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Many veterinarians focus on reaching a specific retirement number, but what happens when life doesn't follow the plan?

In this episode, Tom Seeko explores why financial independence is about more than hitting a savings goal. He discusses how life events, career changes, business ownership, market shifts, health issues, and evolving priorities can impact even the most carefully constructed financial plans.

Tom breaks down three key areas that can help create a more adaptable financial strategy:

• Protecting against risks that could disrupt your income or business
 • Building consistent saving habits
 • Creating balance across different types of assets and tax buckets

Whether you're an associate veterinarian, practice owner, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a different perspective on building a financial life designed to adjust as your circumstances change.

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5-part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances:
5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment:
Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice:
Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

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Student loan changes have left many veterinarians feeling uncertain about what to do next.

Should you focus on paying down debt? Build savings? Contribute to retirement accounts? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think.

In this episode of the Smarter Vet Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett discuss how veterinarians can create balance between managing student loans and building financial stability. They break down recent student loan repayment changes, emergency savings strategies, retirement planning considerations, and practical steps to help you make thoughtful financial decisions without letting debt take over your life.

Key topics include:

• Why the answer to "save or pay off debt?" is often both
• Building an emergency reserve before aggressively paying down loans
• How employer retirement matches can accelerate progress
• Understanding repayment plan changes and forgiveness opportunities
• Creating flexibility and financial control through savings
• A six-step framework for prioritizing debt repayment and long-term goals

Listen now and learn how to build a financial strategy that supports both today's needs and tomorrow's goals.

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5-part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances:
5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment:
Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice:
Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

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Hiring in veterinary medicine is still competitive — but the rules are changing. In this episode, Tom Seeko sits down with Stacy Pursell, founder and CEO of The VET Recruiter, to unpack what veterinary employers need to understand right now about hiring, retention, culture, and leadership.

Stacy shares how she became the first recruiter in the U.S. to specialize exclusively in animal health and veterinary recruiting, what she’s seeing in today’s candidate-driven market, and why employer branding matters more than ever.

You’ll also hear practical insights on:

• Why “retention starts on day one” (and what many practices miss with onboarding)
• The role of communication, clarity, and leadership presence in reducing turnover
• Why flexibility, workplace culture, and support staff impact hiring success
• What “Always Be Hiring” really looks like — and how a talent pipeline helps you stay ahead

Contact our Guest: Stacy Pursell, CEO of The VET Recruiter (executive search & recruiting in animal health/veterinary space): https://thevetrecruiter.com/contact/  | https://thevetrecruiter.com/ | https://animalhealthnewsandviews.com/ 

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5-part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances:
 5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment:
 Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice:
 Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/flveterinaryadvisors/
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LinkedIn-https://linkedin.com/company/flvetadvisors
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In this thought-provoking SVP Rewind episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett welcome Dr. William Anton, licensed psychologist, three-time author, and founder of CEOeffectiveness.com, for an honest conversation about mental health, personal development, and the mindset shifts that can help us lead more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Anton explores why seeking therapy or psychological coaching should be viewed as a sign of growth rather than weakness, describing it as the “emotional equivalent of graduate school.” He shares how our early experiences influence the beliefs, habits, and perspectives we carry into adulthood—and how many of those patterns can quietly hold us back from reaching our full potential.

Together, they discuss a broader, more empowering view of mental health that goes beyond diagnoses and focuses on self-awareness, resilience, and continuous improvement. Whether you're a veterinary practice owner, leader, or professional looking to grow personally and professionally, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming internal barriers and becoming a more effective version of yourself.

Original air date: June 2025

To contact Dr. Anton, or to purchase one of his books, please visit CEOeffectiveness.com. 

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no-cost, 5-part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances -
 5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment
 Test My Personal Financial IQ - https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice -
 Schedule a time: https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

Check out our social media channels
 Facebook-https://facebook.com/flvetadvisors
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YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK-PzGDIch3vzKiAjWVrQQ

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What does it really mean to be a leader?

In this Smarter Vet Podcast Rewind, Tom Seeko sits down with Dr. Ernie Ward to discuss leadership, self-development, imposter syndrome, mental health, and the habits that help veterinary professionals thrive.

Dr. Ward shares why leadership isn't limited to practice owners and managers, how veterinarians can overcome self-limiting beliefs, and why investing in your physical and mental well-being is essential for long-term success.

Whether you're a new graduate, an associate veterinarian, a practice owner, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating challenges, building confidence, and becoming the leader of your own life.

Listen as they discuss:

• Imposter syndrome in veterinary medicine
 • The difference between managing others and leading yourself
 • Why mental and physical health drive professional success
 • Overcoming self-limiting beliefs
 • The importance of lifelong learning and growth

Learn more about Dr. Ward and contact him: Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT | Instagram, Facebook | Email

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5-part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances:
5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment:
Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice:
Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/flveterinaryadvisors/
Facebook-https://facebook.com/flvetadvisors
LinkedIn-https://linkedin.com/company/flvetadvisors
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@floridaveterinaryadvisors7665

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Veterinarians are making rapid-fire decisions all day — and the cognitive load is real. In today’s episode, Tom sits down with Dr. Jamie Laity, founder of SmartVet AI, to talk about how AI can serve as clinical decision support, reduce mental fatigue, and help improve confidence when interpreting blood work.

Jamie shares her journey from practice owner to mobile practitioner, and how her day-to-day challenges inspired her to create a tool that blends pattern recognition, differentials, client-friendly summaries, and quick next-step recommendations.

SmartVet AI isn’t about replacing veterinary brains—it's about supporting them so vets can spend less time wrestling with data and more time focusing on patients, clients, and balance in their lives.

📍 Learn more about SmartVet AI: smartvetai.com
🎧 View episode library & resources: https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

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In this episode, Tom sits down with Brian Wine, Founder and CEO of The Wine Group, the leading brokerage specializing in veterinary hospital real estate and practice sales across the United States. 

Brian shares his unconventional path from film and entertainment into becoming the #1 seller of veterinary real estate in the country, and breaks down the key decisions practice owners face when evaluating whether to buy, lease, sell, or hold their property.

You’ll learn:
• The major differences between owning vs. leasing (and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer)
• How lenders evaluate veterinary real estate and why financing may be more accessible than many owners assume
• The biggest misconceptions around valuing veterinary properties
• How to future‑proof your real estate and avoid costly lease mistakes
• Strategies to monetize both your business and your property while protecting long‑term legacy

Whether you’re an aspiring owner, seasoned practice leader, or preparing for transition, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5 part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances.
5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment
Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice.
Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

Check out our social media channels
Facebook-https://facebook.com/flvetadvisors
LinkedIn-https://linkedin.com/company/flvetadvisors
YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK-PzGDIch3vzKiAjWVrQQ

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What if your veterinary practice could run more efficiently—without adding more stress to your team?

In this episode, Tom Seeko sits down with veterinary technician specialist and MBA Kelly Cronin to explore how practices can rethink operations, improve workflows, and better support their teams.

From remote team members to AI tools and smarter delegation, Kelly shares practical insights into how practices can reduce front-desk bottlenecks, improve client experiences, and create more sustainable team environments.

Whether you're struggling with staffing, overwhelmed by administrative tasks, or looking for ways to better support your team, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on working smarter in veterinary medicine.

🔗 Learn more: https://linktr.ee/kellylynncronin 

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5 part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances.
 5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment
Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice.
Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

Check out our social media channels
Facebook-https://facebook.com/flvetadvisors
LinkedIn-https://linkedin.com/company/flvetadvisors
YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAK-PzGDIch3vzKiAjWVrQQ

Send us Fan Mail

Why do so many veterinary practice owners regret selling?

In part 4 of this series, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko break down the most common reasons owners feel uncertain—or even regretful—after exiting their practice.

From selling too early or too late, to overlooking taxes and deal structure, to losing identity after the sale… the decision to sell is more than just a financial transaction.

You’ll learn:

• Why timing isn’t just about the market
• How taxes and deal structure can impact your outcome
• What many owners overlook before selling
• Why life after the sale needs just as much planning as the exit itself
• How identity, routine, and purpose play a role in regret

If you're thinking about selling—or even questioning when the right time is—this episode will help you think through both the financial and personal sides of the decision.

🎧 Listen now: https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

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Selling your veterinary practice can create a significant financial milestone—but it also introduces a new challenge: how do you turn that lump sum into reliable income?

In Part 3 of this 4-part series, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett break down what happens after the sale and why many veterinarians feel uncertain about their financial future. From income gaps and market risk to tax considerations and lifestyle changes, this episode explores the real concerns practice owners face.

You’ll also learn a strategic framework designed to help create more clarity and confidence around income planning—so your next chapter feels as steady as the one you built.

🎧 Tune in to start thinking differently about what comes next.

Smarter Vet Podcast-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

Watch the no cost 5-part video course to review your finances and see where you could be doing better in your finances:
5 Foundational Steps to Financial Balance Video Course-http://series.flvetadvisors.com/

Find out what you could be overlooking within your practice by taking our brief assessment:
Test My Personal Financial IQ-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/

Sign up for a complimentary phone call to talk about how to get better use of all the cash inside your practice:
Schedule a time-https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/contact-us

Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/flveterinaryadvisors/
Facebook-https://facebook.com/flvetadvisors
LinkedIn-https://linkedin.com/company/flvetadvisors
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@floridaveterinaryadvisors7665