Meredith sits down with veterinarian, integrative health and life coach Amelia Knight Pinkston, founder of Life Boost with Amelia, to discuss burnout, nervous system regulation, boundaries, and redefining success in veterinary medicine.Together, they explore hustle culture, burnout, and the pressure many veterinarians feel to postpone happiness until “someday” - along with practical ways to build a more sustainable and fulfilling life both inside and outside of practice.Key Topics:The five different types of wealthSigns your nervous system may be stuck in survival modeWhy veterinarians often struggle to rest or say noThe OPAL framework for recognizing and responding to stressWhy asking for schedule changes and boundaries is often more possible than we thinkConnect with Amelia:Website: https://www.lifeboost.todayInstagram: @lifeboostwithameliaPodcast: Life Boost with Amelia

Meredith and Joe discuss the Department of Education’s newly finalized student loan repayment regulations set to take effect July 1, 2026, including the new RAP repayment plan, the tiered standard plan, and several important issues vets should understand before making changes to their loans.Key Topics:How the new RAP repayment plan worksWhy consolidating loans after July 1, 2026 could be a costly mistakeImportant considerations for borrowers on SAVEErrors showing up on the online IDR applicationWhen a paper IDR application may make more senseBook a student loan consult with Vet Debt Experts: https://calendly.com/vetdebtexperts/1-hr-consult-discount

Meredith and Joe talk through major student loan rule changes that significantly impact 2026 veterinary graduates, along with advice to help set yourself up for success with student loan repayment.Why consolidation used to make sense for some borrowersThe new rule limiting loans disbursed after July 1, 2026 to RAP or Standard repaymentWhy 2026 graduates should avoid consolidatingWhat new graduates should do instead, including waiting out the grace period and carefully evaluating repayment optionsThe long-term difference between RAP and New IBR, and why plan selection matters earlyIf you’d like help with a repayment strategy tailored to your specific situation, you can book a student loan consult with Vet Debt Experts: https://calendly.com/vetdebtexperts/1-hr-consult-discount

Meredith talks about three financial patterns she commonly sees with veterinarians: perfectionism around money, letting student loans drive career decisions, and evaluating compensation too narrowly.These are often decisions that feel reasonable in the moment, but over time can quietly contribute to stress, burnout, and financial stagnation.Key Topics:Why perfectionism can delay financial progressThe cost of waiting for the “perfect” financial decisionHow student loans can influence career choicesBurnout, income pressure, and fear-based decision-makingWhy compensation is much bigger than salary aloneHow to evaluate veterinary job offers more thoughtfullyInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

It’s easy to get stuck thinking your debt is limiting your options, but your career decisions can still be built around the life and work you want. Meredith and Joe talk about how veterinarians can make career choices that align with their goals and values rather than feeling trapped by student loans.Why the highest-paying job is not always the best fitHow income-driven repayment plans can create more flexibilityNavigating student loans with lower-paying career pathsBurnout, toxic jobs, and the hidden cost of staying somewhere just for the paycheckWhy your student loan strategy should support your life, not the other way aroundInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Relief work has grown quickly in veterinary medicine, and this episode dives into why more vets are choosing it, where burnout can show up, and how to build a sustainable path if relief is on your radar. Meredith and Joe talk with Dr. Andrew Ciccolini of Colorado State University and Serenity Vet.More veterinarians are choosing relief work than in years pastWhy vets are drawn to relief: flexibility, autonomy, variety, and higher pay potentialCommon burnout drivers: overcommitting shifts, unpredictable income, taxes/admin work, and isolationWhy a financial plan matters before going full-time reliefTips for success: boundaries, skill-building, and knowing your numbersAndrew’s best advice: be okay with being okayResources:Burnout in Relief Veterinary Practice whitepaper: https://serenity.vet/burnout-study-among-relief-locum-veterinariansAndrew Ciccolini on Instagram: @okay_vet Andrew Ciccolini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ac-dvmSerenity.vet: https://serenity.vetInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Quick update for SAVE borrowers. Meredith and Joe break down what the end of SAVE means and how to plan your next steps.Notices start July 1 with a 90-day window to choose a new planIf no plan is selected, loans may move to Standard repaymentYou can switch now. PAYE and IBR are available and forgiveness progress carries overMake sure your contact info is up to date so you don’t miss your noticeIf you’d like help clarifying your next steps, schedule a student loan consult with our team at Vet Debt Experts: https://calendly.com/vetdebtexperts

Meredith and Joe talk with Dr. Jason Szumski about how mentorship, business ownership, and AI are shaping modern veterinary careers.What new grads should look for in mentorship and how to evaluate a first jobHow practice owners can better support and recruit early-career veterinariansJason’s path into business ownership and how he found mentors along the wayBalancing clinical work with building something outside of practiceWhere AI notetakers fit into veterinary workflows and what to know right nowResources mentioned: Jason Szumski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonszumskiVetSOAP - PetSmart Charities study: https://www.vetsoap.ai/pscArticle: Cost of Care Continues to Strain Veterinary Care Access: https://petsmartcharities.org/press-releases/cost-of-care-continues-to-strain-veterinary-care-accessIf you'd like help creating a financial plan that supports your life and career, learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

Self-care gets talked about a lot in veterinary medicine, but what does it actually look like for veterinarians in real life? Meredith shares results from a Debt-Free Vets poll about what vets actually spend money on to make this career more sustainable.Poll results: time off and experiences, physical care, therapy, and moreWhat vets are actually spending money on (horses, massages, hobbies, travel, and house cleaners)Why flexibility and reducing workload came up repeatedly in the commentsThe idea of “buying back your time” and why it matters for long-term career sustainabilityIf you'd like help creating a financial plan that supports your life and career, learn more or schedule a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com

If you’re trying to lower your taxes and your income-driven student loan payment, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is the number that drives both. Joe and Meredith walk through the most common ways vets can bring that number down.Key Topics:Making pre-tax retirement contributions and why Roth doesn’t lower AGIUsing a Solo 401k with 1099 relief incomeContributing to an HSA if you’re on a qualifying high-deductible planTaking advantage of Health Care or Dependent Care FSAs through your employerMaking sure legitimate Schedule C business expenses are reducing your net profit if you’re self-employedInterested in financial planning built for veterinarians?Learn more or book a free intro call at allvetfinancial.com