Achieving Financial Freedom as a Nurse: A 15-Year Journey of Salary Progression and Smart Investing    

Ellaine, a nurse practitioner and founder of Nursing FlowSheet, discusses her 15-year journey towards financial freedom and the importance of combining income growth with investing. She shares her personal salary progression from a bedside ICU nurse earning $28 per hour to a nurse practitioner making $250,000 to $270,000 annually. Ellaine emphasizes that merely increasing income is not sufficient—investing wisely is crucial to building wealth. She offers practical advice on avoiding lifestyle creep, using raises purposefully, and tracking expenses. Ellaine also advocates for job switching as a significant income lever in nursing, supported by data showing that job switchers earn more than those who stay put. Lastly, she stresses investing in assets, particularly the stock market, to combat inflation and secure financial freedom.    

00:00 Introduction: The Journey to Financial Freedom

00:39 The Reality of Chasing Income

00:56 Key Truths About Income and Investment

01:20 My Salary Progression as a Nurse

11:03 The Importance of Job Switching

14:08 Avoiding the Salary Trap

18:23 The Power of Investing

19:23 Conclusion: Building Financial Freedom    

FREE INVESTING CLASS: Enroll Here

 Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free investment cheatsheet

Staying Grounded: Navigating Financial and Mental Health in Uncertain Times In this video, I address the unease many of us feel in today's world, from economic instability to social division. If you've been overwhelmed by inflation, political shifts, or global tensions, you're not alone. I discuss the 'Fourth Turning' theory, a historical concept that helps explain our current period of upheaval and how to stay grounded amidst the chaos. You'll learn about protecting your mental and financial health, the importance of community, and strategies for adapting to these turbulent times. Join me in understanding these cycles and reclaiming control over what you can influence. Let's turn uncertainty into opportunity together.

00:00 Introduction: Feeling Uneasy in Today's World

02:28 Understanding the Fourth Turning

06:22 Real-Life Impacts of the Fourth Turning

10:46 The Role of Social Media and Division

17:38 Strategies for Staying Grounded

24:34 Conclusion: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

FREE INVESTING CLASS: Enroll Here

 Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free investment cheatsheet

Unlearning Money Myths: A Nurse's Journey to Financial Freedom  

In this episode I share with you my journey to financial freedom by debunking common money myths that held me back. It is important to unlearning beliefs such as working overtime to get rich, the necessity of homeownership, and the misconception that investing is only for the rich. I also emphasized the value of side hustles, the importance of a money mindset, and redefines retirement beyond the age of 65.   Through these experiences and new financial philosophies, I hope you're able to rethink your money beliefs to achieve financial independence.    

00:00 Introduction: Breaking Down Money Beliefs

01:34 Belief #1: Overtime Work is the Key to Wealth

04:11 Belief #2: Owning a House Equals Success

06:44Belief #3: Investing is Only for the Rich

09:01 Belief #4: Side Hustles are a Distraction

10:47 Belief #5: Money is Just About Numbers

12:33 Belief #6: Retirement Means Age 65

15:25 Conclusion: Changing Money Beliefs for a Better Future    

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free investment cheatsheet

Yes, im still here and will not go anywhere. 

here is some updates after a 3 month break from recording podcast episodes and busy "lifing" w/ moving and starting a new nurse practitioner job.

FREE INVESTING CLASS. Register Here

If you want to learn about FI/RE movement, Register Here to access the FI/RE for Nurses Workshop Replays + bonuses

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own. 

Why I Quit My Nurse Practitioner Job After 5 Years

In this video, I share the emotional journey and reasons behind my decision to quit my stable and well-paying job as a nurse practitioner. Despite loving the job and my colleagues, I chose to seek growth opportunities, better pay, and improved living conditions for my family by moving to the Bay Area. I also highlight the importance of financial stability in making such life-changing decisions, sharing details of how I prepared financially to make this leap. Stay tuned for my next video on how I wrote my resignation letter and join me on this exciting new chapter.

00:00 Why I Quit My Job as a Nurse Practitioner

01:11 The Emotional Journey of Resigning

03:02 Moving for Better Opportunities

06:44 The Importance of Financial Stability

10:58 What's Next in My Career

13:25 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

FREE INVESTING CLASS. Register Here

If you want to learn about FI/RE movement, Register Here to access the FI/RE for Nurses Workshop Replays + bonuses

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own. 

In this episode of the Scrubs and Stocks podcast, we delve into the recent performance of the stock market in 2025, specifically focusing on the importance of maintaining long-term investments rather than attempting to time market fluctuations. The S&P 500 has experienced a volatile first quarter, rebounding from a sharp decline. Practical advice is provided on strategies such as dollar-cost averaging and avoiding impulsive decisions driven by emotion, emphasizing the importance of consistency and diversification in building long-term wealth. Additional insights are drawn from the book 'The Psychology of Money,' and real-life implications for busy professionals like nurses are discussed. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, yet not overreact to market changes, and are invited to join a free investing class for further education.  

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:42 Current Stock Market Overview

01:47 Market Manipulation and Ethics

04:25 Time in the Market vs. Timing the Market

05:18 Practical Tips for Long-Term Investing

06:23 Personal Experiences and Book Recommendations

09:53 Real-Life Implications for Nurses

14:10 Final Thoughts and Free Investing Class    

FREE INVESTING CLASS. Register Here

If you want to learn about FI/RE movement, Register Here to access the FI/RE for Nurses Workshop Replays + bonuses

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own. 

 The Truth that you need to hear about Nurses Week

In this episode, the focus is on what nurses truly need beyond the superficial gifts of Nurses Week. I talked about the importance of financial independence for nurses, sharing my personal journey into investing and the significant role it played in improving my job satisfaction and career options. I highly encourage nurses to focus on financial wellness to achieve true appreciation and autonomy in our profession.

If you want to learn about FI/RE movement, Register Here to access the FI/RE for Nurses Workshop Replays + bonuses

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own. 

In this episode of the podcast, the host welcomes Ari Taublieb CFP, the host of the Early Retirement Podcast, to discuss the ins and outs of early retirement. Ari shares his journey from a would-be professional soccer player to a certified financial planner disenchanted with traditional financial strategies aimed at the ultra-wealthy. He critiques the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, advocating instead for Financial Independence and Recreational Employment. Ari emphasizes the importance of planning for personalized financial goals rather than adhering to broad and often misleading retirement formulas. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the utility of brokerage accounts, the impact of taxes on retirement planning, and the 4% rule. Ari offers practical advice on achieving financial independence without sacrificing quality of life, while also offering resources like his Early Retirement Academy to help listeners design their own early retirement plans.  

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Guest

00:39 Ari's Perspective on Early Retiremen

t 02:37 Ari's Journey to Early Retirement Advocacy

04:51 Advice for Nurses Considering Early Retirement

06:09 The Power of Investing for Early Retirement

09:40 Planning for Big Expenses in Retirement

12:46 Critique of the 4% Rule and Alternative Strategies

15:04 Navigating Market Fluctuations in Retirement

15:34 The 4% Rule and Financial Flexibility

16:32 When to Seek Financial Advice

17:45 The Importance of Self-Education in Finance

18:41 Investment Accounts for Early Retirement

20:33 Tax Strategies for Early Retirement

23:05 Planning for Early Retirement

25:16 Redefining Retirement and Personal Goals

27:58 Resources and Recommendations  

To connect with Ari: @earlyretirementari

If you want to learn about FI/RE movement, Register Here to access the FI/RE for Nurses Workshop Replays + bonuses

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own. 

In this episode, I talked about  the concept of financial freedom and shares three impactful lessons from my journey as a nurse. I explained what financial independence and the FIRE movement (Financial Independence Retire Early) are, and highlight my achievement of 'Coast FI,' a state where one's investments grow to cover retirement expenses without further contributions. 

The three main lessons shared are: 1) Money is a tool, not a goal, urging listeners to use money intentionally to create the life they want; 2) Investing is more powerful than merely earning more, emphasizing the importance of starting early to take advantage of compound interest; 3) Financial freedom is built on systems, not willpower, stressing the need for automated, consistent financial habits.

If you want to learn about FI/RE movement, REGISTER HERE TO GET EARLY BIRD pricing for my financial independence/Retire early workshop for nurses. (NURSE WEEK SPECIAL)

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own. 

In this episode, I talked about MY financial freedom strategy and WHAT is the BEST strategy for you. I talked about what I focus on my journey which is making more money as a nurse, starting a business and investing in stock market assets. 

REGISTER FOR THE FREE INVESTING CLASS: https://www.nursewhoinvests.com/class

Scrubs and Stocks Podcast is a podcast hosted by Ellaine Maala, RN, NP who is a finance educator, nurse, and owner of NursingFlowsheet LLC, which is a finance and career blog for nurses. This podcast is created to help nurses build wealth through investing in the stock market, real estate or in their own businesses.

Nurses deserve options whether they want to retire early or work until retirement.

If you want to connect with Ellaine, follow her on:

Instagram: @nursewhoinvests

TikTok: @nursewhoinvests

Blog: nursingflowsheet.com , nursewhoinvests.com

Download my free checklist on what you need to do before investing: PREREQ CHECKLIST

“Stay Hydrated and Stay Invested!” - your rich nurse bestie

SHOW DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this platform are their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the institutions with which they are affiliated. Any information provided by guests is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. It is important to note that individual perspectives may vary.  The hosts and the platform do not endorse or validate the opinions expressed by guests regarding their respective institutions. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify any information provided and to form their own opinions based on a comprehensive consideration of various perspectives. Opinions are our own.