In this episode, the concept of rhythmic renewal is explored, which is the practice of building intentional, restorative pauses into your day to protect your energy and prevent burnout. You’ll learn how to implement a timing model that works well for your schedule, create your own personalized renewal menu, and discover simple ways to reset—even in the busiest clinical or hospital settings. These small, consistent rhythms of self-care can help you renew your energy, show up with greater presence, and help with burnout.

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Keywords: physician associate burnout, physician assistant burnout, burnout in medicine, healthcare burnout, physician burnout, nurse burnout, clinician burnout, self-care in medicine

Feeling stretched too thin? Saying “yes” when you want to say “no” is one of the fastest tracks to burnout—especially in healthcare. In this episode, I dive into The Yes Trap and unpack why learning to say “no” isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a power skill that protects your time, energy, and sanity. You’ll also learn 11 practical types of “no" that you can start implementing today, real-world boundary-setting scripts, and how to push back gracefully without guilt. Be sure to grab the free companion cheat sheet: How to Say No Gracefully (Without Guilt): Scripts + Boundaries for Burnout Prevention — packed with scripts, examples, and boundary-setting tips specifically for clinicians.

This is a can't miss episode for all healthcare professionals! Don't forget to share with all your colleagues that could benefit: physician assistants / physician associates, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, physicians, psychologists, therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, optometrists, speech language pathologists, dietitians, respiratory therapists, audiologists, etc.!

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Love to travel but hate overspending? In this episode, I'm diving into practical, low-effort ways to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing fun or comfort. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip, a CME conference, or an international adventure, these tips will help you save on flights, lodging, food, and activities—so you can travel on budget while reaching your financial goals.

I'll cover smart booking strategies and money-saving hacks for accommodations and meals. You’ll also learn how travel hacking works and why using the right credit card can unlock serious perks. (Check out my favorite travel hacking card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, to get it's highest offer of 100,000 points now!)

Want a printable version of everything covered? Download your free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Travel with 30+ tips to help you plan smarter and spend less on your next trip.

Resources mentioned:

Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card

The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Travel

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

If you’ve ever questioned whether you really belong in medicine — even with the credentials, experience, and evidence to prove it — this episode is for you. Imposter syndrome shows up quietly but powerfully in medicine, often pushing high-achieving providers to overwork, downplay their success, and silently burn out. Today, we're unpacking what imposter syndrome really is, how it shows up throughout your career, and the five types that Dr. Valerie Young identified (yes, you'll probably see yourself in more than one).

We’ll also explore how imposter syndrome affects your financial wellness — from undercharging and overworking to avoiding financial decisions altogether. Because feeling like a fraud doesn’t just drain your energy — it can impact your income, your burnout level, and your future freedom.

Grab your free Guide to Fight Imposter Syndrome in Medicine to reflect on your own experiences and take practical steps to start believing in your worth again. You are not an imposter — you're a human being in a high-stakes job doing amazing, life-changing work. Let's talk about it.

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—your finances need a refresh too! If you’re tired of cluttered accounts, surprise tax bills, or money slipping through the cracks, this episode is the reset button you need. We’re walking you through 10 simple (and actually doable) steps to get your financial life in order. From canceling useless subscriptions and automating your savings to organizing your accounts, we’re covering all the ways to tidy up your money and make it work smarter for you.

Think of it like giving your finances a deep clean—except instead of scrubbing floors, you’re finding hidden cash, cutting down stress, and setting yourself up for long-term success. Plus, we’ll talk about why health is wealth and how prioritizing your well-being is just as important as managing your budget. So grab a coffee (or a calculator), and let’s get your financial house in order!

Download your free Financial Spring Cleaning Checklist now!

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student

Frugality is a powerful tool for paying off debt, allowing you to cut unnecessary expenses, focus on essentials, develop discipline, and accelerate financial freedom. However, staying frugal for too long can lead to a scarcity mindset, making it hard to enjoy your money even after paying off your debt and achieving stability. While being frugal for a season helps you break free from debt, true financial freedom comes from learning to spend intentionally on what truly matters in your life!

The downside of extreme frugality is that it can create fear of spending and prevent you from investing in your well-being, relationships, and experiences. Money is not just for saving and hoarding—it’s a tool for creating a meaningful life. Transitioning from frugality to abundance means reframing spending as an investment in your happiness and values, rather than a loss.

Take a listen to learn how to develop the skill of spending in your life. Learn to spend intentionally by identifying what brings you joy, and creating an intentional spending plan that balances needs, wealth-building, experiences, and giving. Learn how to practice conscious spending and how to overcome guilt around spending. The goal is to move beyond restriction and build a life of financial security, freedom, and fulfillment on your way to financial independence!

Download your free Step-By-Step Guide to Develop the Skill of Spending today! You'll also receive access to journal prompts that will help you reflect on your mindset and beliefs during your journey to financial independence.

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student , money mindset , psychology of money

Want to make your savings work harder for you without lifting a finger? In this episode, we’re taking it back to basics and discussing High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs)—what they are, why they matter, and how they can help you grow your emergency fund and sinking funds faster than a traditional savings account. If your money is sitting in a regular savings account earning pennies, it’s time to upgrade!

I’ll cover why HYSAs are a game-changer for savings, how to use them strategically for financial goals, and the difference between an emergency fund (for life’s unexpected hits) and sinking funds (for planned expenses like car repairs and vacations). Plus, you'll get motivated to open your HYSA today so you can start earning higher interest ASAP. Don’t let your hard-earned cash sit idle—tune in and take action!

Open your HYSA through Wealthfront with this link for an additional 0.50% boost to your APY for 3 months: https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFD-4T9D-S98P-EC65

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Keywords: physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student

In this episode, we sit down with McKenna Morgan, PA-C, who has navigated multiple specialties and career transitions while pursuing financial independence (FI). McKenna shares insights from their journey, starting with early financial lessons learned from her family that included playing the board game Cashflow. We explore how she strategically tackled $168K in student loan debt after graduating from PA school.Through intentional lifestyle choices and a commitment to financial literacy, McKenna made remarkable progress toward financial freedom while still working in healthcare.

We also discuss the power of downsizing and minimalism, uncovering how these shifts not only reduced her financial stress but also opened doors to new opportunities. McKenna shares her experience stepping taking a sabbatical and ultimately deciding to step away from medicine while finding the courage to walk away from a career and jobs that lead to burnout. Through her story, we see how FI isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating options, reclaiming time, and prioritizing well-being. Whether you're a physician assistant / physician associate like McKenna, or another healthcare professional seeking more control over your financial and personal life, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

Cashflow board game

Cashflow for kids

The Mr. Money Mustache blog post The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement

Connect with McKenna:

Instagram @mckenna830

Email: McKenna.truenorth@gmail.com

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

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-kat-astrup-mspas-pa-c-175848255/

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

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

Keywords: burnout in healthcare , burnout in medicine , healthcare sabbatical , sabbatical in medicine , physician associate , physician assistant , physician assistant financial independence , physician associate financial independence , physician assistant finances , physician associate finances , physician assistant finance , physician associate finance , physician assistant money , physician associate money , physician assistant school , physician associate school , PA school , PA-S , PA-C , pre-PA , physician assistant student , physician associate student