You've likely heard the advice: wait until age 70 to claim Social Security for the biggest check and safest retirement. But is that really the best choice for CRNAs?

In this episode, Brett Fellows, CFP®, dives into the overlooked risks of delaying Social Security, proving the decision is far more personal than a break-even chart suggests. It's about maximizing dollars yes, but it’s also about your freedom, health, and peace of mind in retirement.

In this episode, Brett explores the overlooked risks of delaying Social Security:

• Mortality Risk: What if you pass away before the break-even point?
• Sequence of Returns Risk: How delaying can magnify portfolio damage during a market downturn.
• Policy Risk: The chance of future benefit cuts or changes to taxation.
• Opportunity Risk: The potential returns your portfolio could have earned while waiting.
• Regret Risk: The emotional cost of waiting too long and giving up healthy retirement years.
• Health Span Risk: Why a dollar at 62 often buys richer memories than a dollar at 95.
• Spending Flexibility/Optionality Risk: Why preserving a flexible portfolio might be more valuable than a maximized Social Security check.

Key Timestamps:
(0:45) The 7 overlooked risks of delaying Social Security 
(2:01) Mortality Risk: What if you die before the break-even? 
(4:55) Sequence of Returns Risk: The danger of market downturns in early retirement 
(6:42) Policy Risk: Are future cuts a concern? 
(7:50) Opportunity Risk: The true cost of delaying 
(9:58) Regret Risk: Why emotions matter more than math 
(11:55) Health Span Risk: Living well, not just living long 
(13:59) Spending Flexibility Risk: The value of optionality 
(15:45) Underspending Risk: Why claiming early helps you enjoy your healthiest years 
(18:20) Real-world examples: Why claiming early made sense for Mark and Jen

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Cole Dill and Tanner Hulin, co-founders of Core Anesthesia, join the podcast to share the unexpected story of how their study conversations turned into a leading educational platform used by 75% of current CRNA students nationwide.

Cole and Tanner discuss the raw, scrappy start of their business, from recording terrible quality audio in their car to cashing out almost everything they made to fuel product development. They also detail the strategic acquisition by Archer Review in 2025, which provided the financial and mental capital to take their business to the next level.

Brett and the founders discuss:

• The organic origin of Core Anesthesia from simply trying to help themselves get through school.
• The early financial strategy of pricing their premium content at $4.99 a month and fueling growth by continually reinvesting cash flow.
• The challenge of running a business while being "broke college students" and the need to fuel the business before paying themselves.
• The experience of going through the Archer Review acquisition and why they chose to stay involved rather than make a complete exit.
• The importance of a business partnership being like a marriage, built on shared goals and mutual grace.
• Cole's most important financial advice: adopt the mindset of an investor, not a consumer, after graduation.
• Their exciting Q4 2025 partnership with Global Blade 3D, a nonprofit sending low-cost, 3D-printed video glidescopes to underserved communities.

#CRNAs #Entrepreneur #FinancialAdvisor

(0:45) Welcome & Meet Core Anesthesia Co-founders

(2:15) The Organic Start: From Car Study Sessions to Spotify

(4:50) Launching the Podcast & Naming the Business

(7:32) Early Financial Strategy: Pricing at $4.99/month

(9:49) Advice to Their Younger Selves: Take the Step, Even if It's Not Perfect

(15:18) The Archer Review Acquisition (May 2025)

(19:30) Why They Didn't Make a Complete Exit

(22:23) 3-Year Vision: Reaching CRNAs and Program Directors

(25:42) How to Handle a Business Partnership (Like a Marriage)

(34:42) Financial Advice: Be an Investor, Not a Consumer

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Jenny Finnell, CRNA, founder and CEO of CRNA School Prep Academy (CSPA) and Teach RN, joins the Money RX for CRNAs podcast to discuss her journey from clinical CRNA to building a dual-business enterprise. Jenny shares the organic, passion-driven story behind CSPA, which has mentored almost 10,000 ICU nurses pursuing CRNA school in just five years, and explains how she launched the scalable peer-to-peer marketplace, Teach RN, to support the broader nursing profession. 

This special episode offers candid advice on the hard financial realities, business lessons, and unique challenges of juggling a family, clinical work, and two growing businesses by prioritizing being "fulfilled" over "busy".

Brett and Jenny discuss:

• The accidental founding of CRNA School Prep Academy and its massive, organic growth.
• The shift to Teach RN, a scalable peer-to-peer marketplace, to meet nurse demand for support.
• The business model for both ventures and the future potential for institutional partnerships.
• Key business lessons, including the risk of scaling a team too quickly
• The current trends in CRNA education.
• Financial advice for new CRNAs on managing debt and living conservatively.
• The power of community and its role in achieving an 80% acceptance rate for Academy members.
• Jenny's biggest piece of advice to her past self and to all aspiring entrepreneurs: "Don't be so afraid".

If you found this episode inspiring, please leave a review and share it with your colleagues.

#CRNAs #Entrepreneur #FinancialAdvisor

Key Timestamps: 

(0:46) Welcome & Meet Jenny Finnell, CRNA

(1:45) The Journey to CRNA School Prep Academy & Her "Why" Story

(3:48) CRNA School Prep Academy Business Model & Future Institution Partnerships

(6:02) Business Milestones & The Importance of Support and Coaching

(8:05) 3-Year Vision for CRNA School Prep Academy

(9:15) Expanding into Broader Nursing Education with Teach RN

(14:40) Biggest Financial Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur

(17:44) Advice to Intimidated CRNA Entrepreneurs: "Don't be so afraid"

(28:34) Measuring Success: The 80% Acceptance Rate for Academy Members

(37:09) The Massive Impact of Building Community

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Download your Retirement Readiness Checklist here: https://moneyrxforcrnasnewslettersignup.kit.com/4764a9941d

How much money do you really need to retire as a CRNA? If you've got savings but still feel uncertain about when you can safely stop working, this episode is for you.

Brett explores:

• The three retirement spending levels every CRNA needs to understand (survival, comfortable, and premium)
• Why retiring at 55 versus 65 can mean a $1.75 million difference in required savings
• The asset location strategy that could save you $300,000 in retirement costs
• The healthcare gap problem and how to bridge the 10 years before Medicare
• The Rule of 55 versus the 59½ penalty wall
• A systematic approach to calculate your true spending needs and portfolio requirements
• The tax trap of massive Required Minimum Distributions and how to avoid it
• Tax-diversified withdrawal strategies including the 0% capital gains bracket
• Realistic retirement ranges for CRNAs at different spending levels

Whether you're sitting on $800,000 or $2.1 million, you'll see why the amount you've saved might not be the real issue and what you should focus on instead.

#CRNAs #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #HealthcareProfessionals

Key Timestamps:

(0:47) How much money do I really need to retire?

(1:49) The reality of CRNA career demands and early retirement

(2:53) The three retirement spending levels

(4:22) Retirement numbers for $\$10,000$ per month after taxes

(5:27) The asset location strategy most CRNAs miss

(6:08) The healthcare gap problem before Medicare

(6:33) The Rule of 55 vs. the 59-and-a-half penalty wall

(7:48) Systematic approach: Calculate your true spending and portfolio needs

(9:48) The tax issue and massive Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

(10:50) Tax-diversified withdrawal strategy (0% capital gains bracket)

(12:09) Realistic retirement ranges for CRNAs

(13:48) The goal: Accumulate enough money to retire on your terms

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Download your Retirement Readiness Checklist here: https://moneyrxforcrnasnewslettersignup.kit.com/4764a9941d

If you're a CRNA, chances are a big part of your retirement nest egg is tied up in your 401(k) or 403(b). But many healthcare professionals have no idea what to do with that money once they retire to make sure it works best for them.

Here's the problem: There are three critical decision points that will either maximize your retirement wealth or quietly drain it away over the next 20 to 30 years. These decisions seem simple on the surface, but they're loaded with hidden traps that most people never see coming. Getting even one of these wrong could easily cost you six figures in unnecessary fees, taxes, or lost opportunities.

In this episode, Brett walks through the strategic rollover framework that addresses all three critical decision points and helps you navigate the choices about your old retirement accounts without making costly mistakes.Brett explores:

• The hidden cost trap that's draining thousands from your retirement accounts each year
• Why control and flexibility matter just as much as low fees
• The consolidation challenge facing CRNAs who have worked for multiple employers
• The strategic rollover framework for optimizing your 401(k) or 403(b)
• Two critical considerations before making any moves with your money
• How to evaluate your options carefully and make the choice that aligns with your goals

These decisions can have a huge impact on your taxes, your flexibility, and your peace of mind in retirement. Don't rush the process.Have questions about your retirement accounts? Reach out through the link in the show notes, and download the free Retirement Readiness Checklist.

#CRNAs #RetirementPlanning #401k #403b #WealthManagement

Key Timestamps:

(0:44) Welcome: The Six-Figure Risk of Making the Wrong Rollover Decision

(1:43) The Three Critical Decision Points (Cost, Control, Consolidation)

(2:22) Decision 1: The Cost Trap (The $15,000 Annual Fee Example)

(3:36) Decision 2: The Control Dilemma (Ease of Access and Flexibility)

(4:56) Decision 3: The Consolidation Challenge (Collectors of Accounts)

(6:05) The Strategic Rollover Framework (Three Steps)

(8:52) Critical Consideration: The Age 55 Rule (Penalty Free Access)

(9:27) Conclusion: The Framework Addresses the Three Challenges

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

You survived the grueling school years, mastered one of healthcare's most demanding roles, and saved diligently for decades. Now you're staring at your account statements showing seven figures and asking yourself the million-dollar question: Can I finally retire at 60?

But when many CRNAs with substantial savings seek answers to retirement planning, they often fall into the million-dollar retirement trap. This is where high-earning professionals become paralyzed by the gap between having a lot of money and knowing whether their savings can sustain their lifestyle for potentially 40-plus years of retirement.

In this episode, we walk through Jennifer's transformation. A CRNA who came to me convinced she needed to work until age 65 despite having $1.2 million saved at age 60. What she discovered about her retirement readiness completely shifted her perspective on when she could step away from clinical practice.

Brett explores:

• The three fundamental misconceptions that keep CRNAs trapped in the million-dollar retirement trap.
• Why the 4% rule doesn't work for CRNAs retiring at 60.
• How to map your actual lifestyle instead of chasing arbitrary savings targets.
• The strategic withdrawal approach allowed Jennifer to retire at 61 instead of 65.
• The three key components of CRNA Retirement Reality Planning.
• How to confidently answer whether you can retire at 60 with $1 million.

The answer for many CRNAs is yes, but it requires moving beyond generic advice to a personalized strategy that respects both your financial realities and your professional achievements.

Click here to download the Retirement Readiness Checklist: https://moneyrxforcrnasnewslettersignup.kit.com/4764a9941d

Key timestamps:

(1:00) Welcome and the million-dollar question

(2:10) The million-dollar retirement trap explained

(3:40) Jennifer's story

(4:20) Three fundamental misconceptions

(4:40) Misconception #1: Magic number obsession

(6:00) Misconception #2: Withdrawal rate paralysis

(7:20) Misconception #3: Healthcare cost catastrophizing

(9:45) CRNA Retirement Reality Planning

(10:05) Jennifer's transformation

(13:50) Free retirement readiness checklist

(15:05) Final message and closing

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Dr. Joe Rodriguez, co-founder of Guide Anesthesia (managing over 150 providers) and a respected voice in the CRNA community, joins the podcast for a candid discussion on CRNA entrepreneurship, advocacy, and the true meaning of career success. Joe shares the origin story of his company, built from a single negative experience, and offers important lessons learned from operating in the complex healthcare market.

This special episode covers what most CRNAs miss about building and securing a long-term career.

Brett and Joe discuss:

• The experience that led to the creation of his 150-provider anesthesia group.
• The financial realities of starting your own business: why you must be prepared to fail and why there is "no work-life balance."
• The unique advantages of the 1099 model for autonomous CRNAs and the importance of hiring financial professionals.
• Why current regulatory advocacy is asking the "wrong questions" and how control should be handled at the local level.
• The two most important financial and career decisions a CRNA should make today.
• How to find long-term personal and professional purpose.

If this episode helps you rethink your career, please leave a review and share it with a colleague who is considering entrepreneurship or a leadership role.

Key Timestamps:

(0:45) Welcome & Meet Dr. Joe Rodriguez

(1:35) Why I Started Guide Anesthesia

(8:25) The Anesthesia Group Business Model

(14:35) Building CRNA Ownership and Long-Termism

(16:20) Future Goals: Operating in the Mid-Cap Lane

(20:05) Financial Realities of Starting Your Own Group

(24:17) Regulatory Advocacy: Asking the "Wrong Questions"

(28:08) 1099 vs. W2: Key Financial Factors

(31:03) Leadership: The Power of Communication

(43:03) The Most Important Financial Decision You Can Make

#CRNAs #CRNAEntrepreneur #1099CRNA #AnesthesiaBusiness #Advocacy

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

You should be proud of yourself for saving $2 million for retirement, but instead, you're terrified. The problem? You don't know how much you can spend. 

A couple, Sarah and Mike, found that their initial plan with a 12% withdrawal rate would have left them broke by age 75. With a few strategic changes, their retirement plan not only worked, but it also allowed them to retire years earlier than they thought.

In this episode, we use their example as a case study to show you how three key changes can mean the difference between struggling and living the lifestyle you've earned.

Brett explores:

• Why a high withdrawal rate can decimate a portfolio in the first few years.
• How a realistic look at your expenses can extend your retirement savings.
• The importance of optimizing your portfolio allocation for a long retirement.
• The power of tax optimization and Roth conversions during your early retirement "gap years".
• A spending framework for CRNAs with $2M in savings.
• A bonus scenario showing how a sensible plan can make early retirement possible.

Have questions about your own retirement plan? Let us know, and please share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs to hear it. 

Key Timestamps:

(0:53) The $2 million question

(3:02) Their flawed first retirement plan

(4:40) The three strategic changes

(6:02) Change #2: Optimizing portfolio allocation

(8:35) The new successful plan

(10:28) What this means for you: spending framework

(12:24) Unique advantages and challenges for CRNAs

(14:49) Final message and outro

#CRNAs #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #RetirementSavings #WealthManagement

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

You've worked for decades, saved a solid nest egg, and achieved financial independence. But what if that's not enough? While most people focus on the financial side of retirement, the real work happens after you stop working. 

This is the story of Matthew, a retiree who did everything right financially, but is now terrified. He missed the other parts of retirement planning, and his story is a common one. The reality is, most people spend years focusing on the money, only to retire and have reality set in.

In this episode, we cover the five important things most people miss about retirement planning, and they aren't about money.

Brett explores:

• How your professional identity and social network change after retirement.
• The psychology of shifting from accumulating wealth to spending it.
• The importance of finding a new balance between structure and freedom.
• The essential link between your health and your wealth.
• Practical strategies like creating a "license to spend" and a "health calendar" to design a life of purpose.

Key Timestamps:

(0:45) Welcome and the story of Matthew

(1:55) The 5 things people miss about retirement

(2:30) 1. Your identity

(4:05) 2. Your social networks

(5:35) 3. The psychology of spending

(7:30) 4. The balance between structure and freedom

(9:23) 5. The connection between health and wealth

(10:55) Putting the five areas together

(12:00) The bottom line: retirement is about designing a life

(12:55) The real work of retirement planning

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a roadmap for handling a retirement filled with purpose, relationships, health, and joy, not just money.

#CRNAs #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #RetirementGoals

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

You’re 58, ready to retire, and your 401k is solid. But then reality hits: Medicare doesn't start until age 65. That's up to seven years of needing health insurance on your own. This "healthcare gap" could cost you over $30,000 a year, threatening to derail your early retirement dreams.

In this episode, we provide a clear roadmap for navigating healthcare costs before Medicare eligibility.

Brett explores:

• The surprisingly high costs of COBRA coverage without an employer subsidy.
• Three key options for coverage: COBRA, health sharing plans, and the ACA marketplace.
• How premium tax credits on the marketplace can dramatically lower your monthly premiums.
• The importance of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and long-term care planning.
• Special considerations for veterans and TRICARE.
• A clear takeaway message: Healthcare costs don’t have to be a barrier to early retirement with the right plan.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to protect both your health and your wealth.

Key Timestamps:

(0:45) The early retirement healthcare problem

(3:04) The high cost of the healthcare gap

(4:25) Option 1: COBRA coverage

(6:15) Option 2: Health sharing plans

(7:53) Option 3: The Health Insurance Marketplace

(11:18) The power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

(12:35) The long-term care elephant in the room

(13:40) Special considerations for veterans

(14:45) Your early retirement strategy

(18:18) Final message and outro

#CRNAs #EarlyRetirement #Healthcare #Medicare #FinancialPlanning

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.