I have a special appreciation for medical professionals and the dedication they bring to their work. They regularly step into challenging situations, caring for others with compassion and skill. Yet, despite their expertise in the medical field, many physicians and healthcare workers tell me they find financial planning to be overwhelming. There are so many moving parts and options, it can feel hard to know where to start.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with medical professionals at different stages in their careers. The situations they face are as unique as their specialties, but there’s often a common thread: a desire for clarity, confidence, and a plan that makes sense for their family, their future, and the causes that matter most to them. Below, I’m sharing three real stories that illustrate the kinds of financial questions and crossroads I see most often with physicians and their families, and how strategic and thoughtful planning helped them move forward.
1. From Chaos to Clarity
One physician came to us in a state of distress. He worked long hours and spent his time off buried in professional journals to stay on top of the latest medical developments. He threw himself into his finances on the weekends, but he felt lost with all the statements and figures staring back at him.
The first order of business was addressing his and his wife’s estate plans. They were concerned about how much tax liability they were being exposed to.
We used the WealthwhileTM approach to craft a giving strategy in which they gradually moved their wealth to their children, who were brought into their financial plans. The parents were transparent about all of their decisions—a great way to instill financial literacy and responsibility.
We then got the family’s insurance, investment, and legal documentation in order, bringing them together so the family could access information easily. Today, the physician, his wife, and their adult children are all Deerfield clients. This is just one example of how WealthwhileTM can guide financial planning with more purpose and less hardship.
2. Recovering From a Major Life Change
Financial planning sometimes involves navigating major shifts. Shortly after a new couple began consulting with us, the husband died suddenly. The scope of our work changed dramatically in an instant.
In the early moments of loss, we focused more on being a reliable presence for the family than acting as wealth managers. There were many issues to deal with. They had to sell property as well as a business, and were worried about taxes and legal problems. Their estate documentation wasn’t complete, and there was no business succession plan in place. Their financial future was up in the air.
We worked with CPAs, attorneys, and family members to help the family navigate their decisions. Together, we clarified the tax implications, transition steps, and important deadlines related to the upcoming sale.
The surviving spouse was also facing challenges with managing spending, which is a common response in times of loss. However, this was not sustainable, so we worked together to create a cash flow plan.
3. Finding Answers and Tempering Anxiety
One of my clients is a retired physician with a natural curiosity and a deep desire to understand the details. From the start, he asked thoughtful questions like, “How do we compare to your other clients? Are we on the right track? Are we going to be okay?” He’s dedicated to doing his research and wants to make sure his decisions are well-informed.
When his wife joins our meetings, her main question is, “How are we doing?” While she’s not focused on the numbers, she’s looking for reassurance that things are moving in the right direction.
She’s also aware that while they’re living comfortably within their means, there might be more they could be doing, whether it’s traveling, giving back, or fully enjoying the freedom they’ve worked for. Over time, this has been an area we’ve worked through together, balancing their different perspectives. My role has been to offer insights and data that help both of them feel confident, while respecting their individual comfort levels.
Over time, they’ve become more comfortable with the plan and with retirement. The questions haven’t gone away, but the anxiety around them has softened.
Thoughtful Financial Planning for Medical Professionals
At Deerfield Financial Advisors, we believe financial planning is about more than spreadsheets and statements. It’s about making life more WealthwhileTM by connecting your resources to your values and your relationships.
Whether it’s organizing the chaos, preparing the next generation, or simply offering a sounding board, our goal is to help bring clarity and confidence to those who spend their lives caring for others. After all, being a doctor is the ministry of healing, and just as medical professionals guide others through their most vulnerable moments, we strive to provide the support and guidance that helps our clients heal and grow financially.
If this sounds like something that could benefit you or someone you love, I invite you to reach out. Let’s talk about what really matters and how your financial life can reflect that. Call (317) 469-2455, email ssteel@deerfieldfa.com, or use my online calendar.
See what other clients have to say about working with me here.
About Susie
Susie Steel is COO, Wealth Manager, and Senior Shareholder at Deerfield Financial Advisors, a fee-only financial advisory and wealth management firm with offices in Indianapolis and Chicago. With over three decades of experience in financial planning, Susie’s approach has always been rooted in a spirit of service, treating each client as an extension of her own family. She simplifies the complex for clients, with the goal of creating a calm, trusting, and nurturing environment. Her unwavering commitment to the principle of “To whom much is given, much will be required” serves as the driving force behind her dedication, diligence, and empathy.
Susie obtained a business management degree from Ball State University, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, and held the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) designation from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) from 2013 to 2018. Susie is actively involved with an extensive list of professional organizations, including NAPFA (The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors), a premier association of fee-only financial advisors, and has served on multiple boards, committees, and councils. Her consistent recognition as one of Indianapolis Monthly’s “Five Star Wealth Managers” for the past decade attests to her outstanding accomplishments (2009-2025).
Outside the professional realm, Susie has contributed to her community through numerous efforts including her involvement in the Financial Center First Credit Union (FCFCU), the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Planned Giving Council, the Kiwanis Club of Northwest Indianapolis, and Junior Achievement. She mentors women through the CFP® Board’s “WIN-to-WIN” program, embodies the spirit of Rotary Club of Carmel, advocates for Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), and actively serves on the board of the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center (MRNC).
Susie and her husband, Kevin, reside in Carmel, Indiana, where they raised their three children. Outside the office, her focus centers around family, spirituality, and fostering meaningful connections. Embracing the concept of the body as a temple, her personal growth is nurtured through practices like strength training, yoga, and meditation. In her leisure time, she enjoys strolls with her dog, Lulu, and indulges in movies, podcasts, books, and the theater. To learn more about Susie, connect with her on LinkedIn.
