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!

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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. permanent policies. You’ll also hear some offbeat real-life examples (yes, people really do insure their hair) and learn how to think through your own situation, whether it’s paying off debt or leaving something behind for the people you love. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a clear conversation to help you figure out what fits your life and goals.

Key moments:

(06:18) Why life insurance is often a must-have early in your career — especially for young professionals (14:09) The big differences between term and whole life insurance, and how each works (20:01) Understanding the “three G’s” of life insurance (30:50) What to know about cash value and why some policies take longer to build it up (37:51) The 4% retirement rule and how to make your retirement spending feel more flexible

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


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• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 conversation that might just save you years of trial and error on your own dental journey.

Key moments:

(04:16) Dr. Smith shares his perspective on AEGD/GPR value versus direct experience (09:57) How Dr. Smith purchased his practice without a down payment (16:03) The profit problem no one talks about: What to do when your practice is generating too much cash (20:37) How targeted CE can accelerate your career trajectory (25:02) Creating a schedule that prioritizes both family and practice success

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 work. After years of building your practice, make sure you — not the IRS — enjoy the rewards.

Key moments:

(03:33) The three bucket strategy explained, and how one lowers your student loan payments (08:16) The overlooked advantages of standard brokerage accounts (14:14) Reverse rollovers are a headache to deal with, but provide long-term benefits (20:06) How to access Roth IRA funds before retirement age without penalties (29:17) Common mistakes about the pro-rata rule

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 that ultimately led to his growing success.

Key moments:

(06:17) Your first dental job is rarely your dream position (14:58) Sometimes the practice that doesn't check all your boxes is exactly the right one (20:50) Making the space your own: managing office updates and insurance changes (26:14) Why referral patterns fluctuate and how specialists can create a more consistent patient flow

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 diversification, tax-smart investing, and building a portfolio that works for you.

Key moments:

(04:44) Cashing out your chips and leaving the table too early can cost you

(11:15) S&P 500 historical investment odds prove it’s a long game

(15:01) Setting up your portfolio for shorter term goals (less than 10 years)

(22:33) VTSAX and chill? Not so fast

(30:19) The tax impact of your investment decisions

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 parental leave, childcare costs, and practice ownership. If you’re wondering when the right time is to have kids or how to prepare financially, this episode has practical advice to help you navigate it all with confidence.

Key moments:

(03:34) The time commitment of having a baby: what to expect and how to prepare (08:29) Why being a 1099 associate adds extra stress to family planning (11:34) A guide to prepping for kids, from disability and life insurance to diapers and formula (18:12) How to handle medical expenses and use FSAs/HSAs for big tax savings (24:56) Keeping your practice running while setting boundaries for family life

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 dentist needs.

Key moments:

(05:16) The financial safety nets every dental practice needs (but too many ignore) (10:06) You can’t afford to skip life and disability insurance (18:12) Buy-sell agreements and succession planning to protect your practice’s future (23:23) Cloud storage and disaster recovery are essential protections (27:00) Handling staffing and succession planning without the stress

Managing your finances doesn't need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 team, tune in to discover how to choose the path that sets you up for success, both in your practice and your finances.

Key moments:

(03:35) If someone offers you the choice of being a “1099 employee,” it’s a red flag

(09:51) W-2 employees can save on taxes because employers pay half of FICA taxes

(13:50) Moving from W-2 to 1099 shifts tax responsibility, but it can benefit high earners

(18:53) 1099 associates can claim business deductions that W-2 employees can’t

(24:39) Qualifying for a mortgage is harder for business owners than W-2 employees

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee?
• SEP IRA plans

Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts
• YouTube at Financially Free Dentists

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 story is packed with insights for practice owners looking for sustainable growth. Tune in to get actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives on what’s possible for your career in dentistry.

Key moments:

(04:50) Efficient scheduling is the backbone of practice success

(08:47) The moment he ruled out other paths and decided dentistry was the perfect fit

(14:45) A mindset shift in dental school sparked his interest in investing and practice ownership

(23:32) Practice ownership isn’t for everyone (managing people is harder than the procedures)

(33:19) The one piece of advice he wishes he could give his younger self

Managing your finances doesn’t need to be painful. Book a free intro call today. Just browsing? Learn more about us at SLP Wealth.

Like the show? There are several ways you can help!


• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts