PA the FI Way

In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Pepperday, CFP®, ChFC®, fee-only fiduciary financial planner and founder of Advanced Practice Planning, to discuss financial planning for physician associates and other healthcare professionals. Caleb shares what drew him to work with PAs and other APPs, and how his dual designations as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant give him a unique perspective when guiding clients toward financial independence. He also breaks down the confusing landscape of financial credentials and explains why not all financial advisors are created equal.

Caleb helps demystify what PAs should look for in a trustworthy planner. He explains what it really means to be a fiduciary, the red flags to watch for in the industry, and the key questions to ask when interviewing a potential advisor.

Caleb also walks us through the different ways financial professionals get paid (commission-based, assets under management / AUM, and flat-fee models) and highlights the pros and cons of each. For those wondering when it makes sense to manage your own money versus bringing in professional help, Caleb provides a balanced perspective tailored to busy healthcare professionals who want to build wealth without burning themselves out along the way. 

Finally, we dive into a case study featuring a mid-career PA and NP couple with a strong income and growing portfolio, but with gaps in areas like tax diversification, estate planning, college funding, and insurance. Caleb outlines practical next steps to help them stay on track toward their goal of retiring at 55 while protecting their family along the way.

Disclosures:

Information presented in this podcast is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but no guarantee is made to its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the subjects presented.

 Advisory services offered through Advanced Practice Planning, LLC an investment adviser registered with the states of Montana and Pennsylvania. For disclosure information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/

Tax and Legal Matters

The tax and estate planning information offered by the advisor is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

General Market Commentary Statements

The opinions expressed in any commentary discussed on this episode are solely those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC. These opinions are based on information available at the time of posting and are subject to change without notice. Advanced Practice Planning, LLC does not commit to updating any posted positions or commentary to reflect subsequent developments. While the information and reasoning used to form these opinions are believed to be from reliable sources, Advanced Practice Planning, LLC does not verify this information, and no guarantee is provided regarding its accuracy, completeness, or validity. Advanced Practice Planning, LLC disclaims any and all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. No warranty, express or implied, is given in connection with the content provided.

Learn More or Connect with Caleb: 

Links:

Website link: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/

Consultation link: https://calendly.com/caleb-pepperday/30min

Freebies:

12 Smart Steps Every PA Wanting to Retire Early Should Know:

https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/earlyretirement

18 Things You Can Do Today To Level Up Your Finances:

https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/tipsforphysicianassistants

8 Things PAs Need To Know Before Taking A Sabbatical:

https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/sabbatical

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-pepperday/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebpepperday_cfp/

Connect with Kat, PA-C, with PA the FI Way: 

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 PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect with Kat 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]

Whether you’re a brand-new grad just stepping into the world of medicine, a mid-career clinician who still loves the work but feels the wear and tear, or someone laser-focused on retiring early to reclaim your time—this episode is for you.

No matter your path, one thing is true: medicine is demanding. And if you want to make it sustainable—whether for 5 more years or 45 more years—you need a strategy to protect your energy, your well-being, and your freedom.

Today, we’re diving into 20 practical ways to extend your career longevity using a simple but powerful framework: Refuel, Redesign, and Reclaim. These aren't just burnout band-aids. They're long-term strategies that can help you thrive in medicine while building a life outside of it.

So whether you’re here to stay for the long haul, pivot within the profession, or build your exit ramp—this episode will help you stay grounded, intentional, and in control.

Grab your free copy of the 20 Tips for a Sustainable Career in Medicine Worksheet here

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 PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect with Kat 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]

What if the most important steps on your financial journey aren’t the big flashy ones—but the small, quiet wins you hardly notice? In this episode, we’re shining a light on the under-celebrated financial milestones that deserve just as much recognition as paying off your student loan debt or hitting six figures in your retirement account.

From paying off your first credit card to setting up automatic savings, these small victories build confidence, create momentum, and transform your mindset over time. We’ll walk through dozens of often-overlooked wins across spending, debt, saving, investing, mindset, and life alignment—and why they matter way more than you think.

You'll also get tips on how to track and celebrate these wins in a way that reinforces your progress and prevents burnout along the path to financial independence. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your journey, this episode is your reminder that progress beats perfection—and small wins lead to big freedom.

Grab your free Small Wins Financial Milestone Tracker to start celebrating your own journey! 

Click Here for Financial Independence Book Recommendations

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 PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect with Kat 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]

Why work for 40 years and only retire once? What if you could step away more than once—not to quit, but to live more fully and intentionally?

In this episode, author and host of Retire Often podcast, Jillian Johnsrud, joins me to share insights from her new book, Retire Often, which is now available for pre-order.

She introduces the powerful concept of mini retirements—intentional pauses from work that can lead to deep burnout recovery, personal growth, and a more fulfilling, values-aligned life.

What if you could take time off for family, health, travel, creativity, or simply to rest—without derailing your finances or career? Jillian has done just that, taking multiple mini retirements that not only helped her find balance and purpose, but also enhanced her career in the long run. Now, she’s helping others do the same through practical steps anyone can follow.

We explore how mini retirements aren’t about escape—they're a tool for healing, clarity, and even career development. Jillian shares how these breaks helped her recover from burnout, rebuild her health, and live more intentionally.

She emphasizes the importance of planning and practicing mini retirements to prepare for a fulfilling early retirement—and how our health, finances, and overall well-being are more connected than we think.

Whether you're feeling exhausted, curious about early retirement, or simply craving more freedom and balance—this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible for your life and career.

Key Takeaways: 

Mini retirements can serve multiple purposes: rest, growth, healing, or transition.

Burnout recovery requires more than a weekend off—intentional rest matters.

Planning and practicing mini retirements prepares you for early or semi-retirement.

Health, money, and well-being are deeply connected.

You don’t have to wait for someday—practice living the life you want now.

Learn more about Retire Often and connect with Jillian: 

● Website: https://retireoften.com/ 
● Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/ 
● Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften 
● Free Opt-In Worksheets:
○ Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/ 
○ Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/ 
● Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/ 
● Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/ 
Social Media:
○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/ 
○ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/ 
○ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/ 
○ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud   

Keywords: 

Retire Often, mini retirement, burnout recovery, sabbaticals, financial independence, early retirement, personal growth, well-being, career clarity, intentional living, physician associate, healthcare burnout, burnout in medicine, physician assistant, healthcare professional, healthcare provider, burnout recovery, financial independence community, financial independence retire early 

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 PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/

Connect with Kat 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]

Wanting to make changes, but feeling too overwhelmed and exhausted to start? You’re not alone—and you don’t need a complete life overhaul to start feeling better. In this episode, I'm diving into the science and simplicity of microhabits: tiny, 2-minute actions that help you regain control of your time, energy, and mental clarity—without adding to your to-do list.

Drawing from insights in Atomic Habits and lived experience on the frontlines of healthcare, I’ll walk you through how low willpower and motivation are normal—and how designing your day with smart cues and habit-stacking can help you build rhythms that stick. You’ll learn practical, real-life examples of microhabits for different areas of your well-being such as physical, mental, financial, social, spiritual, and professional.

Be sure to grab your free Microhabits for Healthcare Professionals Cheat Sheet to start putting these ideas into practice today! It’s packed with examples for each health domain and quick tips to get you started today. 

Resources mentioned: 

Microhabits for Healthcare Professionals Cheat Sheet

Atomic Habits

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: microhabits, atomic habits, physician assistant finances, physician associate finances, physician assistant financial independence, physician associate financial independence, physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine

In this episode, the concept of rhythmic renewal is explored, which is the practice of building intentional, restorative pauses into your day to protect your energy and prevent burnout. You’ll learn how to implement a timing model that works well for your schedule, create your own personalized renewal menu, and discover simple ways to reset—even in the busiest clinical or hospital settings. These small, consistent rhythms of self-care can help you renew your energy, show up with greater presence, and help with burnout.

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: physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, physician burnout, nurse burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine 

Feeling stretched too thin? Saying “yes” when you want to say “no” is one of the fastest tracks to burnout—especially in healthcare. In this episode, I dive into The Yes Trap and unpack why learning to say “no” isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a power skill that protects your time, energy, and sanity. You’ll also learn 11 practical types of “no" that you can start implementing today, real-world boundary-setting scripts, and how to push back gracefully without guilt. Be sure to grab the free companion cheat sheet: How to Say No Gracefully (Without Guilt): Scripts + Boundaries for Burnout Prevention — packed with scripts, examples, and boundary-setting tips specifically for clinicians. 

This is a can't miss episode for all healthcare professionals! Don't forget to share with all your colleagues that could benefit: physician assistants / physician associates, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, physicians, psychologists, therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, optometrists, speech language pathologists, dietitians, respiratory therapists, audiologists, etc.!

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

Love to travel but hate overspending? In this episode, I'm diving into practical, low-effort ways to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing fun or comfort. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, a CME conference, or an international adventure, these tips will help you save on flights, lodging, food, and activities—so you can travel on budget while reaching your financial goals. 

I'll cover smart booking strategies and money-saving hacks for accommodations and meals. You’ll also learn how travel hacking works and why using the right credit card can unlock serious perks. (Check out my favorite travel hacking card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, to get it's highest offer of 100,000 points now!) 

Want a printable version of everything covered? Download your free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Travel with 30+ tips to help you plan smarter and spend less on your next trip.

Resources mentioned: 

Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card 

The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Travel 

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

If you’ve ever questioned whether you really belong in medicine — even with the credentials, experience, and evidence to prove it — this episode is for you. Imposter syndrome shows up quietly but powerfully in medicine, often pushing high-achieving providers to overwork, downplay their success, and silently burn out. Today, we're unpacking what imposter syndrome really is, how it shows up throughout your career, and the five types that Dr. Valerie Young identified (yes, you'll probably see yourself in more than one).

We’ll also explore how imposter syndrome affects your financial wellness — from undercharging and overworking to avoiding financial decisions altogether. Because feeling like a fraud doesn’t just drain your energy — it can impact your income, your burnout level, and your future freedom.

Grab your free Guide to Fight Imposter Syndrome in Medicine to reflect on your own experiences and take practical steps to start believing in your worth again. You are not an imposter — you're a human being in a high-stakes job doing amazing, life-changing work. Let's talk about it.

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

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—your finances need a refresh too! If you’re tired of cluttered accounts, surprise tax bills, or money slipping through the cracks, this episode is the reset button you need. We’re walking you through 10 simple (and actually doable) steps to get your financial life in order. From canceling useless subscriptions and automating your savings to organizing your accounts, we’re covering all the ways to tidy up your money and make it work smarter for you.

Think of it like giving your finances a deep clean—except instead of scrubbing floors, you’re finding hidden cash, cutting down stress, and setting yourself up for long-term success. Plus, we’ll talk about why health is wealth and how prioritizing your well-being is just as important as managing your budget. So grab a coffee (or a calculator), and let’s get your financial house in order!

Download your free Financial Spring Cleaning Checklist now! 

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: 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