Welcome to this week’s edition of the Sunday Best, where we bring you our favorite reads from all over the web.
This week, we’re looking at alarmism over a not-so-new virus, changes in American grocery store habits, a bitcoin bubble, and medical debt. Talk about variety.
We’re also exploring the terror instilled in us by some financial situations and ways to become better people and investors, among many, many other things, like why email still reigns supreme.
Happy reading, and in case you forgot, this would be the time to register for the Prosperity Conference!
The Sunday Best 01/12/2025
Alarmist headlines that warn of China again being overwhelmed by a mysterious new virus have dominated in the past few days. But the virus reported to be responsible for a surge in respiratory infections there, called human metapneumovirus, or hMPV is actually neither mysterious nor new.
For decades, America’s gas stations were merely a place to fill up, buy cigarettes, or shamefully lug around a bathroom key attached to a painted two-by-four. But as we move into the new year Chains are increasingly focusing on fresh, quality food — and it’s paying off.
You may’ve noticed while wandering the aisles of your supermarket that things have gotten pretty expensive. To counter food inflation, FMI data suggests that 63% of Americans are taking advantage of deals to reduce the cost of their grocery bill. About 61% are taking more drastic action by changing what they buy.
We appear to be in the midst of a raging bitcoin bubble. The stock market, or at least its lunatic fringe of meme stocks and crypto-related firms, is not far behind. How can we understand the origins of speculative mania?
In the final days of its tenure, the Biden administration has banned credit reporting agencies from including medical debts in their reports, aiming to make it easier for people to access credit, including loans and mortgages. What does this mean?
Your inbox is where important things arrive. You’ll note every single large social media company invests heavily in sending emails if you don’t opt out, the point of this is to lure users back to their walled gardens. But why does this decades-old technology hold up amid infinite scrolling apps and the dopamine drip of social feeds?
Indexing critics claim, among other things, that index funds are the tail wagging the dog. The way they tell it, investors pour money into index funds, the funds shovel those dollars into their top holdings, and the portfolio gets ever more concentrated. But is this the case?
The Federal Reserve responded to the inflation spurt of 2021-22 by sharply raising interest rates. It kept rates high for a long time, even though inflation was already most of the way back to the Fed’s (arbitrary) target of 2 percent by late 2023. But the Fed finally began cutting rates this past September. So, are you feeling any relief?
“Looksmaxxing”—and its cousins “auramaxxing” and “smellmaxxing”—refers to the Gen Z and Gen Alpha obsession with maximizing one’s appearance to look more attractive. Some of these behaviors are pretty benign, but if misused, other efforts — like chewing gum that claims to sculpt a sharper jawline — may have potentially negative consequences beyond just bleeding their parents’ wallets dry.
The threat of judgment is hard for people to ignore. So, they bring it home with them, believing it’s easier to convince their partners to just go along with the thing — whatever it is — than say no to friends. Being pressured into an activity that costs money is an omission — not a decision.
This year, we’re all attempting to make an effort to focus on creating more systems and fewer resolutions that swirl down the drain two weeks into the new year. Here are three ideas that can improve our lives as people and investors.
Why do some financial situations scare us, while others leave us unperturbed? Why do we spend time and money in ways we later regret? Why do we find our bad habits so difficult to change?
Why The Prosperity Conference Should Be Your Next CME Investment
In the daily grind of medical practice, it’s easy to get caught up in routines. As a physician who’s been to countless conferences, I’ve learned that the most valuable ones aren’t always about clinical skills.
Let’s face it – the world is moving at the speed of NVIDIA these days, and the practice of medicine isn’t immune to these rapid changes. While we’re mastering the latest treatment protocols, the landscape of physician financial independence is evolving just as quickly.
That’s why I’m particularly excited about the upcoming Prosperity Conference (March 6-8, 2025 | Las Vegas), where hundreds of our colleagues are already registered to transform their approach to wealth, health, and longevity.
Why This Conference Matters
Here’s the thing: while most of us are experts in our specialties, we often struggle with the business side of medicine. After years of focusing on patient care, I realized I needed to invest in my financial education just as much as my medical knowledge. And yes, you can use your CME funds for this – it’s a legitimate business expense covering practice management and professional development.
The conference brings together an incredible lineup of thought leaders. I’ve been following many of them for years:
- Dr. Leif Dahleen’s journey to financial independence inspired many physicians to go down the FIRE path
- Dr. Bonnie Koo’s insights on physician wealth mindset can transform how you think about money
- Dr. Peter Kim’s real estate strategies opened my eyes to possibilities beyond clinical practice
- Leti and Kenji from SemiretiredMD will inspire you to reach the next level in your life
- Amy Porterfield and Dr. Ali Novitsky bring fresh perspectives on business building and physician wellness
Why You Should Connect with Semi-Retired MD and Peter Kim
Want to know why I’m particularly excited about the real estate sessions? Semi-Retired MD and Peter Kim have cracked the code on physician-specific real estate investing. They understand our unique challenges – the long hours, the delayed career start, the student loans – and have created a proven system for building wealth through real estate that actually works with a doctor’s schedule. Their track record of helping physicians achieve early financial independence through strategic real estate investments is impressive. Trust me, their sessions alone are worth the price of admission.
But it’s not just about the speakers. At previous conferences, I’ve found that hallway conversations with fellow physicians are just as valuable. There’s something powerful about connecting with 400+ colleagues who understand exactly where you are – overworked professionals looking to build wealth without compromising patient care.
What Makes This Conference Different
- Real strategies from physicians who’ve achieved financial independence
- Practical, implementable advice (not just motivational fluff)
- Expert panels on tax strategies, legal protection, and passive income
- CME credits that actually benefit your financial future
- Topics we never learned in medical school or in residency or as attendings
Medicine can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re burning out, looking to scale back, or just want to be smarter about your finances, this conference is an investment in your future. The agenda covers everything from tax strategies to passive income streams, legal protection to practice management – all presented by physicians who’ve successfully navigated these waters. Its all state-of-the-art information that you can get firsthand.
Life’s too short to stay stuck in the daily grind. Step away from the routine to get inspired, meet new colleagues, and discover cutting-edge strategies for both personal and professional growth.
I’ll be there, soaking up every bit of knowledge I can. Will you join me?
Register below for more information.
Reserve Your Seat Now!Remember, your CME funds expire annually – why not use them for something that could transform your financial future? Pinky promise.
See you in Vegas!
Nirav, Jorge & the Physician on FIRE Team