IM-PCP – Page 80 – Physician In Numbers

Can I Still Afford to Max Out My Retirement Savings?

I recently received an e-mail from work, reminding me that for 2019, the maximum pre-tax contribution to the 403(b) has gone up. For those under 50, it has increased from $18,500 to $19,000; for those 50 or older (including those who turn 50 in 2019), the maximum has gone from $24,500 to $25,000.

I was reminded–yet again–that turning 50 is a special time. As a PCP, I usually have other issues on the brain when thinking about this landmark year.

A Tale of Two New Cars, Part 2

A few years ago, my extended household saw the purchase of two new cars. The two purchases were very different in many ways, and I thought it might be worthwhile reviewing the experiences, with the hopes the comparison might be entertaining, and maybe educational.

Two weeks ago I wrote I about my step-son’s experience buying his first car on his own. He had a few difficulties, mostly related to his youth, lack of savings, and lack of credit history. My car purchasing experience offers a definite contrast.

Fitness Log #13

One of the favorite things I have heard from a patient is: you’re a doctor, you don’t have to worry about blood pressure. Implying, of course, that doctor’s don’t struggle with their health.

I most certainly do struggle with fitness and health, like many other Americans with sedentary jobs and a proclivity to eat treats. One of my goals is to make sure that I get my 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise (or 75 minutes of high intensity exercise, which probably won’t happen). I will see for how long I am willing to document my progress Saturday to Friday.

This week I was still working in the hospital, but getting ready for/recovering from the holidays.

Happy 2019!

If all goes well, I will out partying it up. Or, at least I will be away from my personal computer. I hope you have a wonderful celebration and a happy and healthy New Year.

Fitness Log #12

One of the favorite things I have heard from a patient is: you’re a doctor, you don’t have to worry about blood pressure. Implying, of course, that doctor’s don’t struggle with their health.

This week I was back working in the hospital, with lots of responsibilities: sick patients to care for, medical students to teach, residents to supervise. Not to mention office patients to see.

2018 in Review

This is the time of year when people make resolutions for the next year. Usually there is talk of losing weight, saving more, getting ahead.

Before I think about resolutions for 2019, I would like to look back at 2018, and think about accomplishments I can point to with pride. I tip my hat again to Maggie at Northern Expenditure, who wrote about The-Fill-the-Bucket-List. It really did make me think about goals and achievements in a very different way.

A Tale of Two New Cars, Part One

A few years ago, my extended household saw the purchase of two new cars. That’s right: two new cars. Shocking to those who read financial blogs!

The two purchases were very different in many ways, and I thought it might be worthwhile reviewing the experiences, with the hopes the comparison might be entertaining, and maybe educational.

Fitness Log #11

One of the favorite things I have heard from a patient is: you’re a doctor, you don’t have to worry about blood pressure. Implying, of course, that doctor’s don’t struggle with their health.

This week I was back working in the hospital, with lots of responsibilities: sick patients to care for, medical students to teach, residents to supervise. Not to mention office patients to see.

5 Inspiring Blog Posts

Time is a little short these days, what with work and the holidays. I decided to list several posts that I found inspiring in that they actually made me do something.

This post by Angela at Tread Lightly, Retire Early about the male-centric culture of personal finance blogs, and the list of female bloggers, was one of the posts that inspired me to start this blog.

Several more posts inspired me to get a website and start Physician in Numbers in earnest: this Fincon wrap up from Miss Bonnie MD, and this post about imposter syndrome from Chief Mom Officer.

Chief Mom Officer also inspired me in a different way about one year ago: her post about making a photo book for her grandmother. I’ve given one to my father, who says he “isn’t in the accumulation stage anymore,” but who seems happy to have photos taken of and by family.

More inspiring in the mind-changing way was this post (nearly 3 years old!) by Maggie at Northern Expenditure. She wrote about the “fill-the-bucket list,” which I find a useful exercise in my own life. It helps foster gratitude rather than envy or regret.

In Search of the Two-Fer

In medicine, I love to sell my patients on the “two-fer,” those lovely medications that have more than one benefit: this medication will help your migraines and help with weight loss! This one will lower your sugar and help regulate your periods! This pill can protect you from a heart attack and lower your risk of colon cancer! I can’t always get them to take their meds, but this always feels like I am getting them a deal.

[As a reminder, please do not construe the above as medical advice. Medication choice is something you should discuss with your own physician, who knows you; not something you do based on what a stranger types on the Internet.]

In life, there are other two-fers.