Tune in to the new show, Financially Free Era by SLP Wealth, discover the biggest misconceptions people have about being “financially free,” the various forms of FIRE ("Financial Independence, Retire Early"), and more. We’re excited to launch this new podcast and hope you subscribe on your favorite podcast app! Follow on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , iHeart Radio , or Pocket Casts...
May 22, 2025•2 min•Ep. 15
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. permanen...
May 08, 2025•45 min•Ep. 14
What career decisions would you reconsider with the wisdom of hindsight? Dr. Cole Smith, DDS, shares the career move he'd revise if given a second chance, and why he might suggest skipping a general residency program. Learn how this Austin-area dentist transitioned to practice ownership without a down payment, discover tips to manage practice profits, and get an inside look at how he's redefined work-life balance. Recent graduates and associates eyeing practice ownership — prepare for an honest ...
Apr 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 13
So many dentists we work with are literally throwing money away at retirement — we're talking tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes. But a completely legal, under-the-radar approach lets dental practice owners slash their tax bills both now and in retirement. We reveal our “financial smoothie” approach and how the “three bucket strategy” creates the perfect blend to drop your tax rate. Learn exactly which accounts to blend together, in what proportions, and the precise timing that makes this wo...
Apr 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 12
Ever wondered what it really takes to build a dental practice from the ground up in one of America's most saturated markets? Join us as we chat with Dr. John Oganesyan, DDS, about his journey from USC endodontic residency to establishing a successful dental practice in the competitive Los Angeles market. He shares how he pivoted from larger dental corporations to private practice ownership, including candid stories about building a patient base, managing insurance transitions, and the decisions ...
Mar 27, 2025•31 min•Ep. 11
At first glance, investing seems simple — put money in, watch it grow. But just like a night at the casino, emotions, overconfidence, and bad bets can wreck your long-term success. Learn the biggest investment mistakes we see dentists make and how to avoid them. Through personal stories of financial missteps, we’ll unpack the dangers of both overly complex and overly simplistic strategies. Plus, we’ll explain why aligning risk with your comfort level and timeline is key, and share insights on di...
Mar 13, 2025•40 min•Ep. 10
Starting a family is a huge milestone, but how do you make it work financially as a dentist? Whether you’re in dental school, working as an associate, or running your own practice, family planning comes with big decisions — both personal and financial. SLP Wealth partner and financial planner Sim Terwilliger, CFP®, CSLP® joins us to break down the real considerations dentists face when growing their families. We’ll cover everything from timing your family plans around your career to managing par...
Feb 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 9
You’ve invested years into building your dental practice — are you doing enough to protect it? We’re addressing the essential steps every dentist should consider, from financial safeguards to operational planning and succession strategies. You’ll learn how to shield your practice from risk, maintain its value, and ensure long-term success, no matter what challenges arise. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your safety net, this episode is packed with practical advice every...
Feb 13, 2025•32 min•Ep. 8
Learn how employment classification can make or break your financial plan as we explore the key differences between 1099 independent contractor roles and W-2 employee positions. Special guest Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, CSLP®, CBDA, from the SLP Wealth dental planning team, joins us and shares expert insights on how each option affects your taxes, benefits, legal protections, and long-term financial goals. If you’re an associate evaluating job offers or a practice owner deciding how to structure your t...
Jan 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 7
What does it take to achieve remarkable growth in your practice? We’re joined by special guest Dr. Christian Mullin, a practice owner in Virginia Beach, who shares his inspiring journey of growing his practice’s collections from $1.1 million to $1.85 million in just two years. He walks us through his journey from Michigan to Virginia and the mindset shifts, strategies, and relentless pursuit of learning that fueled his success. From tackling operational challenges to rethinking patient care, his...
Jan 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 6
Still recovering from December's spending spree? If your finances could use a reset, we’ve got you covered. Enter "financial hibernation" — our go-to strategy for bouncing back after the holidays. Instead of vague New Year’s resolutions, we’re focusing on what really works for dental professionals who want to build wealth in 2024. Join Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, to explore 401(k) retirement options for practice owners and 1099 associates, tools like Monarch Mone...
Jan 02, 2025•35 min•Ep. 5
Depreciation isn’t just what happens quickly to your new Cybertruck — it’s a strategy that could save you thousands. Logan Foltz, MD, EA, tax manager at SLP Wealth and former physician, joins Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, to break down equipment depreciation and tax planning tips for dental practices and 1099 associates. You’ll learn from real-world examples like depreciating an $80,000 CBCT machine, vehicle expense deductions, business vs. personal use, and airtig...
Dec 19, 2024•35 min•Ep. 4
You’ve taken the leap and bought your own dental practice — congratulations! Owning a practice is a huge milestone, but it also comes with a big question: what’s next? Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, walk you through the key steps that will help you build a successful practice and keep your finances on track. But it’s not just about the numbers. Great leadership and a strong vision are just as important as a solid financial foundation, and we cover that, too. Key mom...
Dec 05, 2024•41 min•Ep. 3
The election sparked uncertainty and possible changes, leaving many dentists wondering how to protect their financial future. Join financial planners Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, as well as special guest Travis Hornsby, CFA®, CFP®, to explore how the election could affect your personal finances. Key moments: (03:04) Self-care routines we use to recover from burning the candle at both ends (05:46) Why dentists need this podcast to help grow wealth (10:28) Get clari...
Nov 21, 2024•29 min•Ep. 2
Buying or starting a dental practice is a major financial and professional commitment — and one of the best ways to grow your net worth while gaining work flexibility. But is it always the right move? Join financial planners Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP®, and Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP®, as they explore the top reasons not to buy a practice. While we're strong advocates for dental practice ownership, we also know that the “perfect” practice on paper can sometimes turn into financial regret. Discove...
Nov 07, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1
Join me Conor Mahlmann, CFP®, CSLP® and my co-host Jake Courtney, CFP®, CSLP® 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 denti...
Nov 04, 2024•53 sec
