You work way too hard for your money to waste it. Between charting after hours, missing family dinners, and grinding through long shifts, every dollar you earn should be buying back your freedom, not fueling burnout. In this episode of PA the FI Way, Kat breaks down the Top 10 Things NOT to Spend Your Money On as a Healthcare Provider, the sneaky traps that drain your wallet, energy, and joy while pretending to make life easier or more rewarding. From MLM “opportunities” that prey on overworked professionals, to timeshares that promise lifelong vacations but deliver endless fees, to whole life insurance schemes and overpriced “health” fads, let's expose the money pits that keep you stuck in the burnout cycle. Kat shares real stats, relatable stories, and actionable alternatives so you can start spending in ways that buy you peace, time, and flexibility instead of financial stress. You’ll also hear about status spending, McMansions, luxury cars, convenience overload, unused subscriptions, and other “quiet leaks” that can easily add up to thousands per year. This episode isn’t about guilt; it’s about awareness. When you start aligning your spending with what truly matters, you reclaim control over your finances and your freedom. Tune in, take notes, and pick one small money detox to start this week. If this episode hits home, make sure to subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast YouTube channel for more content that helps you build financial independence and a burnout-proof life.   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

We often talk about money as currency, but what about energy? Every meeting, obligation, and habit in your day is either giving you energy or draining it. If you have ever ended the day feeling depleted, even when your calendar did not look that full, you have probably been spending your energy without realizing it. In this episode, we walk through how to perform your own energy audit so you can gain clarity on what truly fuels you and what quietly drains you. We will cover the emotional energy zones, from times when you are thriving to times when you feel stressed, recovering, or running on empty, and how to recognize the difference. You will also learn how to spot your personal energy givers and energy takers, along with practical ways to shift your schedule, boundaries, and mindset so that your days leave you more filled than emptied. Think of this as financial planning, but for your energy, the resource that powers every part of your life. Be sure to download your free copy of the Energy Audit Workbook so you can put these ideas into practice right away and start investing your energy in what matters most. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to identify the four emotional energy zones and what they mean for your well-being Common examples of energy givers and energy takers in daily life Practical steps to spend your energy more intentionally How to use an energy audit to reduce burnout and increase fulfillment Grab your free copy of the Energy Audit Workbook: https://www.pathefiway.com/energy    Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway

On today’s episode, Kat sits down with Mercedes and Jessica, psychiatry PAs and hosts of PA Mindset Matters podcast, to talk about holistic wellness and burnout healing for PAs and medical providers. From lifestyle habits to mindset shifts to money stress, this conversation is full of practical tools providers can start using right away to feel more balanced and resilient.   Connect with Mercedes and Jessica with PA Mindset Matters:    Website: www.pamindset.com  Listen to PA Mindset Matters podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5jaHvj5JGxQ81v7oy6okX7  YouTube: youtube.com/@pa_mindsetmatters   Instagram: instagram.com/pa_mindsetmatters   LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pa-mindset   Contact: [email protected]     Connect with Kat:  Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here! Website: pathefiway.com Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/  YouTube: @pathefiway www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]  

Burnout is all too common in healthcare, but what if the solution isn’t pushing through... it’s pressing pause? In this episode, we sit down with Leigha Barbieri, PA-C, to talk about the transformative power of taking a sabbatical. Leigha shares her own story of moving from exhaustion to renewal, including how prioritizing her mental health, traveling around the world, and resting intentionally helped her reconnect with her purpose. She opens up about the challenges of stepping away from her PA role, the financial strategies that made it possible, and the surprising benefits of house and pet sitting along the way. Leigha also introduces her course, Pause to Heal, created to help healthcare professionals reimagine their careers, take control of their well-being, and return to medicine on their own terms.   Connect with Leigha:  YouTube: @seeyaleigha  https://www.youtube.com/@seeyaleigha Instagram: @helloimthepa https://www.instagram.com/helloimthepa/ TikTok: @helloimthepa https://www.tiktok.com/@helloimthepa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-barbieri-515751230/ Website + Course: offdutyonpurpose.com   Connect with Kat:  Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website: pathefiway.com Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/  YouTube: @pathefiway www.youtube.com/@pathefiway  Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]  

In this episode, I sit down with Caleb Pepperday, CFP®, ChFC®, fee-only fiduciary financial planner and founder of Advanced Practice Planning, to discuss financial planning for physician associates and other healthcare professionals. Caleb shares what drew him to work with PAs and other APPs, and how his dual designations as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant give him a unique perspective when guiding clients toward financial independence. He also breaks down the confusing landscape of financial credentials and explains why not all financial advisors are created equal. Caleb helps demystify what PAs should look for in a trustworthy planner. He explains what it really means to be a fiduciary, the red flags to watch for in the industry, and the key questions to ask when interviewing a potential advisor. Caleb also walks us through the different ways financial professionals get paid (commission-based, assets under management / AUM, and flat-fee models) and highlights the pros and cons of each. For those wondering when it makes sense to manage your own money versus bringing in professional help, Caleb provides a balanced perspective tailored to busy healthcare professionals who want to build wealth without burning themselves out along the way.  Finally, we dive into a case study featuring a mid-career PA and NP couple with a strong income and growing portfolio, but with gaps in areas like tax diversification, estate planning, college funding, and insurance. Caleb outlines practical next steps to help them stay on track toward their goal of retiring at 55 while protecting their family along the way.   Disclosures: Information presented in this podcast is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but no guarantee is made to its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the subjects presented.  Advisory services offered through Advanced Practice Planning, LLC an investment adviser registered with the states of Montana and Pennsylvania. For disclosure information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/ Tax and Legal Matters The tax and estate planning information offered by the advisor is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. General Market Commentary Statements The opinions expressed in any commentary discussed on this episode are solely those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Advanced Practice Planning, LLC. These opinions are based on information available at the time of posting and are subject to change without notice. Advanced Practice Planning, LLC does not commit to updating any posted positions or commentary to reflect subsequent developments. While the information and reasoning used to form these opinions are believed to be from reliable sources, Advanced Practice Planning, LLC does not verify this information, and no guarantee is provided regarding its accuracy, completeness, or validity. Advanced Practice Planning, LLC disclaims any and all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. No warranty, express or implied, is given in connection with the content provided.   Learn More or Connect with Caleb:    Links: Website link: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/ Consultation link: https://calendly.com/caleb-pepperday/30min   Freebies: 12 Smart Steps Every PA Wanting to Retire Early Should Know: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/earlyretirement 18 Things You Can Do Today To Level Up Your Finances: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/tipsforphysicianassistants 8 Things PAs Need To Know Before Taking A Sabbatical: https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/sabbatical   Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-pepperday/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebpepperday_cfp/     Connect with Kat, PA-C, with PA the FI Way:  Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]      

Whether you’re a brand-new grad just stepping into the world of medicine, a mid-career clinician who still loves the work but feels the wear and tear, or someone laser-focused on retiring early to reclaim your time—this episode is for you. No matter your path, one thing is true: medicine is demanding. And if you want to make it sustainable—whether for 5 more years or 45 more years—you need a strategy to protect your energy, your well-being, and your freedom. Today, we’re diving into 20 practical ways to extend your career longevity using a simple but powerful framework: Refuel, Redesign, and Reclaim. These aren't just burnout band-aids. They're long-term strategies that can help you thrive in medicine while building a life outside of it. So whether you’re here to stay for the long haul, pivot within the profession, or build your exit ramp—this episode will help you stay grounded, intentional, and in control.   Grab your free copy of the 20 Tips for a Sustainable Career in Medicine Worksheet here   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]    

What if the most important steps on your financial journey aren’t the big flashy ones—but the small, quiet wins you hardly notice? In this episode, we’re shining a light on the under-celebrated financial milestones that deserve just as much recognition as paying off your student loan debt or hitting six figures in your retirement account. From paying off your first credit card to setting up automatic savings, these small victories build confidence, create momentum, and transform your mindset over time. We’ll walk through dozens of often-overlooked wins across spending, debt, saving, investing, mindset, and life alignment—and why they matter way more than you think. You'll also get tips on how to track and celebrate these wins in a way that reinforces your progress and prevents burnout along the path to financial independence. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into your journey, this episode is your reminder that progress beats perfection—and small wins lead to big freedom. Grab your free Small Wins Financial Milestone Tracker to start celebrating your own journey!    Click Here for Financial Independence Book Recommendations   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]    

Why work for 40 years and only retire once? What if you could step away more than once—not to quit, but to live more fully and intentionally? In this episode, author and host of Retire Often podcast, Jillian Johnsrud, joins me to share insights from her new book, Retire Often, which is now available for pre-order. She introduces the powerful concept of mini retirements—intentional pauses from work that can lead to deep burnout recovery, personal growth, and a more fulfilling, values-aligned life. What if you could take time off for family, health, travel, creativity, or simply to rest—without derailing your finances or career? Jillian has done just that, taking multiple mini retirements that not only helped her find balance and purpose, but also enhanced her career in the long run. Now, she’s helping others do the same through practical steps anyone can follow. We explore how mini retirements aren’t about escape—they're a tool for healing, clarity, and even career development. Jillian shares how these breaks helped her recover from burnout, rebuild her health, and live more intentionally. She emphasizes the importance of planning and practicing mini retirements to prepare for a fulfilling early retirement—and how our health, finances, and overall well-being are more connected than we think. Whether you're feeling exhausted, curious about early retirement, or simply craving more freedom and balance—this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible for your life and career.   Key Takeaways:  Mini retirements can serve multiple purposes: rest, growth, healing, or transition. Burnout recovery requires more than a weekend off—intentional rest matters. Planning and practicing mini retirements prepares you for early or semi-retirement. Life experiences often have expiration dates; act now.  Health, money, and well-being are deeply connected. You don’t have to wait for someday—practice living the life you want now. Community support can ease the transition into mini retirements.    Learn more about Retire Often and connect with Jillian:  ● Website: https://retireoften.com/ ● Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/ ● Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften ● Free Opt-In Worksheets:○ Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/ ○ Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/ ● Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/ ● Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/ Social Media:○ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/ ○ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/ ○ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/ ○ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud    Keywords:  Retire Often, mini retirement, burnout recovery, sabbaticals, financial independence, early retirement, personal growth, well-being, career clarity, intentional living, physician associate, healthcare burnout, burnout in medicine, physician assistant, healthcare professional, healthcare provider, burnout recovery, financial independence community, financial independence retire early      Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow PA the FI Way on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect with Kat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]    

Wanting to make changes, but feeling too overwhelmed and exhausted to start? You’re not alone—and you don’t need a complete life overhaul to start feeling better. In this episode, I'm diving into the science and simplicity of microhabits: tiny, 2-minute actions that help you regain control of your time, energy, and mental clarity—without adding to your to-do list. Drawing from insights in Atomic Habits and lived experience on the frontlines of healthcare, I’ll walk you through how low willpower and motivation are normal—and how designing your day with smart cues and habit-stacking can help you build rhythms that stick. You’ll learn practical, real-life examples of microhabits for different areas of your well-being such as physical, mental, financial, social, spiritual, and professional. Be sure to grab your free Microhabits for Healthcare Professionals Cheat Sheet to start putting these ideas into practice today! It’s packed with examples for each health domain and quick tips to get you started today.    Resources mentioned:  Microhabits for Healthcare Professionals Cheat Sheet Atomic Habits   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]   Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway   Keywords: microhabits, atomic habits, physician assistant finances, physician associate finances, physician assistant financial independence, physician associate financial independence, physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine  

In this episode, the concept of rhythmic renewal is explored, which is the practice of building intentional, restorative pauses into your day to protect your energy and prevent burnout. You’ll learn how to implement a timing model that works well for your schedule, create your own personalized renewal menu, and discover simple ways to reset—even in the busiest clinical or hospital settings. These small, consistent rhythms of self-care can help you renew your energy, show up with greater presence, and help with burnout.   Are you just beginning your journey to financial independence and want to learn more? Download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook here!   Website / Blog: pathefiway.com   Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.com/pathefiway/   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/   Join the private Facebook group created for current and future PAs on their journey to financial independence: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pathefiway   Like the Facebook page to follow along for updates: https://www.facebook.com/pathefiway   Questions or thoughts about the show? Email [email protected]   Enjoy the show? You can now support the PA the FI Way podcast through Buy Me a Coffee! Thank you for all of your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pathefiway    Keywords: physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, physician burnout, nurse burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine