Why Retirement Planning Isn't the Same as Planning for Financial Freedom - Interview with Austin Dean
Sun Feb 01 2026
What if you could stop waiting until 65 to enjoy the freedom you're working so hard for?
Most financial advisors hand you a retirement plan and tell you to max out your 401(k), invest in the market, and wait. Wait until you're older. Wait until you have "enough." Wait until you've traded decades of your life for a number on a statement.
But here's the thing: a high net worth on paper doesn't buy you freedom. Cash flow does.
In this episode, we're sitting down again with Austin Dean, founder and CEO of Waystone Advisors, who's been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, and the American College of Financial Services for his unique approach to wealth building. Austin works with physicians who are tired of the traditional retirement playbook and ready to create financial independence on their own timeline.
By the time you finish listening, you'll discover:
Why having a high net worth statement can still leave you trapped in your job (and what actually creates freedom)
The difference between a retirement mindset and a financial freedom mindset, and why the shift changes everything
How to make your money work harder by creating a "flywheel" that generates cash flow while you sleep
The most common mistakes physicians make with traditional retirement planning (including the FIRE strategy trap)
Alternative investments that can generate 13-18% returns with the right guidance
What to look for in a financial advisor who actually understands the path to financial freedom
Financial independence is closer than you think. It starts with asking better questions and surrounding yourself with people who've walked the path before you. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building cash flow that gives you options, this episode is your starting point.
IS 2026 THE YEAR YOU GET FINANCIALLY FREE?
Register for the Legally Lower Your Taxes Bootcamp HERE
READY FOR REAL ESTATE SUCCESS? Book your call HERE for your next move.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Work w/ SRMD: HERE
Join our FREE Facebook Groups: HERE
FOLLOW + CONNECT
Connect with SRMD: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Liked this episode? Share it on social and tag me @semiretiredmd
Love the show? Leave a 5-star review and let me know!
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What if you could stop waiting until 65 to enjoy the freedom you're working so hard for? Most financial advisors hand you a retirement plan and tell you to max out your 401(k), invest in the market, and wait. Wait until you're older. Wait until you have "enough." Wait until you've traded decades of your life for a number on a statement. But here's the thing: a high net worth on paper doesn't buy you freedom. Cash flow does. In this episode, we're sitting down again with Austin Dean, founder and CEO of Waystone Advisors, who's been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, and the American College of Financial Services for his unique approach to wealth building. Austin works with physicians who are tired of the traditional retirement playbook and ready to create financial independence on their own timeline. By the time you finish listening, you'll discover: Why having a high net worth statement can still leave you trapped in your job (and what actually creates freedom) The difference between a retirement mindset and a financial freedom mindset, and why the shift changes everything How to make your money work harder by creating a "flywheel" that generates cash flow while you sleep The most common mistakes physicians make with traditional retirement planning (including the FIRE strategy trap) Alternative investments that can generate 13-18% returns with the right guidance What to look for in a financial advisor who actually understands the path to financial freedom Financial independence is closer than you think. It starts with asking better questions and surrounding yourself with people who've walked the path before you. If you're ready to stop waiting and start building cash flow that gives you options, this episode is your starting point. IS 2026 THE YEAR YOU GET FINANCIALLY FREE? Register for the Legally Lower Your Taxes Bootcamp HERE READY FOR REAL ESTATE SUCCESS? Book your call HERE for your next move. RESOURCES + LINKS Work w/ SRMD: HERE Join our FREE Facebook Groups: HERE FOLLOW + CONNECT Connect with SRMD: Website | Instagram | Facebook Liked this episode? Share it on social and tag me @semiretiredmd Love the show? Leave a 5-star review and let me know!