions are based on information available at the time of posting and are subject to change without notice. Advanced Practice Planning, LLC does not commit to updating any posted positions or commentary to reflect subsequent developments. While the information and reasoning used to form these opinions are believed to be from reliable sources, Advanced Practice Planning, LLC does not verify this information, and no guarantee is provided regarding its accuracy, completeness, or validity. Advanced Practice Planning, LLC disclaims any and all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. No warranty, express or implied, is given in connection with the content provided.   Learn More or Connect with Caleb:    Links: Website link: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/ Consultation link: https://calendly.com/caleb-pepperday/30min   Freebies: 12 Smart Steps Every PA Wanting to Retire Early Should Know: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/earlyretirement 18 Things You Can Do Today To Level Up Your Finances: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/tipsforphysicianassistants 8 Things PAs Need To Know Before Taking A Sabbatical: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/sabbatical   Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-pepperday/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebpepperday_cfp/     Connect with Kat, PA-C, with PA the FI Way:  Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    46 min
  4. AUG 8

    161 | Refuel, Redesign, Reclaim: 20 Tips for a Sustainable Career In Medicine

    Whether you’re a brand-new grad just stepping into the world of medicine, a mid-career clinician who still loves the work but feels the wear and tear, or someone laser-focused on retiring early to reclaim your time—this episode is for you. No matter your path, one thing is true: medicine is demanding. And if you want to make it sustainable—whether for 5 more years or 45 more years—you need a strategy to protect your energy, your well-being, and your freedom. Today, we’re diving into 20 practical ways to extend your career longevity using a simple but powerful framework: Refuel, Redesign, and Reclaim. These aren't just burnout band-aids. They're long-term strategies that can help you thrive in medicine while building a life outside of it. So whether you’re here to stay for the long haul, pivot within the profession, or build your exit ramp—this episode will help you stay grounded, intentional, and in control.   Grab your free copy of the 20 Tips for a Sustainable Career in Medicine Worksheet here   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    22 min
  5. JUL 25

    160 | Under-Celebrated Financial Milestones That Matter More Than You Think

    What if the most important steps on your financial journey aren’t the big flashy ones—but the small, quiet wins you hardly notice? In this episode, we’re shining a light on the under-celebrated financial milestones that deserve just as much recognition as paying off your student loan debt or hitting six figures in your retirement account. From paying off your first credit card to setting up automatic savings, these small victories build confidence, create momentum, and transform your mindset over time. We’ll walk through dozens of often-overlooked wins across spending, debt, saving, investing, mindset, and life alignment—and why they matter way more than you think. You'll also get tips on how to track and celebrate these wins in a way that reinforces your progress and prevents burnout along the path to financial independence. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your journey, this episode is your reminder that progress beats perfection—and small wins lead to big freedom. Grab your free Small Wins Financial Milestone Tracker to start celebrating your own journey!    Click Here for Financial Independence Book Recommendations   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    27 min
  6. 159 | Retire Often: Mini Retirements for Burnout Recovery, Well-Being, and Intentional Living with Jillian Johnsrud

    JUN 27

    159 | Retire Often: Mini Retirements for Burnout Recovery, Well-Being, and Intentional Living with Jillian Johnsrud

    Why work for 40 years and only retire once? What if you could step away more than once—not to quit, but to live more fully and intentionally? In this episode, author and host of Retire Often podcast, Jillian Johnsrud, joins me to share insights from her new book, Retire Often, which is now available for pre-order. She introduces the powerful concept of mini retirements—intentional pauses from work that can lead to deep burnout recovery, personal growth, and a more fulfilling, values-aligned life. What if you could take time off for family, health, travel, creativity, or simply to rest—without derailing your finances or career? Jillian has done just that, taking multiple mini retirements that not only helped her find balance and purpose, but also enhanced her career in the long run. Now, she’s helping others do the same through practical steps anyone can follow. We explore how mini retirements aren’t about escape—they're a tool for healing, clarity, and even career development. Jillian shares how these breaks helped her recover from burnout, rebuild her health, and live more intentionally. She emphasizes the importance of planning and practicing mini retirements to prepare for a fulfilling early retirement—and how our health, finances, and overall well-being are more connected than we think. Whether you're feeling exhausted, curious about early retirement, or simply craving more freedom and balance—this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible for your life and career.   Key Takeaways:  Mini retirements can serve multiple purposes: rest, growth, healing, or transition. Burnout recovery requires more than a weekend off—intentional rest matters. Planning and practicing mini retirements prepares you for early or semi-retirement. Life experiences often have expiration dates; act now.  Health, money, and well-being are deeply connected. You don’t have to wait for someday—practice living the life you want now. Community support can ease the transition into mini retirements.    Learn more about Retire Often and connect with Jillian:  ● Website: https://retireoften.com/ ● Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/ ● Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften ● Free Opt-In Worksheets:○ Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/ ○ Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/ ● Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/ ● Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/ Social Media:○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/ ○ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/ ○ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/ ○ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud    Keywords:  Retire Often, mini retirement, burnout recovery, sabbaticals, financial independence, early retirement, personal growth, well-being, career clarity, intentional living, physician associate, healthcare burnout, burnout in medicine, physician assistant, healthcare professional, healthcare provider, burnout recovery, financial independence community, financial independence retire early      Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com

    49 min
  7. JUN 13

    158 | The Power of Microhabits: Tiny Changes That Make a Big Impact

    Wanting to make changes, but feeling too overwhelmed and exhausted to start? You’re not alone—and you don’t need a complete life overhaul to start feeling better. In this episode, I'm diving into the science and simplicity of microhabits: tiny, 2-minute actions that help you regain control of your time, energy, and mental clarity—without adding to your to-do list. Drawing from insights in Atomic Habits and lived experience on the frontlines of healthcare, I’ll walk you through how low willpower and motivation are normal—and how designing your day with smart cues and habit-stacking can help you build rhythms that stick. You’ll learn practical, real-life examples of microhabits for different areas of your well-being such as physical, mental, financial, social, spiritual, and professional. Be sure to grab your free Microhabits for Healthcare Professionals Cheat Sheet to start putting these ideas into practice today! It’s packed with examples for each health domain and quick tips to get you started today.    Resources mentioned:  Microhabits for Healthcare Professionals Cheat Sheet Atomic Habits   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com   Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway   Keywords: microhabits, atomic habits, physician assistant finances, physician associate finances, physician assistant financial independence, physician associate financial independence, physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine

    20 min
  8. MAY 30

    157 | Rhythmic Renewal: How 5-Minute Pauses Can Transform Your Busy Workday

    In this episode, the concept of rhythmic renewal is explored, which is the practice of building intentional, restorative pauses into your day to protect your energy and prevent burnout. You’ll learn how to implement a timing model that works well for your schedule, create your own personalized renewal menu, and discover simple ways to reset—even in the busiest clinical or hospital settings. These small, consistent rhythms of self-care can help you renew your energy, show up with greater presence, and help with burnout.   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com   Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway    Keywords: physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, physician burnout, nurse burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine

    16 min
4.8
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Becoming a physician assistant (PA) is difficult. But becoming a PA on the way to financial independence (FI) shouldn’t be. Allow the PA the FI Way podcast to be your guide to becoming a physician assistant on the way to financial independence. Unfortunately, even basic personal finance and budget concepts are rarely taught in high school, college or PA school. Then once PA students become certified physician assistants and begin their professional journey practicing medicine, they typically have a heap of student loans just waiting to be paid back. Let’s not only discuss how to prevent large student loan amounts, but also how to pay them back quickly. Let’s discuss how practicing PAs can learn to save and invest for their futures. PA the FI Way’s mission is to provide both future and current PAs alike strategies to not only become financially literate, but to also reach financial independence along the way. Think of it as personal finance for PAs with a financial independence twist. Financial independence provides the freedom to find balance in work and personal life. FI is about creating the life you want to live, choosing when to retire (IF you want to retire early), choosing when to cut back on working, or choosing when to work on another passion in your life. The decision truly is yours, and I hope you decide to join me on the journey to becoming a PA the FI Way.

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