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, McKenna made remarkable progress toward financial freedom while still working in healthcare.

We also discuss the power of downsizing and minimalism, uncovering how these shifts not only reduced her financial stress but also opened doors to new opportunities. McKenna shares her experience stepping taking a sabbatical and ultimately deciding to step away from medicine while finding the courage to walk away from a career and jobs that lead to burnout. Through her story, we see how FI isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating options, reclaiming time, and prioritizing well-being. Whether you're a physician assistant / physician associate like McKenna, or another healthcare professional seeking more control over your financial and personal life, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

Cashflow board game 

Cashflow for kids 

The Mr. Money Mustache blog post The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement 

Connect with McKenna: 

Instagram @mckenna830 

Email: [email protected] 

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 Workbook here!

Website / Blog: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway

Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]

Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway

Keywords: burnout in healthcare , burnout in medicine , healthcare sabbatical , sabbatical in medicine , physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student