Rehab Your Finances

About Rehab Your Finances

Healthcare and education professionals spend their careers caring for others—often at the expense of their own financial clarity and security. At some point, many of us quietly wonder, “Who’s taking care of me?” Hosted by Mike Powers, physical therapist and full-time educator, this podcast examines personal finance through the shared culture, constraints, and values of healthcare and education. Like good clinical care and effective teaching, personal finance lives at the intersection of evidence, judgment, and human behavior. Each episode helps you place data and strategy within the context of your goals, priorities, and psychology—so you can move forward with confidence and intention.

Publisher

Mike Powers

Category

business · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Feb 2026

Latest episode

31 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Mike and Sylvia Talk Money

   Send your questions and comments here! In this episode, fellow physical therapist and educator Dr. Sylvia Son joins Mike to share her personal finance journey. They discuss the importance of getting started with investing, that investing is not gambling, the impact of money scripts and psychology on personal finance, recommendations for physical therapy students entering the workforce, and that financial wellness is much more than trying to maximize salary. Takeaways Now is the best tim...

2. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Season 1 Recap

   In this episode, Mike recaps the key insights from season one of Rehab your Finances. He explores the interplay between money mindset and numbers, highlighting how both play key roles in financial wellness. Mike emphasizes how the benefits of optimism and purpose extend beyond personal finance, as they are protective against job burnout and are associated with greater lifespan and happiness in retirement. Takeaways Importance of cognitive optimism in financial health Role of mindset in personal finance Impact of money scripts and self-talk The importance of savings rate The value of tracking net worth Practical steps for financial planning and wellness References Belief in Exercise May Make it More Effective (https://www.reuters.com/article/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/belief-in-exercise-may-make-it-more-effective-idUSCOL373533/) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

3. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Caregiving Considerations

   In this episode, Mike examines the impact of caregiving on finances. After outlining income and job growth data for physical therapists, nurses, and educators, he outlines key factors impacting job satisfaction and burnout among these caregiving professions. He then discusses the impact of caregiving for young children and/or aging family members, highlighting the value of a supportive workplace and building out a financial buffer. Throughout this episode, Mike emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, social connections, and reasonable workload on job satisfaction and sustainable financial wellness. Takeaways PT, nursing, and teaching median incomes and job outlook Factors impacting job satisfaction and burnout, including secondary traumatic stress At least 20% of US adults are caregivers Childcare costs impact businesses, too Unpaid family care exceeds $96 billion annually References Physical Therapy job data (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm) Registered Nurses job data (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm) Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers job data (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm) High School Teachers salary income and job data (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm) Teachers Becoming Millionaires (https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/the-national-study-of-millionaires-research) Physical Therapy Job Satisfaction (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37440453/) Factors Impacting Physical Therapy Burnout (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8656566/) Impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress on Healthcare Providers (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11756660/) Hospital Worker Job Satisfaction (https://www.jhpor.com/article/2414-charting-employee-satisfaction-in-us-hospitals-insights-into-job-fulfillment-stressors-andinvolvement) Teacher Job Satisfaction (https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/04/04/teachers-job-satisfaction/) Economic Impact of Child Care by State (https://www.stlouisfed.org/community-development/child-care-economic-impact) Economic Impact of Child Care Challenges (https://www.ffyf.org/2026/02/11/readynation-report/) Financial Toll of Family Caregiving (https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/financial-impact-caregiving/) Get Paid as Family Caregiver (https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

4. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Money Scripts

   In this episode, Mike discusses money scripts - our hidden and often subconscious beliefs and stories we tell ourselves about money. He explores the impact of these scripts on our financial wellness, highlighting scripts which are correlated with lower net worth, lower income, and higher revolving debt. Mike highlights how our feelings about money are often uncorrelated to our actual money numbers due to the money scripts we unquestioningly follow. In this episode, Mike provides a framework for discovering and exploring the money scripts which may be holding you back from financial wellness. Takeaways Money scripts - hidden drivers of financial behaviors Klontz Money Script Inventory Scripts: money avoidance, money status, money worship, and money vigilance Remit Sethi's money types Money types: avoider, optimizer, worrier, dreamer How you feel about money is uncorrelated to your financial numbers High professional achievement does not necessarily correlate to rational financial decisions References Money Beliefs and Financial Behaviors: Development of the Klontz Money Script Inventory (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265907828_Money_Beliefs_and_Financial_Behaviors_Development_of_the_Klontz_Money_Script_Inventory) Discover the 4 Types of Money Scripts! (Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UaWVAorFHM&t=460s) How Clients' Money Scripts Predict Their Financial Behaviors (https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/article/journal/NOV12-how-clients-money-scripts-predict-their-financial-behaviors) Money Scripts: Why Do We Make Poor Money Choices? (https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/money-scripts/) Evaluating the Klontz Money Script Inventory with a Diverse Sample (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10834-025-10055-7) Money For Couples (https://www.amazon.com/Money-Couples-Stress-Fights-Together/dp/1523523689/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15YFRO44K7OZZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yYBkenGCxPA3pz9ZkCydawpjYfxRjPDApQHh47uHHKLBDJoEdeoglnZ8QNUf71La5hWVgS6oFZlN94A8ZAqMXeLxOVenZwAlCS8nxctJHq78tnoQ4tyAX7aYQ7lyDgFH01v5OWeEzqKV3R9A6o--PkaaNvckupDdbwdoKcM7oON-D0rsgv4VwwhHiK9tqljuIQezyD0oXC4tSOUHsOE8z4njkMZY5vjROsdszUTJj3Y.OoSTzphEnMBMW3LfHxNRlFLWmp2bweyr-pfiCvn2Dxc&dib_tag=se&keywords=money+for+couples&qid=1784302840&sprefix=money+for+couples%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1) Remit Sethi's 4 Money Types (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ramit-sethi-4-money-types-160228602.html?guccounter=1) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

5. 

   6 Jul 2026

   Deconstructing Retirement

   In this episode, Mike questions whether the "magic" number for retirement is truly $1.46 million, as suggested in a recent Northwestern Mutual Planning and Progress survey. He outlines how to project your retirement needs by first determining your anticipated expenses and then applying the 25x rule. Mike discusses the key assumptions underlying the 25x rule and the 4% rule, including recent revisions to the 4% rule. He highlights why rules of thumb rarely align with real-life findings, citing evidence that most retirees end up needing and spending less in retirement than these rules of thumb would indicate. He closes by emphasizing how retirement extends far beyond financial numbers, citing examples of the common habits shared by the happiest retirees. In this episode, Mike provides a holistic view on retirement planning which places the financial numbers within the greater context of meaning and purpose. Takeaways Is $1.46 million the "magic" number for a comfortable retirement? The importance of knowing your estimated expenses in retirement Social Security - insolvency does not mean gone 25x rule and 4% rule - helpful for back of napkin calculations Key assumptions underlying the 4% rule Retirement risks: inflation, sequence of returns, healthcare Most retirees do not live solely off retirement portfolios Healthy financial habits now carryover into retirement Happiest retirees emphasize social connections, curiosity, and purpose References Americans Believe They Will Need $1.46 Million in Retirement (https://news.northwesternmutual.com/2026-04-01-Americans-Believe-They-Will-Need-1-46-Million-to-Retire-Comfortably,-Up-More-Than-15-Since-Last-Year,-According-to-Northwestern-Mutual-2026-Planning-Progress-Study) Social Security Website (https://www.ssa.gov/) Status of Social Security 2026 (https://www.ssa.gov/oact/trsum/) What is the Retirement Spending Smile? (https://retirementresearcher.com/retirement-spending-smile/) Why Most Retirees Will Never Draw Down Their Retirement Portfolio (https://www.kitces.com/blog/consumption-gap-in-retirement-why-most-retirees-will-never-spend-down-their-portfolio/) Five Lifestyle Secrets of the Happiest Retirees (https://www.forbes.com/sites/wesmoss/2024/03/13/five-lifestyle-secrets-of-the-happiest-retirees/) What The Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1264269269/?bestFormat=true&k=happiest%20retirees&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k1_1_12_de&crid=20TM80M5TYOO3&sprefix=happiest%20ret) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

6. 

   22 Jun 2026

   The Magic of Compounding

   In this episode, Mike demonstrates how annual returns and time spent invested interact to produce unbelievable results which seem like magic. He peels back the curtain on the magic of compounding, including an in-depth discussion of how to make it work for you instead of against you. He highlights how each percentage point makes a tremendous difference in long-term investing, which is why you should understand how expense ratios and financial fees impact your returns. In this episode, Mike provides actionable insights to empower you toward taking control of your financial plan and wellness! Takeaways The magic of compound interest Analogy of the lily pad taking over the pond Rule of 72 for estimating doubling time Importance of time in the market Using a compound interest calculator Nominal vs real returns (and why you should care) Why 1.5% is a big deal References Compound Interest Calculator (https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/calculators/compound-interest-calculator) Passive Fund Information (https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/glossary/passive-fund-passively-managed-fund) Understanding Expense Ratios (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/expenseratio.asp) Morningstar: When Do Active Managers Win? (https://www.morningstar.com/business/insights/blog/active-vs-passive-investing) Vanguard's VOO Hits 1 Trillion Dollars (https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/vanguard-voo-hits-1-trillion-175530603.html) How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost? (https://www.nerdwallet.com/financial-advisors/learn/how-much-does-a-financial-advisor-cost) In Defense of AUM Fees (https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/in-defense-of-aum-fees/) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

7. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Stocks, Bonds, and Cash

   In this episode, Mike discusses how investment types can be considered across the categories of equities, fixed-income, and cash. He breaks down the general risk and return of each investment type, including how risk and return can be considered when determining asset allocation within the investment accounts discussed during the last episode. In this episode, Mike provides actionable insights to help you make intentional and informed investment decisions. Takeaways Investments fit into three main categories Sending your money out to make money Risk and reward in investing Tax considerations in asset allocation Benefits of long-term investing The importance of diversification Psychology of investing and avoiding unnecessary risk References What is a Bond? (https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/understanding-investment-types/what-is-a-bond) Evidence for All Equities Portfolio (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4590406) Asset Allocation and Taxes (https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/asset-location-can-lead-to-lower-taxes) The Simple Path to Wealth (https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-Revised-Expanded-dp-B0DQJMVM59/dp/B0DQJMVM59/ref=dp_ob_title_bk) The Psychology of Money (https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34H58U1LLS7Q8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1Ej9TpPoVuWM_km1joB3isSnYwELjItVV5sshabWX3rmN1B6omdP26MhfZZJXofr01gNy0Z8WmgWjOplpEIhzURKpaRfoS_Jvy6oi6vlOtRVKZlloooAv-7gDKHd2oCZ_3lvz_cX6WmYyeKQdBDPxoUNLzFbZbGPZ9sS-fm4BO0-JkJBd_tr2se1ZSphly0CgUhemCZxDfM3Na9HGA5E6PatYrM92bHBmAz8_U-W6lA.RmoHZtvyrxOP9otnym3pN8laABVD6S3svCo88GpWkhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+psychology+of+money+morgan+housel&qid=1780845513&s=books&sprefix=the+psy%2Cstripbooks%2C124&sr=1-1) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

8. 

   25 May 2026

   Investment Accounts

   In this episode, Mike compares types of investment accounts including tax-deferred, tax-exempt, and taxable. He discusses key features of each, including tax benefits, contribution limits, and age restrictions on accessing invested money. As each type of investment account carries a trade-off between tax benefits and flexibility, Mike encourages listeners to thoughtfully consider their current, short-term, and long-term financial goals when investing. Takeaways Thinking of retirement accounts as age-restricted accounts for a holistic view of finances Contribution limits, tax considerations, and access to funds across the investment account types Early withdrawal penalties Record number of 401(k) hardship withdrawals underscores the importance of an emergency fund Rule of 55 and SEPP for accessing 401(k) early without penalty The retirement tax triangle and diversifying across the investment accounts "Paper millionaires" and the middle-class trap References Record share of Americans taking hardship withdrawals form their 401(k)s (https://bobbybones.iheart.com/content/2026-03-06-record-share-of-americans-taking-hardship-withdrawals-from-their-401ks/) How does a 401(k) loan work? (https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-borrow-money-from-your-401k/) What is the rule of 55? (https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/what-is-rule-of-55) SEPP explained: Penalty-free early retirement withdrawals and IRS rules (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sepp.asp) The middle-class trap that could keep you from FIRE (how to escape it) (https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-602) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

9. 

   10 May 2026

   Order of Operations

   In this episode, Mike outlines the order of operations in personal finance. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong financial foundation by building up an emergency fund, getting the company match, and eliminating high-interest debt. Once that foundation is built, he highlights next steps to bolster your financial wellness. Takeaways The why and how of building a strong financial foundation Debt snowball or debt avalanche - which is better? How to integrate math and money psychology into your order of operations How the order of operations can increase your financial confidence References A snowball's chance: Debt snowball vs. debt avalanche (https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/699/) The debt snowball vs. avalanche method (https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/avalanche-snowball-debt) The Simple Path to Wealth (https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-Revised-Expanded-dp-B0DQJMVM59/dp/B0DQJMVM59/ref=dp_ob_title_bk) The Future is Now: Age-Processed Images Motivate Community College Students to Prepare for Their Financial Futures (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7899147/) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

10. 

    27 Apr 2026

    Know Your Numbers, Part 2: Net Worth

    In this episode, Mike focuses on understanding net worth and its impact on financial health. He explores the relationship between income, savings rate, and net worth, providing a data-driven approach to improving your financial health. He highlights how considering net worth creates a positive shift in money psychology by considering long-term financial health within the context of personal values and goals. Takeaways Net worth is a key metric of financial health and increasing net worth can lead to greater freedom and flexibility. Knowing which rung you are on within the net worth ladder leads to better financial decision-making. The data on net worth and millionaires reveals that increasing net worth is an accessible goal for everyone. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Net Worth 09:34 Conceptualizing Net Worth 19:22 Trends in Net Worth Data 27:18 Linking Episodes: 50-30-20 Method and Net Worth References The Wealth Ladder (https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Ladder-Proven-Strategies-Financial/dp/0593854039) The National Study of Millionaires (https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/the-national-study-of-millionaires-research) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

11. 

    13 Apr 2026

    Know Your Numbers, Part 1: 50/30/20 Method

    In this episode, Mike discusses the 50/30/20 method for personal finance. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers (what gets measured gets managed), how to approach allocating income to essentials, wants, and savings, and how to adapt the method to real-life situations. He highlights the value of paying yourself first not only as a means to improve your financial health, but as a signal of self-worth which transforms your money psychology. References What is the 50/30/20 Rule? (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/guide-to-50-30-20-budget/) Revisiting 50/30/20 for 2026 (https://www.mapscu.com/blogs/revisiting-50-30-20-for-2026/) How Americans Actually Split Their Paychecks (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/americans-ditching-50-30-20-180027241.html) Mr Money Mustache Blog: Importance of Savings Rate (https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/13/the-shockingly-simple-math-behind-early-retirement/) Contac: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com

12. 

    10 Apr 2026

    The Case for Cognitive Optimism

    In this updated release of episode 2, Mike makes the case for what he calls "cognitive optimism" - optimism grounded in data and informed by your unique perspective and values. If you can resist the lure of pessimism and the tendency toward negativity bias and loss aversion, you will discover that optimism is associated not only with higher savings rates but also longer lifespans - after all, we want to be around to enjoy the fruits of our labors! References Explanatory Style as A Mechanism of Disappointing Athletic Performance (https://www.jstor.org/stable/40062600) A Glass Half Full of Money (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39883404/) Association of Optimism with Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31560385/) Optimism Associated with Exceptional Longevity (https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1900712116) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

13. 

    30 Mar 2026

    Recognizing Risk

    In this episode of Rehab Your Finances, Mike discusses the importance of recognizing the role that risk plays in your financial wellness. He highlights common risks such as unexpected expenses, loss of income due to disability or death, risks to property and self, and inflation risk. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of considering the data within your specific life situation and goals. Expect to come away with tangible strategies for navigating risk after listening to this episode! References Disability Insurance Statistics and Facts for 2025 (https://www.studentloanplanner.com/disability-insurance-statistics/) Life Insurance Stats and Trends (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/life-insurance/life-insurance-statistics/) White Coat Investor - Whole Life Insurance (https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-whole-life-insurance/) Most Americans Would Struggle with Emergency Expense (https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/01/survey-most-americans-would-struggle-to-cover-an-emergency-expense/) Bankrate's 2026 Emergency Savings Report (https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/emergency-savings-report/) Threshold of $2467 for Emergency Savings (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3455696) Emergency Savings May Hold Key to Financial Well-Being (https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/articles/emergency-savings-may-hold-key-financial-well-being.html) Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com (mailto:rehabyourfinances@drmichaelpowers.com)

14. 

    28 Feb 2026

    Why This Show Exists

    You take care of others—but who’s taking care of you? In this first episode of Rehab Your Finances, Mike shares why this show exists and who it’s for. Drawing on his experience as a physical therapist and educator, he explores the often-unspoken financial tension many healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers feel after investing years of time, energy, and money into serving others. Rehab Your Finances reframes personal finance as something more than budgeting or optimization. Instead, it’s about clarity, sustainability, and building financial systems that support the life you’re actually living. If you’ve ever felt financially uncertain despite doing meaningful work, this show is for you. Music: Perpetual Motion by Amarent via FMA (public domain) Contact: mike@rehabyourfinances.com

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.