Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Are individual bonds better than bond funds? What’s the actual difference between the two—and why does it matter for your investment strategy? In this episode, Evon Mendrin , CFP®, CSLP®, dives into the key distinctions between individual bonds and bond funds, and what private practice optometrists need to consider when deciding between them. Whether you're aiming for stability, income, or long-term growth in your portfolio, unders...
Jun 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 142
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Enjoy this rewind of a popular episode! In Part 3 of a 3 part series, Evon dives into the many financial planning considerations optometrists need to think about when you own a more established, mature private optometry practice - both inside the business and in the household. A few of the planning topics practice owners should think about are: Maintaining your vision for the ideal practice and ownership life Building guardrails ar...
Jun 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 141
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Dividend investing is one of the most passionately followed strategies online - yet much of the enthusiasm is driven by misunderstandings of how dividends work. In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP® of Optometry Wealth Advisors, dives deep into how dividends actually work, why they aren’t “free money,” and what ODs need to understand before chasing high-dividend stocks or funds - especially in taxable accounts. He also explore...
Jun 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 140
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! As a private optometry practice owner, one of the most essential yet misunderstood financial decisions is figuring out how much to pay yourself. In this episode, Evon Mendrin dives into seven critical factors to consider when setting your own compensation from your optometry practice—especially if you're taxed as an S Corporation. Whether you're just getting started or running a thriving, established practice, this episode will hel...
Jun 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 139
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this special Friday episode, Evon returns to break down the recently passed proposed House bill - the “Big Beautiful Bill Act” - and what it could mean for optometrists. While it's a long way from becoming actual law, it's helpful to know what exactly is one the table and what changes to expect related to tax planning and student loans. This episode explores key tax extensions, how they impact private practice owners, and the ma...
May 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 138
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this rewind of a popular episode, Andrew Berkin, PhD - head of research at Bridgeway Capital Mangement and author of The Incredible Shrinking Alpha - joins the podcast to discuss why active investment management fails, and why you're unlikely to get the outperformance you're looking for. Evon and Andrew dive into: Research behind why active management fails - both for individual investors and professional managers What an "effic...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 137
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of the Optometry Money Podcast , Evon Mendrin talks with Dr. Neda Gioia, the owner of Integrative Vision. Dr. Gioia shares her journey into optometry, what led her to cold-start her own practice, and how a personal health crisis inspired her to adopt an integrative healthcare approach within optometry. She discusses how she blends traditional eye care with holistic health practices, addressing root causes of dysfunc...
May 07, 2025•43 min•Ep. 136
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! How can optometrists improve their portfolios beyond basic index funds, without risky trading? Evon Mendrin provides an OD's guide to Factor-Based Investing . Evon discusses: What factors are and their role in investment returns. Five criteria to identify reliable investment factors. Key factors: Market, Small, Value, Profitability, Investment, and Momentum. Why factors exist , explained through risk and behavioral finance. Common ...
May 01, 2025•42 min•Ep. 135
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! How should optometrists approach investing their hard-earned money? With thousands of mutual funds and countless investment strategies, deciding can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Evon dives deep into index investing—explaining clearly why passive investing through broad market index funds consistently outperforms active management. He explores the fascinating history of index funds, the robust academic research behind them, a...
Apr 24, 2025•41 min•Ep. 134
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Are you pulling the right levers in your tax planning? In this episode, Evon walks through key strategic levers you can (and should) be using to improve your tax outcomes as an optometrist—especially if you're a private practice owner. aWhile most conversations focus on deductions, this episode takes a step back to look at the full tax picture and the levers that truly move the needle in your personal and practice finances. You'll ...
Apr 11, 2025•21 min•Ep. 133
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast, host Evon Mendrin welcomes back Erich Mattei of Akrinos for a follow-up conversation focused on creating a pathway for associate doctors to become partners in your optometry practice. Whether you're an owner thinking about bringing on a partner or an associate doctor aiming to own part of a practice, this episode unpacks the key considerations you need to know. In this episode, you'll...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 132
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP® dives into the latest twists in the federal student loan landscape—and what they mean for optometrists using income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. There’s big news on SAVE plan court rulings, loan consolidations, and IDR recertifications. But more than that, Evon explores the deeper question: What are the tradeoffs you accept when choosing an IDR path toward forgiveness? Whether you’re a recent gr...
Mar 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 131
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Welcome back to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, host Evon Mendrin, CFP®, dives into the topic of stock market declines—a reality for every long-term investor. With headlines buzzing about economic concerns, tariffs, and policy changes, market volatility can feel unsettling. But how common are market declines really? And what should optometrists do when they happen? What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How often stock ...
Mar 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 130
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! The student loan landscape is shifting again! In this episode, Evon breaks down the latest updates on the SAVE Plan , the recent court rulings , and what these changes mean for optometrists navigating their student loan repayment. With major legal challenges in play, borrowers on SAVE are currently in interest-free forbearance , but the future of the program remains uncertain. Evon unpacks the key takeaways from the recent 8th Circ...
Mar 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 129
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, sits down with Dr. Jennifer Stewart and Dr. Aaron Neufeld to dive into one of the biggest career decisions optometrists face: Should you cold start a practice or buy an existing one? Dr. Stewart and Dr. Neufeld bring their expertise as practice owners and consultants to break down the most common misconceptions around both options, the biggest mistakes new owners m...
Feb 26, 2025•57 min•Ep. 128
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast , Evon Mendrin sits down with Dr. Tony Turin and his wife, Kim Turin, to discuss how they intentionally built and scaled their optometry practice from a cold start to three thriving locations. As a husband-and-wife power team, they share the lessons they've learned along the way—balancing business and family, maintaining culture across multiple locations, and making strategic financial...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 127
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast, host Evon Mendrin, CFP® sits down with Dr. Nick Lillie to discuss his journey of expanding his practice, hiring an associate OD, and restructuring his business to align with his lifestyle and personal values. Dr. Lillie shares his insights on practice expansion, the importance of focusing on core services, and how financial and operational planning has helped him build a thriving prac...
Feb 12, 2025•48 min•Ep. 126
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, Evon welcomes Dr. Chad Fleming back to The Optometry Money Podcast. Dr. Fleming shares his experiences with strategic planning and explains how setting aside time to work on the business through a strategic planning week has helped him scale his practice operations. They discuss how private practice owners can improve leadership, reduce chaos, and increase profitability through intentional planning. Evon and Dr. Fl...
Feb 05, 2025•43 min•Ep. 125
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast , Evon Mendrin, CFP®, hosts Erich Mattei of Akrinos to dive deep into a pivotal question for many private practice optometry owners: when, why, and how should you hire an associate optometrist? Together, Evon and Erich discuss: The key motivations behind hiring an associate doctor – from scaling your practice for growth to creating more personal freedom. The role of associates in succe...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 124
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, your host, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, dives into the critical importance of your Savings Rate as a foundation for financial independence. We explore how incremental improvements—or marginal gains—can lead to exceptional results. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Story of Marginal Gains: How Sir Dave Brailsford’s focus on 1% improvements led the British cycling team to Olympi...
Jan 17, 2025•20 min•Ep. 123
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, your host, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, dives into the critical financial and tax updates optometrists need to know as we head into 2025. Whether you're an associate OD, a private practice owner, or planning to start your own practice, these updates are vital to helping you make informed financial decisions. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Retirement Account Contribution Limits ...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 122
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your finances and ensure you’re ending the year on a strong note. In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast , Evon Mendrin, CFP®, walks through a comprehensive year-end financial checklist tailored specifically for optometrists. Whether you’re an associate OD or a private practice owner, you’ll find actionable tips to optimize your finances, make tax-smart decisions...
Dec 12, 2024•40 min•Ep. 121
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Evon provides optometrists a deep dive into 529 plans and other methods of saving and paying for your kids' college costs. He dives into the rules of how 529 plans work, the federal and state tax benefits of using 529 accounts, how to use the funds in the account, creative planning opportunities for 529 plans, the use of taxable investment accounts in preparing for your kids' college. Have questions on anything discussed or want to...
Dec 05, 2024•43 min•Ep. 120
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this rewind of a popular episode, Evon dives into mid-year tax planning targets optometrists and practice owners should keep an eye on as we work through the rest of the year. He talks through specific points of planning he thinks about as he works with clients and their tax professionals, including: Trajectory and sources of income Are we on track for tax payments and withholdings? Adjusted gross income (AGI) and phaseouts for ...
Nov 27, 2024•24 min•Ep. 119
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast , host Evon Mendrin welcomes back Dr. Chad Fleming to dive into a strategy for private practice optometrists: private label products. Dr. Fleming shares his insights into how practice owners can introduce private label lenses, frames, and other products to their offerings. They discuss the financial and operational benefits, including improved margins, reduced costs, and increased flex...
Nov 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 118
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! What do presidential elections mean for your investments? What actions should you take during an election year? In this rewind of a popular episode, Evon provides context for this common question by diving into the historical behavior of US stocks related to US presidential elections. He dives both into the short-term results - looking at the months and years around the elections, as well as a longer-term perspective. Ultimately, s...
Oct 30, 2024•17 min•Ep. 117
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Jackson Pace, CPA, and Kevin Dang, CPA of Refractional CFO join Evon on the podcast again to dive into a common question - can you (or should you) buy a vehicle under your optometry practice for the tax deduction? They dive into: What's required to deduct the cost of a vehicle in the practice Basics of how depreciation works What happens when you sell or transfer the car out of the practice Business use vs. personal use of the vehi...
Oct 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 116
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Cash flow is the lifeblood of your optometry practice. In this episode, Evon dives into important differences between the profit you see on the Profit & Loss and the actual net cash flow of your business, and also explores the Statement of Cash Flows and stories optometrists can pull from it. Lastly, he talks about a simple framework to use when trying to decide what to do with extra cash flow in your practice. Have questions o...
Sep 19, 2024•22 min•Ep. 115
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! Evon dives into mid-year tax planning targets optometrists and practice owners should keep an eye on as we work through the rest of the year. He talks through specific points of planning he thinks about as he works with clients and their tax professionals, including: Trajectory and sources of income Are we on track for tax payments and withholdings? Adjusted gross income (AGI) and phaseouts for deductions and credits Opportunities ...
Sep 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 114
Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, we rewind back to a popular 2023 episode. How do income taxes work? How do tax rates work? How are your taxes calculated? As tax filing deadlines approach, Evon dives into a basic guide for optometrists to how US federal income taxes work. He dives into how marginal tax rates work, how taxes are calculated, withholdings and estimated tax payments, filing deadlines, and different tax planning concepts to keep in min...
Aug 14, 2024•44 min•Ep. 113
