Don't Let Your Finances Go Up in Flames! Get Your Sh*t Together with These 10 Must-Have Documents πŸ“


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Happy First Sunday in March, Reader!
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Hope you're all enjoying a relaxing day off – I know I am! Yesterday, Katie and I took a little day trip down to Buffalo. Two things were on the agenda: hitting up Target (because who can resist a little cross-border shopping spree?) and listening to a great podcast. Katie's pick this time? The Diary of a CEO episode with none other than MrBeast himself, Jimmy Donaldson!

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Now, I know what you're thinking: "MrBeast?

What does a YouTuber who gives away millions of dollars have to do with my finances?"

But trust me, this episode was packed with some serious gems. Hearing Jimmy talk about his relentless drive, his creative approach to content creation, and his genuine desire to make a difference really got me thinking.

The shopping trip may have been cut short (poor Katie wasn't feeling her best), but the conversation that sparked on the drive home was anything but. We started talking about how Jimmy structures his life and his business to achieve his goals, and it got me thinking about how we structure our own lives, both personally and professionally.

It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of treating patients, managing schedules, and keeping up with the latest research. But what about the bigger picture? Are we taking the time to build a solid foundation for our future?

Are we covering all our bases, not just financially, but in all aspects of our lives?

That's what I want to explore with you today. Because just like a strong building needs a solid foundation, a fulfilling life needs a solid framework to support it. But before you completely zone out, let's talk about something that might be lurking in the back of your mind, causing a little bit of anxiety: your financial paperwork.

I know, I know, it's not exactly the most exciting topic. But trust me, ignoring this is like ignoring that nagging pain in your shoulder – it's not going to disappear magically, and it'll probably get worse if you don't address it.

We've all been there.

That overflowing drawer of random documents, the vague sense that "somewhere" you have a life insurance policy, and the nagging feeling that you should really figure out this whole "estate planning" thing. Sound familiar?

Let's cut to the chase: not having your financial ducks in a row can lead to some serious headaches (and not the kind that a good massage can fix).

  • 😫 Overwhelm. Trying to sort through everything after a major life event (like an illness or, heaven forbid, a death) is a nightmare. It's like trying to find a specific patient file in a room full of exploding filing cabinets.
  • 😫 Family chaos. Disputes over assets, guardianship battles, and general confusion add stress during already difficult times.
  • 😫 Money left on the table. Unclaimed benefits, missed tax deductions, and lost investments can cost your family thousands (or even millions!) of dollars.
  • 😫 Loss of control. Without clear directives, your wishes might not be honored.

So, what's the solution?

A huge shoutout to my friend Aviva Abraham πŸ‘ who writes the Insurance Evolved blog for putting together this amazing resource (10 Key Documents Every Family Needs to Have). She's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things insurance and financial planning, so be sure to check out her blog for more valuable insights. They're like the 10 commandments of financial planning, but way less intimidating (and you don't have to carve them into stone tablets).

Your Will: πŸ“œ (The "I Decide" Document)

  • Solution: Clarity.
  • Reason: Prevents family feuds and ensures your assets go where you want. Think of it as your financial last will and testament – your chance to say "I love you" to your loved ones by making sure they're taken care of.

A Living Will: πŸ₯ (The "My Voice" Document)

  • Solution: Peace of mind.
  • Reason: Dictates your healthcare wishes if you can't speak for yourself. It's like having a medical power of attorney, but for your own body.

Power of Attorney: 🀝 (The "My Trusted Ally" Document)

  • Solution: Seamless financial management.
  • Reason: Avoids court intervention and empowers a trusted person to act on your behalf. It's like having a financial wingman who's got your back.

Pension, Retirement & Annuity Documents: πŸ’° (The "My Future" Document)

  • Solution: Secure benefits.
  • Reason: Ensures your family receives what they're owed.

Proof of Ownership: (The β€œMy Stuff” Document)

  • Solution: Easy asset transfer.
  • Reason: Simplifies estate settlement. It's like having a detailed inventory of all your belongings, so your family doesn't have to play a real-life game of "Where's Waldo?"

Insurance Policies: β˜‚οΈ (The "My Safety Net" Document)

  • Solution: Financial protection.
  • Reason: Provides a safety net for your loved ones. It's like having a financial umbrella to shield them from the storms of life.

A List of Debts & Loans: πŸ’³ (The "My Obligations" Document)

  • Solution: Transparency.
  • Reason: Avoids surprises for your family.

Your Usernames and Passwords: πŸ’» (The "My Digital Life" Document)

  • Solution: Access and control.
  • Reason: Allows your family to manage your online presence. It's like giving them the keys to your digital kingdom.

Bank and Investment Accounts: 🏦 (The "My Wealth" Document)

  • Solution: Clear financial picture.
  • Reason: Prevents lost assets.

Three Years of Tax Returns: 🧾 (The "My Financial History" Document)

  • Solution: Insight and organization.
  • Reason: Provides a record of your financial activity. It's like having a financial diary that tells the story of your financial journey.

The Tale of Tom, The "I'll Deal With It Later" Physio:

Tom, a busy clinic owner, always told himself he'd get around to estate planning "later". He was young, healthy, and had "plenty of time". He figured his wife would just "figure it out" if something happened.

Then, tragedy struck. Tom was in a car accident, leaving his wife, Emily, and their two young children devastated. Emily quickly discovered that "figuring it out" was impossible. She had no idea where Tom's accounts were, couldn't access his online banking, and had no clue about his life insurance policy.

The clinic, their primary source of income, was in limbo. Emily had no power of attorney, so she couldn't make any decisions. The legal battles over guardianship of their children were a nightmare. And the stress of it all took a toll on her health.

Tom's "I'll deal with it later" attitude turned into a full-blown crisis for his family. Don't let this be your story.

Your Action Plan:

  • Start small: Pick one document and tackle it this week.
  • Create a system: Use folders, digital storage, or whatever works for you.
  • Don't procrastinate: Schedule time to work on this, even if it's just 30 minutes a week.
  • Get help: Consult a financial advisor or attorney.

Let's face it: we're healthcare professionals, and we see the unexpected every day.

Taking control of our own financial house is just good practice.

Read the full blog here​


Exciting news! This week, I'm heading to Kingston, Ontario to speak at the Queens Healthcare and Business Conference! 🎀

I'll be joining a panel of amazing healthcare professionals to dive deeper into these topics and explore the financial challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

We'll be covering things like:

  • Going beyond the traditional 9-to-5: How to create multiple income streams for financial stability and freedom. Think locum tenens, online courses, or even starting your own side hustle!
  • Developing a healthy relationship with money: Mastering your money mindset is key to achieving your financial goals. We'll discuss practical strategies to overcome limiting beliefs and build a positive relationship with your finances.
  • Growing your healthcare practice: Whether you're a seasoned clinician or just starting out, there are always ways to maximize your impact and build a thriving business. We'll share tips on marketing, client retention, and scaling your practice.

If you're attending the conference, be sure to come say hello! πŸ‘‹ It's going to be an incredible event, packed with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Can't make it to Kingston?

No worries! I'll be sharing key takeaways and highlights from the conference in next week's newsletter.

Stay tuned! πŸ˜‰


Podcast Spotlight!

Want to know the secret sauce to a fulfilling life? πŸ€” It's not just about being a financial whiz kid πŸ€“, but also prioritizing your health and wellness πŸ€Έβ€β™€οΈ

In this episode, I chat with Ron Monteiro for a podcast episode that hit home in a way I wasn’t expecting. Ron is a career coach, business leader, and all-around great guy, and he recently wrote a book called Love Mondaysβ€”a practical guide to finding purpose in your work and actually looking forward to Mondays (imagine that!). We discuss about finding that perfect balance between health and wealth βš–οΈ. and dive into:

  • Simple stretches to keep you limber even when life gets hectic πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ
  • Mindful spending and saving habits that won't leave you feeling like a penny-pinching Scrooge πŸ’°
  • Top-notch finance books that'll make you feel like a money maestro πŸ“š (think "The Psychology of Money" 🧠 and "The Wealthy Barber" πŸ’ˆ)
  • The Marshmallow Test and how delayed gratification can pave the way to success (who knew resisting those sugary treats could be so powerful? πŸ’ͺ)
  • The 5 Regrets of the Dying and how we can learn from them to live a life with zero regrets (get those tissues ready 😭)

P.S. Want to get ahead on your finances? Check out my Adulting 101 & 201 courses here!​

Robin Valadares,

​@financiallyfulfilledphysio​

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Navigating Finances as Healthcare Professional

Tired of trading your time for money? Join me every Sunday and 550+ healthcare professionals, share tips and insights on how I am quitting the rat race by 40 years old. I cover the basics of personal finance distilled into simple and basic steps, that you can use to improve your financial situation and live a more fulfilling life.

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