retirement

Ready to Retire? Your Financial Rx for a Smooth Transition – Free Webinar

After a long and dedicated career, the thought of retirement is both exciting and a little overwhelming. You’ve spent your life providing the best care for your patients, but who is providing the best care for your financial future? Join us for a complimentary, one-hour webinar designed specifically for physicians like you who are either considering retirement or have recently made the transition.

The Doctor’s Guide to a Financially Healthy Retirement
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Link to be provided upon registration)

We’ll cover the critical topics that can make or break your retirement plan, giving you the knowledge and confidence to move forward. Join us to learn actionable advice on:

  • Navigating Medicare and Health Care Costs: Understanding your options and ensuring you have the right coverage in place.
  • Maximizing Social Security Benefits: Strategies to optimize your benefits and when to start drawing them.
  • Generating Sustainable Income from Investments: How to transition from accumulating wealth to generating a reliable income stream.
  • The Power of Roth Conversions: Is converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA the right move for you? We’ll discuss the pros and cons.
  • Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategies: Don’t let taxes erode your hard-earned savings. Learn how to withdraw from your accounts in the most tax-advantageous way.
  • Long-Term Care Planning: Plan for your potentially largest expense in retirement.

This is an educational session designed to empower you to make informed decisions about the next chapter of your life.

Your retirement deserves the same level of attention to detail you’ve given your patients.

Click here to register now.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to any physician colleagues who might also find this information beneficial. The financial health of our medical community is a shared priority. This complimentary education session is provided by WisMed Assure & WisMed Financial.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisionsFull disclaimer and contact information.

Understanding the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment

By Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Each year Medicare allows beneficiaries to make changes to how they receive Medicare coverage during the annual open enrollment period. Let’s review a few of the basics and your options during this annual event.

Medicare at a Glance

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and younger adults with long-term disabilities. People with Medicare may choose to receive Medicare benefits through original Medicare (Parts A and B) or through a Medicare Advantage plan administered by a private health insurer.

With original Medicare, you can also sign up for a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to cover outpatient drugs. Individuals usually purchase a Supplemental insurance policy to help with deductibles, coinsurance, and other out of pocket costs after Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans, which include services covered under Medicare Parts A and B, typically include Part D prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. You still need to sign up for Part A and B before you choose a Medicare Advantage program and you will continue to pay Part B premiums.

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

The annual Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, people with Medicare can review Medicare plans offered in their area and make changes to their Medicare coverage – this goes into effect on January 1 of the following year. This includes:

  • Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage – or vice versa
  • Switching between Medicare Advantage plans
  • Electing or switching between Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

NOTE: This does NOT include making changes or enrolling in a Medicare Supplement with no medical underwriting approval. Special circumstances can come into play, but “no questions asked” changes to supplements are typically not included in the Open Enrollment period.

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans change from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to compare your options annually. Marketing for 2026 plans begins on October 1 – you’ll see more advertising for these programs during this time.

WisMed Assure is here to help you navigate every step of this journey. Alisa Allen, our Medicare Insurance Specialist, has extensive experience with educating and assisting individuals on Medicare basics and insurance options that coordinate with Medicare.

Alisa is happy to help make this an easier process for you and your family. Reach out to Alisa at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or call her direct at 608.665.9443 for assistance. 

Picture of Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or 608.665.9443.

Send me an email!
Picture of Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or 608.665.9443.

Send me an email!

Note: WisMed Assure and its agents are not affiliated with any Medicare program.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer 53 products in our service area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1.800.MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisionsFull disclaimer and contact information.

Federal Student Loans: Consider a New Payment Plan

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, WisMed Financial

Navigating the world of federal student loans can be complex, especially with constant changes to repayment plans and forgiveness programs. Here is a breakdown of the latest updates and options to help borrowers make informed decisions.

A Look at Income-Driven Repayment Plans

The landscape of income-driven repayment (IDR) plans is evolving, with some plans being phased out and a new one on the horizon. Here’s a quick guide to who should consider each plan:

  • Income Contingent Repayment (ICR): This plan is generally not recommended unless it is the only option available to you. Typically, parents with Parent Plus loans will select this option as it is their only choice unless they can consolidate loans to access other payment plans.
  • Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE): Those enrolled in SAVE can stay on this plan and there is still no payment required for those who need more time to adjust their budget. Be aware that this plan will be eliminated July 1, 2028, interest started to accrue as of August 1, 2025, and payments do not count toward loan forgiveness.
  • Income-Based Repayment (IBR): There are two versions of this plan, one for borrowers with loans before July 1, 2014, and one for borrowers with loans after that date. The IBR 2014 plan (loans after July 1, 2014) typically has the next lowest monthly payment after SAVE making it the plan to highly consider when switching from SAVE.
  • Pay as You Earn (PAYE): This plan is very similar to the IBR 2014 plan but is also being phased out after July 1, 2028. Importantly, it has the same payment as the IBR 2014 plan. Those who don’t qualify for the 2014 version of IBR usually consider PAYE as the next best plan after SAVE.
  • Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): A new plan is expected to be available by July 1, 2026. This could be the preferred plan for those with low to moderate income. The plan is notable because unpaid interest will not accrue, the monthly payment could be lower than other plans, and each month’s payment reduces principal even if the payment is less than that month’s interest charge.

Important Dates and Program Changes

Keep these key dates and rule changes in mind:

  • Partial Financial Hardship: The requirement for a “partial financial hardship” to qualify for IBR plans has been removed, making it easier to switch to this plan.
  • Grandfathered Rules: If you want to stay on an older plan like PAYE or IBR after July 1, 2026, you must not take out any new loans or a new consolidation loan after that date.
  • Parent PLUS Loans: If you have Parent PLUS loans and want to make them eligible for certain IDR plans, you must consolidate them before July 1, 2026.

Updates to the PSLF Buyback Program

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback program is a significant development for those pursuing PSLF. This program allows borrowers to “buy back” months of forbearance or deferment to gain credit toward the 120 qualifying payments needed for PSLF. This may be a great way to recoup forgiveness credit for those who have been in the SAVE forbearance. While currently limited to those who have already completed their 120 qualifying months, the program is expected to eventually open to all borrowers.

For more details on the current state of student loans, watch the full videos by WisMed Financial, Inc. here and here.

For personalized help with your financial plan, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®.

Picture of Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Executive Director of WisMed Financial
Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at mark.ziety@wismedfinancial.org or 608.442.3750.

Book an appointment with me!
Picture of Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Executive Director of WisMed Financial
Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at mark.ziety@wismedfinancial.org or 608.442.3750.

Book an appointment with me!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Full disclosures.

2025 Volume 3

Federal Student Loans: Consider a New Payment Plan

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Advisor, WisMed Financial

Closeup image of graduation cap and money on table.

Navigating the world of federal student loans can be complex, especially with constant changes to repayment plans and forgiveness programs. Here is a breakdown of the latest updates and options to help borrowers make informed decisions.

Read more…


Cyber Liability Insurance – An Often Overlooked Essential

By Jensen Peck, Business and Professional Insurance Executive

System hacked. Internet security

Cyber liability insurance is often overlooked but is essential for physician groups of all sizes. Ten years ago, cyber liability insurance wasn’t really discussed as a necessary option. Unfortunately, in 2024 there were 14 data breaches involving more than one million health care records affecting 237,986,282 U.S. residents. That’s approximately 69.97% of the nation’s population. A lot of cyber events were able get through by simply using malicious or phishing emails to staff – taking advantage of human error.

Read more…


Ready to Retire? Your Financial Rx for a Smooth Transition – Free Webinar

mature caucasian woman use laptop computer at home

Presented by Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Advisor, WisMed Financial and Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

After a long and dedicated career, the thought of retirement is both exciting and a little overwhelming. You’ve spent your life providing the best care for your patients, but who is providing the best care for your financial future? Join us for a complimentary, one-hour webinar designed specifically for physicians like you who are either considering retirement or have recently made the transition.

Read more…


Employee Benefits More Complicated – Start Planning Now

Roller coaster

By Chris Noffke, REBC, CSFS, GBDS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

When I look at the coming year, 2026 feels like it’s shaping up to be a rollercoaster ride for health insurance and other benefits. Rising medical costs, specialty drugs, and policy changes are making benefits strategies more complex and personalized than ever.

Read more…


Add This New Invaluable Rider to Your Term Life Coverage

An elderly man sits on a couch, leaning on a cane and looking lost in thought.

By Tom Strangstalien, Executive Director Individual Insurance Planning

We often view term life insurance coverage as a commodity – the more coverage we can secure at the lowest cost the better. This is a flawed premise. There are numerous options and riders to at least consider when purchasing term life protection. An innovative new rider shatters this basic premise to pieces!

Read more…


Understanding the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment

Company employee benefits manual, with cover opening to reveal tabbed contents.

By Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Each year Medicare allows beneficiaries to make changes to how they receive Medicare coverage during the annual open enrollment period. Let’s review a few of the basics and your options during this annual event.

Read more…


Wisconsin Physician License Renewal Now Open

By The Wisconsin Medical Society

Time to renew.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) will open physician license renewal on Friday, September 12, 2025. To keep your license active, you must submit a completed renewal application with payment by 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2025.

Read more…


Social Security for Physicians

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, WisMed Financial

Social Security is a vital part of retirement income for most Americans, including physicians. But navigating Social Security retirement can be confusing. Making an informed decision requires an understanding of benefits, claiming strategies, spousal, and survivor benefits.

Eligibility:

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least ten years (forty credits).

Benefits:

The amount of your monthly benefit depends on your average indexed earnings throughout your working career. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to calculate your benefit based on your highest 35 years of earnings. Generally, the longer you wait to claim benefits (up to age 70), the higher your monthly payment will be.

Claiming Strategies:

  • Full Retirement Age (FRA): This is the age at which you are eligible to receive your full retirement benefit. The FRA is between 66 and 67, depending on your year of birth.
  • Early Retirement: You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced.
  • Delayed Retirement: If you wait past your FRA to claim benefits (up to age 70), your benefit will increase each month.

Spousal Benefits:

  • Are you married? If you are married to a retiree receiving Social Security benefits, you may be eligible for spousal benefits. These benefits can be up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit if started at your FRA. Starting spousal benefits earlier than FRA results in a reduced amount. However, starting spousal benefits after FRA does not result in an increase.
  • Divorced? Even if you are divorced, you may be eligible for spousal benefits if you were married for at least ten years, are currently unmarried, and are at least 62 years old.

Survivor Benefits:

  • Death of a spouse or ex-spouse? You may be entitled to survivor benefits. The amount you receive depends on your age, whether you have any dependent children, were married for at least 9 months at the time of death, or were married for 10 years for death of a divorced spouse.

Choosing the Right Time to Claim:

The best time to claim your benefits depends on your individual circumstances. Consider your retirement savings, health, desired lifestyle, and potential spousal or survivor benefits. The SSA offers a retirement benefits planner tool to help you estimate your benefit amount at different claiming ages https://www.ssa.gov/prepare/plan-retirement.

Curious Facts:

  • Earning too much: Starting Social Security prior to FRA while still working can result in reduced or no benefits if your income exceeds the retirement earning limit. After FRA, you can work as much as you like, and benefits are not withheld due to income.
  • Social Security Numbers Weren’t Random: In the past, numbers were issued geographically. Were you born in Wisconsin before 2011? The first 3 digits in your Social Security number are probably between 387-399.

Get the Quick Reference:

By understanding your Social Security retirement options, including spousal and survivor benefits, you can make informed decisions to secure your financial future.

For personalized help with your financial plan, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750.

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

WisMed Financial, Inc. part of the Wisconsin Medical Society

Picture of Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Executive Director of WisMed Financial
Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at mark.ziety@wismedfinancial.org or 608.442.3750.

Book an appointment with me!
Picture of Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

Executive Director of WisMed Financial
Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at mark.ziety@wismedfinancial.org or 608.442.3750.

Book an appointment with me!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Full disclosures.

Medicare Resources and Support

By Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

The federal Medicare program is complex and can be confusing when you start reviewing your options at retirement or when you become Medicare-eligible. You may also be assisting your parents, grandparents, or friends with this important decision and searching for information.

Here are a couple of resources we like to share with clients to get acquainted with Medicare:

WisMed Assure is here to help you navigate every step of this journey. Alisa Allen, our new Medicare Insurance Specialist, has extensive experience with educating and assisting individuals on Medicare basics, insurance options that coordinate with Medicare, and other parts of this program. Alisa is happy to help you and your family and enjoys making this an easier process for all.

Reach out to Alisa at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or call her direct at 608.665.9443 for assistance. 

Picture of Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or 608.665.9443.

Send me an email!
Picture of Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Alisa K. Allen, RHU, REBC

Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Reach out to me to learn more. You can contact me at alisa.allen@wismedassure.org or 608.665.9443.

Send me an email!

Note:

WisMed Assure and its agents are not affiliated with any Medicare program.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer 53 products in our service area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1.800.MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as insurance advice related to your specific policy or situation. Please consult with a qualified insurance advisor or professional before making any policy decisionsFull disclaimer and contact information.

2025 Volume 2

Does DSPS Know Your Current Address & Email? If Not, You May Be at Risk of Penalty.

By Shawna Bertalot, CIC, ACI, WisMed Assure President

Email electronic communication graphic inbox on computer screen working on the internet. Email marketing and newsletter concept.

Moving is a hassle, including changing your mailing and email addresses, making sure you have notified all family, colleagues, friends, billing payees, and your professional licensing board. It is your responsibility under Wisconsin Law, and you may be penalized if you don’t do so in a timely manner.

Read more…


Medicare Resources and Support

By Alisa Allen, RHU, REBC, Medicare Benefits Insurance Advisor

Senior black couple, documents and laptop for planning, budget and taxes with talk for future in home. Old man, woman and reading pc screen for insurance, retirement or finance goals with paperwork

The federal Medicare program is complex and can be confusing when you start reviewing your options at retirement or when you become Medicare-eligible. You may also be assisting your parents, grandparents, or friends with this important decision and searching for information.

Read more…


Social Security for Physicians

When should I take social security? Retirement and finance planning question, handwriting on napkin with tea.

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Senior Advisor, WisMed Financial

Social Security is a vital part of retirement income for most Americans, including physicians. But navigating Social Security retirement can be confusing. Making an informed decision requires an understanding of benefits, claiming strategies, spousal, and survivor benefits.

Read more…


Business Owner’s Insurance for Health Care Clinics

water damage in a clinic

By Jensen Peck, Business and Professional Insurance Executive

Business owner’s insurance policy (BOP) is a cornerstone of risk management for health care clinics. Unlike professional liability (malpractice insurance), which addresses claims against medical services rendered, a BOP addresses business risks such as general liability, commercial property, and business interruption. A BOP covers all these risks by bundling these coverages into one compact insurance policy.

Read more…


Adapting Employee Benefits to Support Your Staff

Company employee benefits manual, with cover opening to reveal tabbed contents.

By Chris Noffke, REBC, CSFS, GBDS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

When I first entered the world of insurance nearly 20 years ago, the employee benefits landscape in Wisconsin was very different from what it is today. Back then, the conversation centered almost exclusively around traditional health plan’s networks. Employers were primarily concerned with keeping costs manageable, while providing a basic level of coverage that checked the necessary boxes.

Read more…


Hybrid Policies Shine in Addressing Long-term Care Concerns

By Tom Strangstalien, Executive Director Individual Insurance Planning

image of extended family and long-term care team

It’s not a secret that the rapidly increasing cost of long-term care is driving dramatic increases in long-term care (LTC) insurance premiums. You may also have been victim or witness to a dramatic increase in long-term care insurance premiums on a policy purchased years ago.

Read more…


Consolidation leads to $600,000 student loan forgiveness – a case study

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, WisMed Financial

Good financial planners do much more than help with investments. They look at the entire financial picture, which includes debts too. Today’s case study shows how a unique rule, available until December 31, is facilitating more than $600,000 in student loan forgiveness.

First, the rule

When consolidating federal student loans, according to the FAQ section on the Federal Student Aid website, “Assuming your repayment history overlaps for each loan, the consolidation loan will be credited with the longest amount of time in repayment of the loans that were consolidated.”

How we applied the rule

A resident physician is a career changer with more than $600,000 of student loan debt. Some of the debt was from undergrad loans from the early 2010s before she changed careers to become a physician. By consolidating her old and most recent loans together, her new consolidation loan will use the payment count of her oldest loans.

The $600,000 loan forgiveness benefit

Those who work for a non-profit, government or other qualifying employer can have any remaining balance of their student loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. And the loan forgiveness is tax free! Since this borrower will have 120 qualifying payments on the oldest loans, her consolidation loan will also be credited with 120 qualifying payments, and her entire loan balance will be forgiven!

The rule changes in 2024

Next year, a consolidation loan will have a pro-rated payment count based on the payment count of the loans being consolidated. That makes 2023 an ideal time to review your loans to see if a consolidation would benefit you too.

For personalized help eliminating debt, investing smart and securing retirement, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750.

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

WisMed Financial, Inc. part of the Wisconsin Medical Society

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Full disclosures.

The power of planning: a physician’s journey to financial wellness

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, WisMed Financial

Mark Ziety

With uncertainties and change a constant, financial planning stands as a beacon of security and peace of mind. Today, we bring you a remarkable story that sheds light on how a dedicated physician and her family reaped the rewards of a well-structured financial plan, proving that even the busiest of physicians can find stability and fulfillment through proper financial planning.

Meet Sarah Thompson, MD (alias, of course), known for her compassionate care and unwavering commitment to her patients. Outside the exam room, however, Dr. Thompson faced the same financial challenges that many of us do – managing student loans, planning for retirement and ensuring her family’s future stability.

The Initial Challenge

Upon completing her medical education, Dr. Thompson was burdened with significant student loan debt. Balancing her medical practice while managing these loans was no easy feat. She often found herself conflicted between her passion for healing and the pressure of financial obligations. As her family grew, so did her responsibilities, making her realize the need for a comprehensive financial plan.

The Turning Point: Seeking Professional Guidance

Dr. Thompson decided to take a proactive step and sought the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional. This move marked a turning point in her journey towards financial wellness. The financial planner analyzed her situation, considering her income, expenses, outstanding loans and future goals. They collaboratively created a customized plan that addressed her specific needs, aligning her financial strategy with her life aspirations.

The Plan in Action

  • Debt Repayment Strategy: The financial planner helped Dr. Thompson switch to her ideal repayment plan for her student loans. She made consistent progress in reducing her debt without compromising her family’s daily needs.
  • Investment and Retirement Planning: With a steady income and a solid debt repayment plan in place, Dr. Thompson could now focus on long-term financial security. The financial planner introduced her to a diversified investment portfolio and guided her through retirement planning, ensuring she could enjoy her retirement years without financial stress. “In my experience, those who save smaller amounts consistently tend to save more over time than those who try to save everything at once,” Mark Ziety, CFP, founder of WisMed Financial notes in this CBS News article.
  • Family Protection: Recognizing the importance of safeguarding her family’s future, Dr. Thompson also secured:
    •  life insurance
    • disability insurance
    • estate documents
    • college accounts
    • an emergency fund

This provided a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances and offered peace of mind to her and her loved ones.

  • Tax Strategy: The largest lifetime expense for physicians is often taxes, and Dr. Thompson was no exception. Through yearly tax strategy, her deductions were maximized and taxable income shifted to save hundreds of thousands of dollars of lifetime tax.

The Outcome: A Life Transformed

As the years went by, Dr. Thompson’s commitment to her financial plan began to yield remarkable results. She saw her debt steadily decrease, her investments grow and her family thrive with the knowledge that their future was secure. This transformation didn’t just impact her financial health – it positively influenced her overall well-being. The reduction of financial stress allowed her to focus more on her patients, her family and even take time for her own personal growth and hobbies.

Key Takeaway

Dr. Thompson’s story is typical for physicians and underscores the incredible potential that a well-crafted financial plan holds. Regardless of your profession or life circumstances, careful financial planning can pave the way to stability, allowing you to navigate challenges with confidence and pursue your dreams without compromise.

For personalized help eliminating debt, investing smart and securing retirement, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750.

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

WisMed Financial, Inc. part of the Wisconsin Medical Society

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Full disclosures.

What’s in a financial plan?

By Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor, WisMed Financial

Mark Ziety

A financial plan is like a roadmap that helps you navigate through the twists and turns of life, whether you’re saving up for a new car or preparing for retirement. Think of it as your secret weapon to achieving your financial goals and living your best life.

Now, let’s break it down into the three scenarios we all share: a long healthy life, getting sick along the way or passing away early. We need to be prepared for all of them, and that’s where financial planning comes in handy.

Cash Flow

You might call it a budget, but we like to call it the “4 Fs.” It’s like a secret formula to financial success! You just need to know your:

  • Fixed expenses (the boring stuff like housing and utilities)
  • Future expenses (like saving for retirement or your next vacation)
  • “F”ilanthropy expenses (how much you want to give back to your community)  
  • Fun expenses (the things that make life worth living!)

Once you have these figures down, you can put your cash flow to work and watch your bank account grow.

Eliminating Debt

We all know it’s easy to fall into the trap of overspending. But a good financial plan will help you avoid that and pay off any debt you already have quickly.

Insurance

We might not like to think about it, but getting sick or passing away early is a possibility for all of us. That’s why having the right insurance and right amount is crucial. Health insurance, disability insurance and life insurance are all important components of a good financial plan.

Investing

A well-diversified portfolio with the right asset allocation and asset selection can help you achieve your financial goals. And don’t forget about asset location, putting the right investments in the right account, which can make a big difference in your after-tax returns. Bonus: check out the 7 proven ways to improve performance.

Retirement

Retirement is often the biggest topic that financial planning covers. How much do you need to save for retirement? When should you start withdrawing your money? Which account should you use first? And when should you start taking Social Security? These are all important questions that a good financial plan can help answer.

College

If you have children, college planning is often important. Saving for college is just the beginning – picking the right school that offers grants and scholarships can help cover the costs.

Tax

Taxes can be a huge expense for most people, which is why tax planning is a crucial part of a financial plan. By creating a strategy to manage your taxes, you can keep more money in your pocket.

Estate Plan

Finally, estate planning is something everyone should consider. Who will take care of your finances and health care if you become incapacitated? Who will take care of your children if something happens to you? A good financial plan should include a will, health care and financial power of attorney documents, beneficiary designations and possibly a trust.

Phew! That’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry – you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. A financial planner can help guide you through the process and create a personalized plan to help you achieve your financial goals. Are you ready to take control of your finances and start living the life you deserve?

For personalized help eliminating debt, investing smart and securing retirement, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750.

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®

WisMed Financial, Inc. part of the Wisconsin Medical Society