Episode 116: Understanding Inflation’s Impact on Physician Finances in 2026 – Key Concepts to Watch

In Episode 116 of Doctor’s Wealth and Wellness, host Norm Wright, Certified Financial Planner at SKC Financial Group, examines how inflation is affecting physician finances in 2026. He breaks down three key concepts: the difference between official CPI inflation and a physician’s personal inflation rate (often higher due to costs like housing, education, healthcare, and travel), the impact of inflation on retirement withdrawals and future healthcare expenses, and practical strategies for building awareness such as tracking personal cost increases and maintaining inflation-aware planning. Referencing the 2026 Federal Reserve Bank analysis and Fidelity Retirement Study, Norm highlights how even moderate inflation can significantly influence long-term purchasing power and retirement projections. The episode provides simple awareness steps—comparing personal expenses to CPI, reviewing retirement inflation assumptions, and tracking major cost categories—to help physicians maintain perspective and make more informed decisions. Norm encourages listeners to try one awareness activity this week and reach out via email or for a free 30-minute consultation. Examples in this episode are hypothetical and not representative of a specific individual.