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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 help you balance tax strategy, financial planning, and long-term wealth-building with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn:

• How income draws differ based on how your practice is taxed (sole proprietor, partnership, or S-corp)
• Why paying yourself “too little” can backfire with the IRS
• How your wage affects your Social Security benefits, QBI deduction, and retirement plan contributions
• The surprising ways your compensation impacts practice valuations and financial planning
• How to align your income with your lifestyle and financial goals

Resources Mentioned:

• Independent Strong Article: How to Pay Yourself – Key Factors for Setting Your Owner Compensation
• IRS Guidance on Reasonable Compensation for S Corps

Related Episodes:

• The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 51: An Optometrist’s Guide to the Qualified Business Income Deduction
• The Optometry Money Podcast Ep. 49: An Optometrist’s Guide to Business Entities

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The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.