PA the FI Way - podcast cover

PA the FI Way

Kat, PA-Cwww.pathefiway.com
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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Episodes

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...

Aug 08, 202522 min

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 ove...

Jul 25, 202527 min

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 li...

Jun 27, 202549 min

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 ...

Jun 13, 202520 min

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...

May 30, 202516 min

156 | Say No to the Yes Trap: The Boundary-Setting Power Skill Every Clinician Needs to Prevent Burnout

Feeling stretched too thin? Saying “yes” when you want to say “no” is one of the fastest tracks to burnout—especially in healthcare. In this episode, I dive into The Yes Trap and unpack why learning to say “no” isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a power skill that protects your time, energy, and sanity. You’ll also learn 11 practical types of “no" that you can start implementing today, real-world boundary-setting scripts, and how to push back gracefully without guilt. Be sure to grab the free compa...

May 16, 202522 min

155 | The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Travel

Love to travel but hate overspending? In this episode, I'm diving into practical, low-effort ways to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing fun or comfort. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, a CME conference, or an international adventure, these tips will help you save on flights, lodging, food, and activities—so you can travel on budget while reaching your financial goals. I'll cover smart booking strategies and money-saving hacks for accommodations and meals. You’ll also lear...

May 02, 202523 min

154 | Imposter Syndrome in Medicine: How to Spot It, Stop It, and Prevent Burnout

If you’ve ever questioned whether you really belong in medicine — even with the credentials, experience, and evidence to prove it — this episode is for you. Imposter syndrome shows up quietly but powerfully in medicine, often pushing high-achieving providers to overwork, downplay their success, and silently burn out. Today, we're unpacking what imposter syndrome really is, how it shows up throughout your career, and the five types that Dr. Valerie Young identified (yes, you'll probably see yours...

Apr 18, 202519 min

153 | Spring Cleaning Your Finances in 10 Steps

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—your finances need a refresh too! If you’re tired of cluttered accounts, surprise tax bills, or money slipping through the cracks, this episode is the reset button you need. We’re walking you through 10 simple (and actually doable) steps to get your financial life in order. From canceling useless subscriptions and automating your savings to organizing your accounts , we’re covering all the ways to tidy up your money and make it work smarter for you. Think...

Apr 04, 202528 min

152 | The Skill of Spending: How to Shift From Frugality to Spending Intentionally

Frugality is a powerful tool for paying off debt, allowing you to cut unnecessary expenses, focus on essentials, develop discipline, and accelerate financial freedom. However, staying frugal for too long can lead to a scarcity mindset, making it hard to enjoy your money even after paying off your debt and achieving stability. While being frugal for a season helps you break free from debt, true financial freedom comes from learning to spend intentionally on what truly matters in your life! The do...

Mar 21, 202522 min

151 | Back to Basics: HYSAs and Emergency Funds

Want to make your savings work harder for you without lifting a finger? In this episode, we’re taking it back to basics and discussing High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) —what they are, why they matter, and how they can help you grow your emergency fund and sinking funds faster than a traditional savings account. If your money is sitting in a regular savings account earning pennies, it’s time to upgrade! I’ll cover why HYSAs are a game-changer for savings, how to use them strategically for fina...

Mar 07, 202523 min

150 | The PA Pivot: Walking Away from Burnout in Medicine and Toward Freedom [Interview with McKenna Morgan, PA-C]

In this episode, we sit down with McKenna Morgan, PA-C, who has navigated multiple specialties and career transitions while pursuing financial independence (FI). McKenna shares insights from their journey, starting with early financial lessons learned from her family that included playing the board game Cashflow . We explore how she strategically tackled $168K in student loan debt after graduating from PA school.Through intentional lifestyle choices and a commitment to financial literacy, McKenn...

Feb 07, 202536 min

149 | Purposeful Prosperity: Giving Back Through a Nonprofit [Interview with Johanna Moses, PA-C, MPH]

In this episode, we meet Johanna Moses, PA-C, an inspiring guest who shares her journey of starting a nonprofit organization. On your way to financial independence, maybe you've considered which type of nonprofit organization you would like to start or donate your time or wealth to. Doing so would allow your wealth to have purpose and impact for the causes you care deeply about. Johanna is the Founder of a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, The Ephraim Foundation International , an organization whose mission i...

Jan 24, 202549 min

148 | The Purpose Code: Interview with Jordan Grumet, MD

What is my purpose in life? That is a BIG and heavy question that most of us will ask- often many times throughout our lives! Today’s returning guest, Jordan Grumet, MD, shares about his new book, The Purpose Code : How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy . He reviews the difference between "big P" Purpose and "little p" purpose, and how pursuing (P)urpose often leads to anxiety and disillusionment while pursuing (p)urpose will lead to connection and lasting legacy....

Jan 10, 202530 min

147 | 2024 Wrapped: Celebrating Your Wins!

With the end of 2024 in sight, let's take a moment to reflect on and celebrate your money, medicine, and mindset wins of the year! Resources Mentioned: Interested in learning more about how to become a PA millionaire within 5 to10 years after your graduation? Learn more about WealthRx here Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com 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 Wo...

Dec 27, 202419 min

146 | Invest Beyond Your Dollars: Interview with Kayla Bassett, PA-C

In this inspiring episode our guest Kayla Bassett, a PA ( physician associate / physician assistant ), real estate investor, and Wealth Coach explores her journey toward financial independence and holistic growth. We also dive into Kayla’s passion for real estate investing, including her mid-term rental. Kayla opens up about the challenges and rewards of this venture, offering valuable insights for aspiring investors. She shares how she handled a way worse situation than the ever asked question ...

Nov 29, 202445 min

145 | Experiences Over Stuff: The Key to More Happiness

In today’s episode, we explore why spending on experiences can bring deeper, longer-lasting happiness than buying things. Research shows that the thrill of new possessions quickly fades as we adapt to them, while experiences stay with us as cherished memories. Experiences also contribute to our personal identity and growth, making us feel more connected and fulfilled. Tune in to learn why investing in memories is one of the best choices you can make! Interested in learning more about how to beco...

Nov 15, 202414 min

144 | Escape the Clinic: Interview with Katie Bean, DMS, PA-C

In today's episode, Katie Bean, DMS, PA-C shares how she guides physician associates and other healthcare providers to create thriving businesses that allow them to escape clinical practice. Katie shares how her own journey as a PA in a variety of specialties and academia led to her starting her first business with her friend and colleague and now her second business on her own. You'll hear about some of the best parts of starting a business as well as some of the challenges. You'll also learn w...

Oct 18, 202434 min

143 | How to Increase Your Income and Freedom as a Travel PA: Interview with Fedna Morency, PA-C

Have you ever wondered if there are PA jobs where you could work less and earn more all while exploring different states throughout our country? Travel PA jobs (aka locum tenens) may be just the change you're looking for to provide extra freedom on your journey to financial independence. Take a listen as Fedna shares about her experience over the past several years as a travel physician associate / physician assistant working in orthopedics. We discuss the benefits and challenges that these type...

Sep 20, 202444 min

142 | Are You Asking $3 Questions or $30K Questions?

In this episode, the crucial difference between $3 questions and $30K questions is reviewed, and how the types of questions you ask can shape your mindset, decisions, and ultimately, your success. You'll learn examples of how focusing on small, everyday concerns can limit your potential, while asking bigger, more impactful questions opens the door to greater opportunities. Tune in to learn what types of $30K questions to ask that will actually move the needle on your way to financial independenc...

Sep 06, 202413 min

141 | How to Push Past Procrastination and Perfectionism in Personal Finance

In this episode, the profound impact that perfectionism and procrastination can have on personal finances is discussed. Perfectionism and procrastination are your antagonists to building wealth and ultimately reaching financial independence! These tendencies can impact all areas of personal finance including budgeting, investing, paying back debt, saving, etc. Listen to learn strategies to implement in your life to combat perfectionism and procrastination so you can reach your personal finance g...

Aug 09, 202413 min

140 | Overcome the Overwhelm: 10 Tips to Beat Analysis Paralysis

In this episode, practical tips to help you break free from analysis paralysis are covered. Learn how to set clear goals and priorities, limit your options, and set time limits for decisions. Plus, discover how reflecting on past decisions can enhance your ability to make effective choices. Finally, learn about how a decision-making framework like a weighted decision matrix tool can help. Click here to test out a online weighted decision matrix calculator! Questions or thoughts about the show? E...

Jul 26, 202421 min

139 | Travel as an Investment: 10 Ways Travel Enriches Your Life

In this episode, the variety of ways that travel can transform and enrich your life are covered, going far beyond just a change in scenery. Ten compelling benefits of travel are explored, from cultural understanding and personal development to mental and emotional growth. Learn how stepping out of your comfort zone and into new destinations can increase your confidence, adaptability, and independence, all while providing a deeper appreciation for the diverse world around us. This episode is pack...

Jul 12, 202418 min

138 | PTO Power: Why You Need to Take Your Time Off (Guilt-Free!)

Do you get PTO through your employer? If so, do you use every minute of it? In this episode, the numerous benefits of using your PTO are explored and how it impacts both personal well-being and professional performance. Discover how taking time off can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health by allowing for rest and recovery. Learn about the professional advantages of utilizing your PTO, such as increased productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction. Take a listen to uncover the ...

Jun 28, 202419 min

137 | Stress Less: Practical Tips for Coping with Stress and Burnout

Stress and burnout are rampant amongst PAs and other healthcare workers. But how do you cope and get through your day or week? Here are some practical and simple things you can do in as little as a few minutes to decrease your stress and help manage your burnout. You can even many of these during your shift at work! Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your FREE copy of the ...

May 31, 202427 min

136 | Index Funds vs. ETFs: Which One Is Right for You?

On your way to financial independence, you likely have heard the terms "index funds" and "ETFs". But what are these types of investments? Take a listen to learn about how these investments are very similar while also having a few key differences. This episode should empower you to be able to confidently select your investments within your tax-advantaged retirement accounts and taxable brokerage accounts. If you can make it through school to become a physician associate / physician assistant, you...

May 17, 202424 min

135 | Noncompete Updates

You may have heard that noncompete agreements have been banned recently! But this isn't exactly true- at least not yet. Listen to learn why noncompete agreements cause issues, hear about the recent news that the FTC ruled to ban noncompete clauses, and to understand what this actually means for you as a practicing physician associate / physician assistant. Questions or thoughts about the show? Email pathefiway@gmail.com Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to le...

May 03, 202416 min

134 | How to Start a Solo Cash Practice: PAs Supporting PAs [Interview with Victoria Rivera, MS, PA-C, IFMCP]

Have you ever thought about starting your own practice as a PA? Or have you dreamed about skipping reimbursement by insurance companies several weeks or even months after the appointment, and instead getting compensated directly by your patients? In this episode, Victoria Rivera, MS, PA-C, IFMCP shares her experience with starting her own solo cash practice. She is a physician associate with over 20 years of experience and she is dedicated to supporting PAs who want to start their own practices....

Apr 19, 202425 min

133 | How to FIRE Your Financial Advisor

Have you recently come to the realization that maybe your financial advisor actually doesn't have your best interest in mind? Have you been sold expensive and unnecessary life insurance products as investments? Have you been told not to prioritize your tax-advantaged retirement accounts and invest in other things? Then it's likely time to FIRE your financial advisor (pun intended). Here's how. No awkward conversation required! The goal of this podcast is to help spread financial literacy and emp...

Apr 05, 202414 min

132 | How to Triage Your Busy Life

Does your life feel "crazy busy"? How do you manage ALL the tasks in life that you need to do in your personal life and your professional life? As healthcare professionals, we're all very familiar with triaging our patients. But what could it look like if you were to also triage your life so you could focus on things that are most urgent and matter the most to you? In this episode, I share the concepts that Dr. Darria Long discussed in her TEDx talk called "An ER Doctor on How to Triage Your Bus...

Mar 22, 202419 min
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