Weekly Rounds: Issue #014

Week of 8/3/2025

Author

Wealth Rounds
August 03, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

As physicians, we balance patient care with financial foresight. 💼 This week, I'm examining critical strategies for our portfolios – from backdoor Roth techniques to the potential shift from the traditional 4% rule to a more aggressive 6% approach. We'll also explore real estate tax advantages and academic compensation disparities that affect our profession. The market continues evolving, and so must our financial strategies. 📊

📝 Backdoor Roth: Standard and Mega

Source: WCI
Published: July 31, 2025

The article explains Backdoor Roth IRA and Mega Backdoor Roth strategies, addressing reader questions about their functionality and suitability. It provides guidance on maximizing retirement savings through these tax-advantaged conversion methods, specifically tailored for high-income professionals like physicians seeking optimal investment approaches.

👨‍⚕️ Top specialties where academic physicians earn less — and why it matters

Source: Medical Economics
Published: August 1, 2025

Academic physicians face significant pay disparities compared to private practice, with some specialties experiencing gaps exceeding $100,000. These variations differ substantially across medical fields, highlighting the financial trade-offs many doctors must consider when choosing between academic and clinical career paths.

💹 Is the 4% pension rule dead? Why the 6% rule could replace it

Source: Money Week
Published: July 30, 2025

Financial experts suggest the traditional 4% pension withdrawal rule may be outdated. New calculations indicate retirees can safely withdraw up to 6% annually, completely depleting their pension by age 90. This shift aligns with the upcoming inheritance tax changes affecting pensions starting April 2027.

📈 From AI To Emerging Markets: How 6 Pros Would Allocate $10K In Today's Market

Source: Personal Finance
Published: August 3, 2025

Six Wall Street strategists shared diverse $10,000 investment recommendations amid record-high markets. JPMorgan's Santos favors international equities over U.S. stocks, citing a 35% premium versus the historical 15%. Stifel's Bannister suggests equal distribution across small-cap, international, and value stocks to counterbalance tech-sector concentration.

📈 100% Bonus Depreciation in Real Estate: Trump’s Tax Bill Game-Changer for Investors

Source: Debt-Free Doctor
Published: August 1, 2025

Trump's tax bill introduces permanent 100% bonus depreciation for real estate, representing a significant advantage for investors and business owners. This tax provision allows immediate write-offs rather than spreading deductions over multiple years, substantially reducing taxable income for qualified property investments.

As we navigate our financial journeys, today's insights remind us that the landscape is ever-evolving—from retirement strategy adjustments to tax advantages in real estate investing. What remains constant is our need to stay informed and adaptable in our approach to wealth-building. The difference between financial security and stress often lies in this vigilance and willingness to reassess traditional rules. 📊