Veterinary Financial Podcast

Meredith and Joe discuss the Department of Education’s newly finalized student loan repayment regulations set to take effect July 1, 2026, including the new RAP repayment plan, the tiered standard plan, and several important issues vets should understand before making changes to their loans.Key Topics:How the new RAP repayment plan worksWhy consolidating loans after July 1, 2026 could be a costly mistakeImportant considerations for borrowers on SAVEErrors showing up on the online IDR applicationWhen a paper IDR application may make more senseBook a student loan consult with Vet Debt Experts: https://calendly.com/vetdebtexperts/1-hr-consult-discount

Dr. Meredith Jones and Joe Warner, both Certified Student Loan Professionals, talk about what actually happens during a student loan consult for veterinarians. If you’ve ever wondered how we sort through repayment rules, forgiveness options, and tax implications, this episode walks you through it step by step.Highlights:Why veterinarians seek student loan guidance: overwhelm, confusing regulations, major life changes, and uncertainty about which plan is bestWhat you share beforehand (your student loan file, plus your spouse’s if they have federal loans) so we can prepareHow the consult starts with your goals and your student loan story, which helps shape the conversationHow we compare repayment plans, estimate long-term costs, check progress toward forgiveness, and decide whether you’ll need to save for a future tax billWhy your tax filing status can change your payment far more than you’d expect if you’re marriedWhat you walk away with: clear action steps and follow-up email support if questions come up afterwardInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Meredith shares practical grocery hacks that make life easier, save money, and help you waste less. Inspired by conversations at home and with clients, she walks through simple strategies to plan smarter, shop intentionally, and enjoy cooking again - without feeling deprived.If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge wondering how you spent $150 and still don’t have a dinner plan, this one’s for you.Highlights:Plan ahead: Use a dry-erase board for meal planning, and check your pantry before shoppingShop smart: Do the math on price per ounce, and test one store-brand swap each weekInvest wisely: A good chef’s knife and quality pan make cooking faster and more enjoyableCook once, eat twice: Bulk cook, freeze extras, and make “leftovers night” a ritualSplurge intentionally: Great coffee or olive oil can be worth it - just spend with purposeInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

With the recent student loan repayment changes, many veterinarians are facing a much bigger bill than before.Whether you’re moving from SAVE to PAYE, preparing for Old IBR in a couple of years, or switching plans and suddenly seeing your payment double, the jump can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in this — and you can prepare.In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key steps to help you get ready for higher student loan payments:Know your next steps: Which plan are you eligible for, and what payment can you expect? If you’re married, could you save money by switching your tax filing status?Get clear on your budget: Use Monarch Money, a spreadsheet, or whatever works - awareness is key.Build breathing room: Practice your higher payment now to avoid a cash-flow shock later.Be intentional with your compensation: Negotiate for higher pay, stronger production, or better benefits. And if you’re picking up extra shifts, make sure they’re in alignment with your goals — not just a reaction to student loan stress.Shift your perspective: Remember, the COVID pause was unusual — higher payments are tough, but you can adapt.If you’ve been feeling stressed or blindsided by your new payment, this episode will give you both the tools and perspective to move forward.Mentioned in this episode:Episode 67: What the new Student Loan Bill Means for VeterinariansDebt-Free Vets Facebook GroupInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Veterinary medicine and financial planning share a common framework: history-taking, diagnostics, treatment or action plans, and progress exams. Recognizing these parallels can help make money conversations less intimidating and much more familiar for veterinarians.Key Topics:How financial planning and veterinary medicine share the same step-by-step processWorking up a case in vet med mirrors working up a case in financial planningThe role of history-taking and information gathering in both fieldsHow treatment plans compare to financial action plansWhy progress exams and financial check-ins serve the same purposeHow my clinical background shapes my financial adviceInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Perfectionism might have helped you get into vet school, but it could be holding you back financially. Dr. Jason Balara joins Meredith to talk about how an “all or nothing” mindset can sabotage your financial goals and delay meaningful progress. Jason is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and founder of Lark Capital, a real estate investment firm.They explore:Why striving for excellence beats chasing perfectionHow perfectionism shows up in investing, budgeting, and student loan strategiesWhy it’s better to start small than wait for the “perfect” financial planHow Jason restructured his career to prioritize time and autonomyWhether you’re working toward loan forgiveness, thinking about launching a side business, or feeling stuck because you don’t have all the answers—this episode will help you take action without waiting for perfect conditions.Links and Resources:Contact Jason Balara at jason@larkcapital.com or on LinkedInCheck out the Know Your Why Podcast with Dr. Jason BalaraInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

In early July, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, bringing sweeping changes to student loans. In this episode of the Veterinary Financial Podcast, I’m breaking down what the bill means for veterinarians who have already graduated and are already in repayment.Key topics include:What happens if you're on IBR, PAYE, or SAVEA closer look at the new 30-year RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)What happens if you don’t make a new plan selection by 2028Important tax and spousal income considerationsA couple of bright spots—like employer benefits and servicer fundingI also answer top questions from the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group and share what vets should be thinking about now to stay ahead of the changes.Stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll focus on how the bill impacts current and future vet students.Mentioned in this episode:Debt-Free Vets Facebook GroupInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com