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As a W-2 physician earning over $350,000 a year, you're likely in the top federal tax bracket — and there's a good chance your advisor has never once looked at your tax return. The W-2 Physician's Tax Playbook breaks down six strategies specifically designed for high-income employed physicians: direct indexing, Backdoor Roth IRAs, tax location, tax-loss harvesting, HSA investing, and true year-round tax planning. Not generic advice. Not April scrambles. Strategies you can act on now. Written by Dan Johnson, CFP®, EA — Enrolled Agent and founder of Forward Thinking Wealth Management. It's not what you make. It's what you keep. Download the free guide below.

It is of the most powerful tax-saving tools available to high earners and too many physicians have never heard of it

Direct indexing offers high-income physicians a powerful way to improve tax efficiency by owning individual stocks within an index and strategically harvesting losses. For W-2 doctors with limited deductions, this approach can help reduce annual tax bills while enhancing long-term, after-tax investment returns through greater customization and control.

Flat Fee vs AUM: Understanding how financial advisors charge is crucial—especially for physicians. Learn the differences between flat fee and AUM models, the pros and cons of each, and which approach offers clarity, lower conflicts, and predictable value for your portfolio.

As a high-income W-2 physician, managing finances alongside patient care and a busy schedule can feel overwhelming. Forward Thinking Wealth Management specializes in fee-only, conflict-free financial planning designed exclusively for employed physicians. We help you simplify complex decisions, invest tax-efficiently, optimize retirement accounts, and implement tax-smart distribution strategies — all while protecting your income and aligning wealth with your life goals. Our approach turns your hard work into financial confidence, flexibility, and freedom, so you can focus on your career and lifestyle without stress.

Most physicians are excellent at diagnosing problems—but rarely pause to diagnose their own financial life. This simple Yes-or-No checklist helps you quickly assess whether your advisor, strategy, and long-term vision are truly aligned with the life you want. No jargon, no pressure, just clarity.