Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

In this rewind of a popular episode, Andrew Berkin, PhD - head of research at Bridgeway Capital Mangement and author of The Incredible Shrinking Alpha - joins the podcast to discuss why active investment management fails, and why you're unlikely to get the outperformance you're looking for. 

Evon and Andrew dive into:

• Research behind why active management fails - both for individual investors and professional managers
• What an "efficient market" means, and why stock markets are efficient
• What is passive investing? 
• Why passive investing goes beyond index funds
• What investor SHOULD focus on, if not trying to actively pick investments.
• And so much more!

Andrew brings so much wisdom and expertise to the conversation. Hopefully this helps optometrists better understand their own investment approach and why it may or may not make sense.

And hopefully it encourages you to take an evidence-based, research-based approach to investing, just like you might take an evidence-based approach to optometry.

Have questions on anything discussed or want to have topics or questions featured on the show? Send Evon an email at [email protected].

Check out www.optometrywealth.com to get to know more about Evon, his financial planning firm Optometry Wealth Advisors, and how he helps optometrists nationwide. From there, you can schedule a short Intro call to share what's on your mind and learn how Evon helps ODs master their cash flow and debt, build their net worth, and plan purposefully around their money and their practices. 

Resources mentioned on this episode:

• Andrew Berkin, PhD - Bridgeway Capital Management
• Perspectives - Bridgeway Capital Management
• The Incredible Shrinking Alpha book
• Your Complete Guide to Factor-Based Investing book
• SPIVA Active vs. Passive Scorecard
• SPIVA US Persistency Scorecard

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

In this episode of the Optometry Money Podcast, Evon Mendrin talks with Dr. Neda Gioia, the owner of Integrative Vision. Dr. Gioia shares her journey into optometry, what led her to cold-start her own practice, and how a personal health crisis inspired her to adopt an integrative healthcare approach within optometry. She discusses how she blends traditional eye care with holistic health practices, addressing root causes of dysfunction rather than just treating symptoms.

Dr. Gioia also dives into her transition from insurance-based to a concierge model of care, the challenges of integrating holistic healthcare into an optometry practice, and how she navigates patient education and staff training to make her practice unique and impactful.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrative Healthcare in Optometry: Dr. Gioia explains how addressing root causes rather than just symptoms benefits patients holistically.
2. Transition to a Concierge Model: She shares insights into moving away from insurance and creating a more personalized, patient-centered approach.
3. Education and Patient Engagement: Learn how Dr. Gioia educates her staff and patients about the benefits of holistic health practices.
4. Practice Management Tips: Practical advice on starting small, trial and error, and gradually building a holistic model within an optometry practice.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Discover the biggest obstacles Dr. Gioia faced, from patient communication to system integration.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Integrative Vision Website
• Dr. Neda Gioia's Website
• American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
• Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society
• American Nutrition Association
• Institute of Functional Medicine

Connect with Us:

• Visit our Website
• Send your questions to [email protected]

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Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more episodes of the Optometry Money Podcast.

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

How can optometrists improve their portfolios beyond basic index funds, without risky trading? Evon Mendrin provides an OD's guide to Factor-Based Investing.

Evon discusses:

• What factors are and their role in investment returns.
• Five criteria to identify reliable investment factors.
• Key factors: Market, Small, Value, Profitability, Investment, and Momentum.
• Why factors exist, explained through risk and behavioral finance.
• Common misconceptions around factor investing.
• Practical tips for implementing factors in your portfolio, including tilting and core-and-satellite approaches.
• Who should and shouldn’t consider factor investing based on goals and risk tolerance.

This episode highlights a disciplined, long-term investment strategy. While it's certainly not guaranteed, it can be an evidence, research-backed approach to improving your portfolio without falling into the trap of active investment trading. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Ep 94: Why Active Investment Management Fails with Andrew Berkin, PhD
• "Your Complete Guide to Factor-Based Investing" by Andrew Berkin and Larry Swedroe
• Movie: DFA's Tune Out The Noise

Questions?
Email Evon at [email protected].

Stay Connected:

• Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.
• Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory call

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it!

Thanks for listening!

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

How should optometrists approach investing their hard-earned money? With thousands of mutual funds and countless investment strategies, deciding can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Evon dives deep into index investing—explaining clearly why passive investing through broad market index funds consistently outperforms active management.

He explores the fascinating history of index funds, the robust academic research behind them, and exactly why an evidence-based, passive approach makes sense for optometrists. Evon also breaks down common misconceptions around "settling for average" and explains how choosing simplicity, lower costs, and broad diversification can significantly boost long-term investment success.

You likely aim to take an evidence-based approach to optometry, and Evon's suggestion is to take the same approach to finance and investing.

Highlights of the Episode:

• What Exactly Are Index Funds?
  Evon defines indexes and index funds clearly, showing how they provide easy access to broad markets at low cost.
• The Fascinating History Behind Index Funds
  Learn how groundbreaking academic research in the 1960s and 70s led to the creation of index funds, and why the initial skepticism turned into widespread adoption.
• Evidence of Index Funds Outperforming Active Management
  Evon shares compelling data, such as the SPIVA Report findings, showing that over 80-90% of active managers fail to beat their benchmark index over long periods.
• Why Active Investing Often Falls Short
  Explaining why consistently outperforming the market through active investing is incredibly challenging.
• Fees and Taxes Matter
  Understand how high fees and tax inefficiencies can significantly erode your returns, making index funds even more attractive.
• Diversification is Your Friend
  Evon details shocking statistics about individual stock performance and shows how index funds naturally diversify your portfolio, increasing your odds of owning top-performing stocks.
• Simplicity is Strength
  Discover why investing doesn't need to be complex, and how simplicity through index investing can lead to better investment behavior and results.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ep 94: Why Active Investment Management Fails with Andrew Berkin, PhD
• SPIVA Report - Year End 2024
• S&P's US Persistency Scorecard - Year End 2023
• Morningstar’s Active/Passive Barometer
• Hendrick Bessembinder (2018): Do Stocks Outperform Treasury Bills?
• Movie: DFA's Tune Out The Noise
• Book: A Random Walk Down Wall Street

Stay Connected:

• Click here to Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter for weekly financial insights tailored specifically to optometrists.
• Have Questions? CLICK HERE to schedule a short introductory call

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

Are you pulling the right levers in your tax planning?

In this episode, Evon walks through key strategic levers you can (and should) be using to improve your tax outcomes as an optometrist—especially if you're a private practice owner. 

aWhile most conversations focus on deductions, this episode takes a step back to look at the full tax picture and the levers that truly move the needle in your personal and practice finances.

You'll learn:

• How the flow of a tax return works and why it matters for planning
• The types of income that trigger different tax treatment
• Why Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is one of the most important numbers to watch
• What to know about the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction—and how to avoid phasing out
• A strategic case study showing how one planning move unlocked multiple tax benefits
• How to think about tax payments, safe harbor rules, and avoiding surprises at tax time

📄 Referenced in the Episode:

• Independent Strong article on Tax Planning Levers
• The Optometry Money Podcast Ep 51: An Optometrist’s Guide to the Qualified Business Income Deduction
• Blog: An Optometrist’s Guide to the Qualified Income Business (QBI) Deduction
• Schedule your Intro Call today! 

📬 Subscribe to the Eyes On The Money Newsletter
Stay up to date on financial strategies just for optometrists, plus get your free 2025 financial planning guide: Click HERE to subscribe.

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast, host Evon Mendrin welcomes back Erich Mattei of Akrinos for a follow-up conversation focused on creating a pathway for associate doctors to become partners in your optometry practice.

Whether you're an owner thinking about bringing on a partner or an associate doctor aiming to own part of a practice, this episode unpacks the key considerations you need to know.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The motivations for bringing on a partner (succession planning, growth, and shared leadership)
• Why starting the conversation early is critical for practice owners
• What owners should look for in a future partner beyond clinical skills
• How modernizing business operations can make ownership more attractive
• The essentials of structuring a partnership: timelines, financing options, and compensation
• Legal documents you must have when structuring partnerships and exits
• Final tips for owners and associates to create win-win opportunities

Resources Mentioned:

• Ep 124: Scaling and Freedom – When, Why, and How to Add an Associate Optometrist with Erich Mattei
• Women in Optometry: Guiding the Future: Doctor’s Transition Plan Begins to Take Shape
• Learn more about Akrinos: Akrinos Website
• Eyes on the Money Weekly Newsletter - Get 2025's Most Important Numbers
• The Partnership Charter by David Gage

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

In this episode, Evon Mendrin, CFP® dives into the latest twists in the federal student loan landscape—and what they mean for optometrists using income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. There’s big news on SAVE plan court rulings, loan consolidations, and IDR recertifications. But more than that, Evon explores the deeper question: What are the tradeoffs you accept when choosing an IDR path toward forgiveness?

Whether you’re a recent graduate figuring out your repayment plan or a practice owner managing loans alongside business goals, this episode breaks down the current student loan climate and the ongoing volatility—and why you should base your decision on math and personal tolerance for policy uncertainty.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• The most recent updates to federal student loans
• What’s happening with student loan consolidation and past payment history
• Why IDR recertification deadlines have been pushed back—and what to do if yours wasn’t processed
• The current status of IDR applications (they're back!) and why servicers aren’t processing them (yet)
• The key tradeoffs to consider when planning around forgiveness vs. full repayment
• How student loans compare to other long-term financial decisions in terms of uncertainty and control

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Eyes On The Money Weekly Newsletter – Sign up and get your 2025 Financial Guide
• Student Loan SAVE Plan Court Case Guidance
• Have a question or want to dive into your student loan strategy? Reach out at [email protected]

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

Welcome back to The Optometry Money Podcast! In this episode, host Evon Mendrin, CFP®, dives into the topic of stock market declines—a reality for every long-term investor. With headlines buzzing about economic concerns, tariffs, and policy changes, market volatility can feel unsettling. But how common are market declines really? And what should optometrists do when they happen?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How often stock market declines occur—historical data on 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% drops
 ✅ What happens after market declines—average returns after 1, 3, and 5 years
 ✅ The importance of diversification and why international stocks matter
 ✅ Why trying to time the market is dangerous and can hurt long-term returns
 ✅ Key actions optometrists can take during a market downturn
 ✅ How rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and Roth conversions can be smart financial moves
 ✅ Why staying the course is the best strategy for long-term investors

Market declines are normal and expected, but they don’t have to derail your investment plan. Evon shares valuable insights to help optometrists make informed decisions, stay disciplined, and continue building their financial future—even during uncertain times.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Click here to Sign up for the Eyes On The Money Newsletter and get your Guide to 2025's Most Important Numbers
🔗 Learn more about Optometry Wealth Advisors – www.optometrywealth.com
🔗 Have a question? Contact Evon – [email protected]

Resources & Links:

🔗 US Stock Market History of Ups and Downs
🔗 Reacting Can Hurt Performance - Missed Days Hurts Returns
🔗 Markets Have Rewarded Disciplined Investors

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow OD! And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

The student loan landscape is shifting again! In this episode, Evon breaks down the latest updates on the SAVE Plan, the recent court rulings, and what these changes mean for optometrists navigating their student loan repayment.

With major legal challenges in play, borrowers on SAVE are currently in interest-free forbearance, but the future of the program remains uncertain. Evon unpacks the key takeaways from the recent 8th Circuit Court of Appeals decision, discusses potential next steps, and shares what optometrists should consider when making student loan repayment decisions.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Background on the SAVE Plan & Legal Challenges – Why the courts put SAVE on hold and what’s next
✅ What This Means for Optometrists – How the latest rulings impact those on SAVE, PAYE, and IBR plans
✅ Should You Switch Plans? – Factors to consider before making a move
✅ Tax Strategies for Student Loan Borrowers – Filing tips to optimize student loan repayment
✅ Preparing for Uncertainty – Practical steps to protect your financial future

Key Takeaways:

💡 The SAVE Plan is currently blocked, and applications for income-driven repayment plans & loan consolidation are unavailable.
💡 Borrowers on SAVE forbearance are not accruing interest, but these months do not count toward forgiveness.
💡 Income-Based Repayment (IBR) is still available and could be an alternative for some borrowers.
💡 If you’re going for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), the recent rulings do not impact the program directly, but timing your repayment strategy is critical.
💡 Tax planning is essential – Your tax filing status (Married Filing Separately vs. Jointly) and timing of recertification can significantly affect student loan payments.

Actionable Steps for Optometrists:

🔹 If you’re on SAVE forbearance – Consider whether staying put or switching to IBR/PAYE (when applications reopen) makes sense for your situation.
🔹 If you’re nearing forgiveness (20-25 years) – Switching to IBR sooner may be necessary to receive forgiveness.
🔹 If you’re married – Review tax filing strategies to exclude spousal income from payment calculations.
🔹 If your income has increased significantly – Be aware that switching to IBR/PAYE could trigger higher payments.
🔹 If you’re pursuing PSLF – Understand the buyback provision and how it affects your repayment plan.

Resources & Next Steps:

📩 Get More Updates! Stay informed with our Eyes on the Money Newsletter for the latest financial strategies tailored for optometrists. Subscribe here.

📅 Need Student Loan Help? Book a free intro call with Evon to discuss your student loan strategy and overall financial plan. Schedule a call here.

📢 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a fellow OD who needs to hear this!

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.

Questions? Thoughts? Send a Text to The Optometry Money Podcast!

In this episode of The Optometry Money Podcast, Evon Mendrin, CFP®, sits down with Dr. Jennifer Stewart and Dr. Aaron Neufeld to dive into one of the biggest career decisions optometrists face: Should you cold start a practice or buy an existing one?

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Neufeld bring their expertise as practice owners and consultants to break down the most common misconceptions around both options, the biggest mistakes new owners make, and how to make the right decision for your career and financial future.

They share insights from their work with ODs on Finance’s Cold Start and Practice Purchase Accelerator programs, offering real-world advice on choosing a location, handling financing, managing staff transitions, and much more.

If you’re considering starting or purchasing an optometry practice, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you confidently navigate the journey to ownership.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The biggest misconceptions about cold-starting vs. buying a practice
• How to determine if practice ownership is right for you
• Choosing the right location for a cold start practice
• Financing and financial planning considerations for both paths
• Vision plans: Should a cold start accept them?
• Common staffing and patient retention challenges after buying a practice
• How to manage change effectively in an acquired practice
• Why you don’t have to go at it alone—and how to find expert guidance

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dr. Jennifer Stewart on LinkedIn
• Connect with Dr. Aaron Neufeld on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Cold Start & Practice Purchase Accelerator Programs at ODs on Finance.
• Recommended Book: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
• Have a question or topic request? Email Evon at [email protected]
• Visit the Optometry Wealth Advisors Education Hub for more resources, episodes, and articles.
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Want to Work with Evon?

Curious about how financial planning can help you make smarter decisions for your practice and personal finances? CLICK HERE to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with Evon Mendrin, CFP®.

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.