Looking For a Physician-Friendly Advisor? 4 Signs Every Medical Professionals Should Look For When Choosing a Financial Partner
Medical school students graduate with a median debt of around $100,000, with 13.6 percent accumulating $200,000+ in student loans during their academic career.1 This is no different right here in Naples, FL. And with a demanding career ahead of them, most healthcare workers could use the help of a dedicated financial planner. From tackling student loan debt to preparing for retirement, a financial planner can help take the lead on managing your biggest financial goals. As you begin your search for a financial planner, consider looking out for these four signs.
Sign #1: They Have Referrals From Other Medical Professionals
No one knows what specific financial concerns you have better than your peers. Ask your fellow medical professionals who they work with, how they found them and what their experience has been like.
Alternatively, if you work in a larger institution (such as a hospital), you may have access to pre-screened referrals. Ask your human resources department if they can connect you with a financial planner who may already be well-equipped to handle your specific financial needs.
Sign #2: They Can Serve As Your One-Stop-Shop
Physicians work, on average, around 50.5 hours per week - although this number appears to be climbing steadily each year.2
You know as well as anyone that the demand placed on our healthcare professionals has only grown in recent years - especially amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
But, what does this have to do with finding a financial planner?
As a healthcare professional, you need to find someone who can answer your questions efficiently and effectively. You don’t have the time or desire to bounce between insurance agents, tax planning, investment advisors, student loan specialists, etc. You either need someone who can take care of all aspects of your wealth for you, or coordinate with other specialists on your behalf.
Sign #3: They Can Help Cut Through the Noise
Doctors tend to accumulate an astronomical amount of student loan debt - which isn’t exactly a secret. From residency to retirement, doctors are often targeted by companies and agencies looking to address their financial pain points - namely their student loan debt, life insurance, disability insurance, etc.
You want to work with a dedicated person who understands you need help sifting through your options, silencing the noise of a crowded market and focusing on your personal financial goals. You need someone who can think through your options for you, someone who understands what you need and which path forward may be most beneficial.
Sign #4: They Can Build a Long-Lasting Relationship
Medical professionals never stop needing financial guidance. And their needs will grow, evolve and gain complexity over time. While in your younger years you’re working to pay down student loan debt, you’ll likely encounter more financial endeavors like buying a home, starting your own practice, purchasing a vacation home, preparing an estate plan and eventually enjoying retirement. As you’re searching for the right financial planner, you may want to consider finding someone who's prepared to work with you for decades to come - or someone with their legacy plan in place to make your transition to working with a new advisor seamless.
If you’re a young physician in residency, is an advisor with a 30+ year career who specializes in helping physicians retire the right partner for you? They may come highly recommended by others, but they may not be the right person to help kickstart your own financial journey.
As a medical professional, you work, live and breathe your profession. Your job is demanding, your financial situation is complicated and you need someone who can take the reins and guide you from residency to retirement. While searching for the right financial advisor for you, ask questions about your unique financial concerns, gather recommendations from your peers and find someone who will be in it for the long-haul. If you have questions, feel free to schedule a Free Initial Consultation by clicking on this link or call our office at (239) 230-0395. We specialize in helping young professionals navigate their student loan debt while planning for their future. Our office is located in Naples, FL but we also work with clients remotely.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
