Expert Financial Guidance for Pattern Life Clients
At Scholar Financial Advising, we specialize in providing hourly, fee-only financial planning services for physicians who want expert guidance—without product sales or percentage-based fees. Whether you’re navigating student loans, building an investment plan, or aligning your financial life with your career goals, we’re here to help.
Start With a Custom Proposal
We provide financial planning and advice. All new client relationships begin with a comprehensive initial plan. Fill out our online form to receive a complimentary personalized proposal within two to three business days.
Why Work With Us?
100% Fiduciary, 100% of the Time
As a fiduciary firm, our commitment is to serve your best interests with no hidden agendas or undisclosed fees. Our advice is unbiased, based on rigorous analysis and tailored to your personal financial situation. We do not charge an AUM fee and do not sell products. We charge a flat fee for financial advice based on the complexity of your situation.
Guidance for DIY Physicians
Many of our clients enjoy managing parts of their finances themselves. Our job is to provide the clarity, strategy, and recommendations (down to the fund and dollar amount level) that help you make smart, confident decisions.
Specialized in Physician Financial Challenges
From navigating the complexities of medical school debt to optimizing your investments for tax efficiency, our expertise focuses on creating executable financial strategies unique to healthcare professionals.
Advisors With PhDs in Finance
Our boutique firm is led by credentialed experts—all of our advisors hold PhDs in Finance. We bring deep technical knowledge and experience to every client relationship.
In Practice: Physician Client Case Studies
Physician Finances: Dr. and Dr. Smith’s Financial Journey
Current State of Finances
Dr. John and Dr. Emily Smith are a married couple, both working as physicians in their mid-30s, earning a combined W-2 and 1099 income of $680,000 annually. Despite their substantial earnings, they are feeling the weight of their financial obligations. Mainly they don’t know what to prioritize and how everything should be organized especially with all of the new accounts they have access to (403(b), 401(k), 401(a), 457, old employer and IRA accounts).
They live in a beautiful four-bedroom house in a high-cost of living area, valued at $800,000, with a remaining mortgage of $700,000 at a 4% interest rate…
Career Pivot on the Horizon: Planning for Burnout Prevention and Financial Independence
Current State of Finances
Dr. Melissa Carter, a 45-year-old specialist in internal medicine, has built a thriving career over the past 15 years. She earns over $500,000 annually and has saved consistently, accumulating roughly $2.5 million in investable assets spread across her 401(k), backdoor Roth IRAs, and a growing taxable brokerage account. She and her husband, who works part-time, are raising two children in the Bay Area. Their home has appreciated significantly, adding to their overall net worth. Melissa is starting to feel the effects of burnout…
Legacy, Lifestyle, and Liquidity: Guiding the Kings Through Their Retirement Years
Current State of Finances
Dr. James King, a retired cardiologist now in his late 70s, spent over three decades in private practice. He and his wife, Elaine, enjoyed a high-earning lifestyle during his working years and were diligent savers. Today, they have approximately $6.5 million in investable assets, including taxable accounts, IRAs, a charitable remainder trust, and income from a diversified rental property portfolio.
The Kings have been fully retired for over a decade. Their children are grown and financially independent. While they’ve done much of the heavy lifting already—building wealth, creating estate documents, establishing charitable giving structures—they reached out for help with the next phase…