In early July, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, bringing sweeping changes to student loans. In this episode of the Veterinary Financial Podcast, I’m breaking down what the bill means for veterinarians who have already graduated and are already in repayment.

Key topics include:

• What happens if you're on IBR, PAYE, or SAVE
• A closer look at the new 30-year RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)
• What happens if you don’t make a new plan selection by 2028
• Important tax and spousal income considerations
• A couple of bright spots—like employer benefits and servicer funding

I also answer top questions from the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group and share what vets should be thinking about now to stay ahead of the changes.

Stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll focus on how the bill impacts current and future vet students.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Debt-Free Vets Facebook Group

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I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Allvet Financial - a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm serving veterinarians and their partners nationwide.

In this episode, I share the story behind starting my own firm, my path from ER vet to financial planner, and why I believe vet-specific financial planning matters.

You’ll hear about:

• Why I launched a firm built just for veterinarians

• My transition from ER vet to financial planner

• How I help clients navigate student loans, income shifts, and big decisions

• The challenges vets face that most planners don’t understand

• What it’s like to work with me at Allvet Financial


If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to connect!

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Are you working relief shifts as a self-employed vet—or thinking about it? In this Q&A episode, I answer some of the most common questions that came up when I recently asked the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group: “Self-employed relief vets—what financial questions do you have?” From choosing the right business structure to navigating taxes, retirement savings, and health insurance, we cover the essentials (and the often-overlooked details) that can make or break your financial confidence as a relief vet.

• Do you need an LLC or PLLC to do relief work?
• Why getting an EIN can protect your privacy
• How to separate business and personal finances (and why it matters)
• Pros and cons of a Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA
• Navigating quarterly taxes
• Common tax write-offs for relief vets

• Contact Meredith: [email protected]
• Debt-Free Vets Facebook Group
• Episode 59: Perfectionist Traps That Are Costing You Money

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Student loans are still in a state of chaos, and Meredith Jones, DVM, CSLP®, AFC® is here to help you make sense of it all. From court rulings to sweeping legislative proposals, borrowers are facing a confusing and rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're pursuing forgiveness, considering switching repayment plans, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode helps you understand what’s happening now, what could be coming, and what actions (if any) veterinarians and vet students should take.

Key topics:

• The status of the SAVE plan and what borrowers should consider if switching to IBR

• What’s actually in the House reconciliation bill—aka the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

• How the proposed RAP plan could impact veterinarians specifically

• What changes might be coming to PSLF, Grad PLUS, and borrowing limits for future vet students

• Why panicking (or refinancing) is not the move right now

• One overlooked benefit in the bill that could help borrowers long term

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Debt-Free Vets Facebook Group
• Adam Minsky – Student Loan Updates on Forbes

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A lot of well-meaning advice says to put money into a Traditional IRA to lower your tax bill. But for most veterinarians, that move can backfire. We’ve seen it again and again: smart, hardworking vets unknowingly setting themselves up for a bigger tax hit down the road. We’re breaking down why that happens, who should be using Traditional IRAs, and where your money might be better off instead. It’s not about scaring you off IRAs completely, it’s about showing you how to make smarter, more tax-efficient choices.

Key moments:

(03:47) Traditional IRA income limits are lower than you think, and many vets can’t get the tax deduction

(10:43) Smarter places to put your money if a Traditional IRA isn’t the right fit

(12:02) Backdoor Roths get messy if you’ve already contributed to a Traditional IRA

(17:41) Locking up your money with no tax benefit can hurt you more than help long-term

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Student loan benefits at work sound great on paper, but understanding the details requires asking the right questions. The tax-free $5,250 benefit established under the American Rescue Plan Act sunsets after 2025, which changes the long-term value proposition. We're breaking down crucial questions to ask: Does this payment count toward forgiveness program requirements? What about private loans? We'll also discuss that eye-catching $60k benefit being marketed to vet students by a major hospital group and explore alternatives worth considering during negotiations.

Key moments:

(04:20) Tax-free student loan benefits expire after 2025 (and it could cost you money)

(10:34) Directly negotiating a higher salary may be better than complex student loan benefits

(12:55) Benefits paid across several years assume longer employment than a vet may maintain with that employer

(15:05) Employer loan benefits don't always reduce monthly payments

(18:01) Career path alignment matters more than student loan benefit packages

Link mentioned in this episode:

• Employer Student Loan Repayment Benefit: Amazing for Some, Unhelpful for Most

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Ever noticed how veterinarians give each other the most conflicting financial advice? We've spotted some truly head-scratching tips being shared across vet med forums and Facebook groups. We're breaking down some popular but problematic mantras like "everyone should pay off their loans ASAP" or "always choose a Roth 401(k)” and tackling the biggest misunderstandings around tax filing status and production pay. Your finances deserve the same nuanced approach you give your patients — let's talk about finding YOUR path to financial success, not someone else's oversimplified version of it.

Key moments:

(04:06) The Roth 401(k) debate — what's right depends on your individual financial situation

(10:49) Marriage tax filing status should reflect your student loan repayment strategy

(17:11) Are your production bonuses really taxed more? The truth behind the withholding

(21:03) The math proves it: bigger paychecks win even with income-driven repayment

Link mentioned in this episode:

• 2025 AVMA Economic State of the Profession Report

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When a San Diego couple found a mortgage lender advertising a lower interest rate than competitors, they thought they'd made a smart financial decision — until just before closing day and a sudden ultimatum nearly cost them their dream home.

We’re unpacking what went wrong and sharing what questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and strategies to balance competitive rates with quality service. For vets, this is the straight talk on what actually matters when you're making probably the biggest purchase of your life.

Key moments:

(02:28) Working with several lenders is normal during the home-buying process

(08:06) Surprise revelation

(14:36) How veterinarians can avoid mortgage lending pitfalls when buying homes

(18:25) Interview multiple loan officers, but remember that the lowest rate isn't always the best deal

(21:42) The realtor matters more than their company — prioritize individual fit over agency name

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Your perfectionist mindset (the one that makes you an amazing doctor) might not be doing your finances any favors. Here’s what we mean: You’re making countless decisions every single day — from complex medical calls to juggling client conversations to managing your packed schedule. By the time you get to your finances, your brain is fried. So you either overthink everything or just avoid money decisions completely. Learn how perfectionism can show up in your financial life and explore practical strategies to make financial decisions when you're already dealing with decision fatigue.

Key moments:

(04:41) Overcoming analysis paralysis with the “dart method”

(07:09) Set up your 401(k) now — the “worst” investment choice beats waiting for the perfect option later

(11:01) Perfectionism about investing for your student loan tax bomb is actually costing you thousands

(14:39) You're smart enough to do anything, but that doesn't mean you should do everything yourself

(17:08) The one mindset shift that will dramatically improve your finances as a veterinarian

Interested in vet-specific financial planning?

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Veterinarians are no strangers to financial stress, especially when it comes to student loans. But what happens when those forgiven loans turn into a massive tax bill? Discover what you need to know about the looming tax bomb with student loan forgiveness and how to avoid the costly mistakes vets make when trying to save for it.

Key moments:

(03:20) Using retirement accounts for the tax bomb isn’t the best idea

(04:36) The Roth IRA’s “break glass” option lets you withdraw contributions penalty-free, but there’s a catch

(09:27) Declaring insolvency as a last resort

(17:48) How much should you actually save for the tax bomb?

Interested in vet-specific financial planning?

Schedule a free intro call or email [email protected]

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• Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music
• Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts