Smarter Vet Financial Podcast

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Many financial decisions feel easier to postpone.

"I'll save after my student loans are gone."

"I'll plan later."

"I'll start when things settle down."

In this episode, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett explore the hidden costs of waiting and why delaying action may be costing more than you realize.

They discuss common reasons veterinarians postpone important financial decisions, including student loans, home purchases, practice ownership, retirement planning, and insurance coverage. They also walk through a real-world example showing how delaying savings by just five years could create a significant difference in long-term wealth accumulation.

Whether you're early in your career, building a practice, or thinking about your future transition strategy, this conversation highlights why progress often starts with a single intentional step.

🎯 Take the Personal Financial IQ Assessment: https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/client-assessment/

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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What does it take to go from practicing veterinary medicine to building and scaling a successful business?

In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko sits down with Dr. John Younker, DVM, MBA, veterinarian, entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Vet Launch.

Dr. Younker shares his journey from emergency medicine to practice ownership, including how he helped grow a veterinary hospital, opened his own clinics, scaled to multiple locations, and ultimately navigated a successful practice sale. Along the way, he discusses leadership, systems, business growth, and what veterinarians should consider when exploring ownership opportunities.

Topics discussed include:

• Transitioning from clinician to entrepreneur
 • Building systems that support growth
 • Leadership lessons from scaling a team
 • Practice ownership realities and challenges
 • Preparing a business for long-term flexibility and value
 • Why veterinarians should understand the financial side of their practices

Whether you're considering ownership, currently running a practice, or simply curious about the business side of veterinary medicine, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who has experienced the journey firsthand.

Learn more about Dr. John Younker and Vet Launch:

• LinkedIn: Dr. John Younker, DVM, MBA - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-younker-dvm-mba/ 
• Vet Launch Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/@thevetlaunch 

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

Send us Fan Mail

What happens to your veterinary practice if you're unable to work?

Many practice owners focus on personal disability insurance, but often overlook how a disability could impact their practice, employees, business partners, and long-term business value.

In this episode, Florida Veterinary Advisors co-founders Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett discuss the three areas of disability planning practice owners should understand:

• Individual Disability Insurance (IDI)
 • Business Overhead Expense (BOE) Insurance
 • Business Buyout (BBO) Insurance

They explain how each type of coverage works, common gaps they see among practice owners, and why reviewing existing coverage may be one of the most important conversations a business owner can have.

Whether you're a solo owner or have partners, this episode highlights practical considerations that can help protect your practice when the unexpected happens.

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

Send us Fan Mail

Veterinarian salaries have increased significantly over the last decade. Production bonuses, signing bonuses, relief work opportunities, and practice ownership distributions are creating more earning potential than ever before.

So why do so many veterinarians still feel stuck financially?

In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett discuss the "Gross Income Trap" and why focusing solely on your salary can create a false sense of financial progress. They break down the difference between gross income and spendable income, explore how lifestyle creep impacts financial decision making, and discuss practical ways to become more intentional with your cash flow.

You'll learn:

• Why gross income does not equal spendable income
 • How lifestyle creep affects financial progress
 • Common mistakes made with raises, bonuses, and additional income
 • Why veterinarians earning more may still feel financially stressed
 • How intentional cash flow planning can help create financial flexibility

If your income has increased but your financial life hasn't changed as much as you expected, this episode offers an important perspective.

Take the Personal Financial IQ Assessment: https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/personal-test/ 

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

Send us Fan Mail

Many veterinarians earn a good income but still wonder where their money is going.

In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett discuss lifestyle creep, the hidden cost of convenience, and why earning more money does not automatically create more financial freedom.

They explore practical ways to become more intentional with spending, establish healthier savings habits, prioritize financial protection, and build a financial life that supports long-term goals without sacrificing today's enjoyment.

If you've ever questioned whether you're saving enough, spending too much, or simply trying to find the right balance, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for making more intentional financial decisions. 

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

Send us Fan Mail

Burnout continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing veterinary professionals. But what if the solution isn't solely about working less?

In this episode, Tom Seeko sits down with veterinarian, entrepreneur, and Galaxy Vets founder Dr. Ivan Zak to discuss his personal experience with burnout, the six organizational triggers that often contribute to it, and how veterinary leaders can create healthier workplace cultures.

Dr. Zak also shares insights from building veterinary software, leading innovative organizations, and why fostering an ownership mindset can help teams become more engaged and efficient. The conversation concludes with a look at emerging AI technologies and how they may influence veterinary practices in the years ahead.

Whether you're a practice owner, leader, or veterinary professional looking to improve your workplace, this episode offers practical perspectives on leadership, culture, and the future of veterinary medicine.

Found out more about Serenity Vets https://serenity.vet/ and Galaxy Vets https://galaxyvets.com/. Connect with Dr. Zak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ivan-zak/

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

Send us Fan Mail

Most veterinarians think about compensation in terms of salary. But the true value of a veterinary position often extends far beyond a paycheck.

In this episode, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett discuss how associates and practice owners can evaluate the full compensation package, including benefits, retirement plans, PTO, workplace culture, education, and long-term career opportunities.

They also explore why understanding the difference between value and price matters when making hiring decisions, negotiating compensation, or choosing an employer.

Whether you're building a practice team, evaluating a job offer, or planning your financial future, this episode provides a broader perspective on how compensation can support both personal and professional goals.

Listen now and discover what your veterinary job may really be worth.

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

Send us Fan Mail

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

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

Send us Fan Mail

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

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

Send us Fan Mail

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