Story at-a-glance Yes, doctors can save for retirement while paying student loans—it just takes a smart plan.Start by tracking your income, expenses, and loan details to create a balanced financial picture.Use tools like income-driven repayment plans, employer retirement matches, and

Story at-a-glance Know what you owe – List all debts clearly: student loans, practice loans, credit cards, etc.Pay smart – Prioritize high-interest and private loans; consider snowball or avalanche methods.Use forgiveness programs – Look into PSLF, NHSC, or state-specific repayment

Story at-a-glance Average med school debt is $250K+—and that’s before interest. Managing it well starts early.Don’t defer in residency—low income means lower payments on income-driven plans like REPAYE.REPAYE helps with interest—the government covers half of unpaid interest above your monthly

Story at-a-glance Doctors graduate with major debt – The average med school grad carries over $161,000 in student loans.Income-based repayment (IBR) plans can reduce monthly payments and lead to forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying payments.Employers may help repay loans – Many offer loan

Story at-a-glance Medical school is expensive—but worth it. The average med school tab is over $215K, but most doctors earn that much every year once in practice.Start income-based repayment (IBR) early. Delaying repayment means interest compounds and forgiveness timelines get pushed out.Loan

Story at-a-glance Not all debt is bad—the goal isn’t just “getting out of debt,” but building your net worth by growing assets faster than liabilities.Good debt fuels your future—like medical school loans or a home mortgage, which create value or income over time.Bad debt drains wealth—think

Story at-a-glance Medical school debt can be “good debt”—it increases future income and is often tax-deductible, unlike credit card or car debt.Student loans affect your mortgage eligibility—every $250 monthly payment reduces borrowing potential by ~$44K.Physicians are typically in a strong

Story at-a-glance Medical school debt is an investment, not a burden—your education fuels a career worth millions in lifetime earnings.Consumer debt, not student loans, is the real financial threat—especially when trying to fast-track a “doctor lifestyle.”Follow the 5 Rules of Debt: only