PA the FI Way – Details, episodes & analysis

You worked incredibly hard to build your career in healthcare as a physician associate / physician assistant. 

Years of school, long hours of training, and often six-figure student loan debt. So when the bigger paychecks finally arrive, it’s natural to want to upgrade your life.

But many healthcare providers fall into a trap that quietly keeps them stuck: status spending.

In this episode, we’re talking about the hidden pressure in medicine to look successful — the bigger house, the luxury vehicle, the constant upgrades that signal you’ve “made it.”

The problem? When lifestyle upgrades grow faster than your financial freedom, they can quietly increase your monthly expenses, reduce flexibility, and make it harder to step away from work that’s burning you out.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why PAs and other healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable to status spending
• The difference between building wealth and signaling success
• How lifestyle upgrades can increase burnout risk
• Simple ways to start aligning your spending with freedom instead of image

If you're early in your financial independence journey, make sure to download your free copy of the PA the FI Way Beginner’s Workbook.

Inside you’ll learn how to:

✔ Define your “why” for financial independence
✔ Track your spending and build awareness
✔ Start aligning your money with what matters most

Download it here: https://www.pathefiway.com/download-the-free-pa-the-fi-way-beginner-s-workbook 

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/

Watch on Youtube: https://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

Keywords: physician associate, physician assistant, PA, PA-C, nurse practitioner, physician associate finances, physician assistant finances, personal finance for physician associate, personal finance for physician assistant, financial independence retire early, how to prevent lifestyle creep 

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Wageman, PhD, DPT, MPAS, CLS, CSCS — Clinical Lipid Specialist, PA who formerly practiced in Endocrinology, and Medical Science Liaison — to explore the intersection of protecting your healthspan while building wealth and expanding career flexibility as a physician associate.

Josh’s PhD research focused on cholesterol disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease, and he’s widely known for his ability to teach complex lipid physiology in a relatable, practical way. We break down cholesterol and cardiovascular risk without the overwhelm, discussing which labs and screening strategies are truly worth the cost and effort — and when age or family history should factor into the decision.

He also shares what inspired him to write The Home Security System and the Lipid Neighborhood, how writing can serve as both education and diversified income while having a meaningful impact, and why clinicians don’t have to feel boxed into a single career path. From becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to building credibility beyond the clinic, this episode highlights how health, impact, and optionality can work together.

If you’ve ever wondered how to better understand cholesterol, prevent heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, or expand your career beyond traditional clinical roles, this conversation is for you.

Get your copy of Josh's book: https://amzn.to/4rYcpoz 

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-wageman-48893445/

Connect with Josh on X: @JoshJWageman

Check out Josh's website: lifelovelipids.com 

If this episode was helpful, subscribe to the PA the FI Way podcast or YouTube channel for more content to help you build financial independence and prevent burnout along the 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/

Watch on Youtube: https://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

Keywords: physician associate, physician assistant, PA, PA-C, MSL, medical science liaison, non-clinical medical roles, non-clinical roles, cardiovascular screening, medical author

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: info@pamindset.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 pathefiway@gmail.com

It is wedding season, and many PAs tend to get married right after PA school. A few other PAs will even get married in the midst of PA school! Weddings can be magical and memorable, as well as unfortunately very expensive. However, the overall cost is actually in your control to decide how much you and your (future) spouse would like to spend.

As with many budgeting and financial areas of life, consider what you will truly value on your wedding day, and spend on those things while cutting costs in the other areas that don't mean as much to you. Your special day will fly by, so ask yourself, "Do I really want to spend THAT much money for one day?"

In this episode, you'll find some creative ideas of how you can have a lovely wedding day, a beautiful engagement ring, as well as many wonderful memories without breaking the bank.

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

Website: pathefiway.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway https://www.instagram.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

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway

Keywords: wedding costs, wedding expenses, physician associate, physician assistant, physician assistant financial independence, physician associate financial independence, physician assistant finances, physician associate finances, physician assistant school, physician associate school, PA school, PA-S, PA-C, pre-PA, physician assistant student, physician associate student

Logan and Makenzie Driscoll are a married couple who met in PA school, and have been practicing as surgical specialty PAs for one year. They share how they are trying to pursue financial independence together as a team while balancing their double PA student loan debt with their double PA salaries. They have been trying to make mindful decisions of spending their hard-earned income on things that add value to their lives while trying to also prevent lifestyle creep. Take a listen for some double inspiration to become a PA on the way to financial independence! 

Interested in checking out the book PA Next Steps that was mentioned? Take a listen to PA the FI Way podcast episode 16 to learn more, or go to https://www.panextsteps.com  

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 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.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

Website to read blog posts: pathefiway.com

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway 

Keywords: physician associate, physician assistant, physician assistant financial independence, physician associate financial independence, physician assistant finances, physician associate finances, physician assistant school, physician associate school, PA school, PA-S, PA-C, pre-PA, physician assistant student, physician associate student, orthopedics physician assistant, orthopedics physician associate, plastic surgery physician assistant, plastic surgery physician associate 

You have likely recently heard that the stock market value has dropped and has entered into a bear market, and this information may be causing some worry and confusion. In this episode, an overview is provided about what bear markets are, why you should likely not sell your investments at this time, and why staying invested in the market can actually be a good thing for your future. 

Resources mentioned:

frontlinepay.mn.gov 

Book and Audiobook: The Simple Path to Wealth by J. L. Collins

A guided meditation for when the stock market is dropping by J. L. Collins

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 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.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

Website to read blog posts: pathefiway.com

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway 

Keywords: bear markets, physician associate, physician associate investing, physician assistant, physician assistant investing, financial independence, physician assistant financial independence, physician associate financial independence, physician assistant finances, physician associate finances 

Have you ever thought that traveling and going on adventures would have to stop either when you have kids or when you are saving money to pursue financial independence as a physician associate / physician assistant? Heidi will share how those beliefs are misconceptions! 

Heidi Dusek is the founder and host of Ordinary Sherpa podcast and brand designed to inspire families to connect through simple and authentic adventure experiences.  Heidi is well-versed in challenging the status quo, connecting people and designing experiences.  She has an adventurous lens on life, using empathy and curiosity as critical threads in the fabric of designing an authentic and memorable life. Heidi and her family travel frequently, spend a significant amount of time outside, and create simple adventure experiences near and far.  As a working executive, she did not want to choose between her career, being a mom, or having an adventure-filled life resulting in her latest book, Beyond Normal: a field guide to embracing adventure, exploring the wilderness and designing an extraordinary life with kids. 

In this episode we discuss the benefits of trying to incorporate simple and affordable family adventures, and we review some of the neuroscience and research that support how beneficial adventuring can be. Take a listen to be inspired to plan an adventure today in your own backyard! 

Claim your freebie with 50+ everyday adventure ideas by clicking here!

Visit ordinarysherpa.com to learn more, check out her podcast and book, Beyond Normal, and to connect with Heidi! 

Instagram: @ordinarysherpa https://www.instagram.com/ordinarysherpa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa/

Interested in learning more about travel hacking with travel rewards from credit cards? Check out this blog post: http://pathefiway.com/how-to-utilize-travel-rewards-for.../

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 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.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

Website to read blog posts: pathefiway.com

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway 

Unfortunately, many physician associates / physician assistants have experienced or will experience burnout. Meg Leddy, PA-C, went from experiencing burnout to teaching other PAs and other healthcare professionals about burnout and wellbeing. In this episode, Meg shares her burnout story, and also discusses why sleep and other elements of self-care are so important for helping with burnout. We also discuss how physician associate / physician assistant finances affect burnout. She is the host of the podcast called "Burnout: What I Have Learned So Far with Meg Leddy", so you definitely have to check out her show where she provides education as well as tips about treating and preventing burnout!

Check out Meg's website: https://www.megleddy.com 

Follow Meg on Instagram: @megleddy923 

Books mentioned in this episode: 

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle 

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are 

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

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 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.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

Website to read blog posts: pathefiway.com

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway 

Did you make it to the AAPA Conference 2022 this week in Indianapolis, or are you planning on attending next year in Nashville? In this episode, I share some of the highlights of this years' conference as well as what you can expect when you attend an AAPA conference as a physician associate / physician assistant.

During the conference this year, it was so interesting to hear Simone Biles and Jane Pauley discuss their mental health journeys over the years. Hayley Arceneaux then shared her incredible story of being a pediatric cancer survivor, working for St. Jude's as a PA, then getting to be part of the SpaceX Inspiration 4 team where she was the first PA in space as their medical officer. She is such an inspiration and an example of a PA doing some pretty cool stuff! 

NCCPA also provided an update on PANRE-LA during the conference, which is the alternative to the PANRE (previously the only option for a recertification exam for PAs). Take a listen to hear about the overview of the exam as well as some of the benefits of this exam option. If you're due for recertification in 2024, 2025, or 2026, the application period for PANRE-LA opens soon in July 2022! Learn more about PANRE-LA here: https://www.nccpa.net/news/panre-la/ 

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 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.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

Website to read blog posts: pathefiway.com

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway 

If you're fortunate enough to learn about financial independence and starting to become financially literate before PA school, what can you do ahead of time to prepare and set yourself up for success? Rebecca is a brand new PA student (she just started last week!), and her husband, Skyler, is the FI part of the couple as he loves spreadsheets and optimizing their finances. They also share how they can communicate well as a couple when trying to discuss finances on their way to FI. Whether you're a pre-PA student, PA student, or a married PA, you'll find the information in this episode helpful! 

Today's episode was sponsored by Student Loan Advice . Reach out to Andrew to have a consult for the best way to pay off your student loans! 

Find Skyler's podcast (Money Talk with Skyler Fleming): 

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 

Follow along on Instagram: @pathefiway   https://www.instagram.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

Website to read blog posts: pathefiway.com

Prefer to pin the posts that you found informative? Follow along on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pathefiway