Blog
How Much Does CRNA School Actually Cost — And Is the ROI Worth It?
CRNA school costs way more than the tuition advertised on the program website. I have four categories to consider when applying for CRNA school. At the end of the day, it’s about achieving the degree and board certification. The costs incurred along the way vary from tuition costs, clinical costs, facility fees, loan interest, years dedicated to school, and missed RN wages. The opportunity cost is high, but there is hope with current CRNA wages.
Which ICU Actually Prepares You Best for CRNA School? The Honest Breakdown
When applying for CRNA school, where you worked matters. Your experience is everything. Not only ICU experience, but which ICU. Cardiovascular? Medical? surgical? Neuro? What about applying with emergency department, pediatric, or med-surg experience? Find out everything you need to know about where you need to work to set yourself up for CRNA success.
What to Ask at Your First CRNA Job Interview
A practical guide for new grad CRNAs on how to evaluate a job offer before signing. Covers scheduling, call structure, anesthesia model, compensation, benefits, culture, and contract red flags. This is a two-way interview, not just a performance.
How to Build a CRNA School Application That Actually Gets You In
The difference between accepted and rejected CRNA applicants usually isn't one big thing — it's dozens of small decisions made before the application opens. This guide covers ICU experience, personal statements, letters of rec, shadowing, and interviews in honest detail.
More Autonomy or More Money? Why RNs Choose CRNA — and Whether It Actually Delivers
Most RNs considering CRNA school are chasing money, autonomy, or both — but few are honest about which one is really driving the decision. This post breaks down what the CRNA path actually delivers, and what nobody in the forums tells you.
Locum CRNA Income Case Study
Find out what a Midwest locum CRNA earned in 2025. This is a case study on locum CRNA earning potential and maximizing 1099 status. Utilizing an S-Corp LLC allowed for $100,000 in tax savings. This CRNA didn’t focus on a low tax rate, but rather maximal investment potential.
Why Traditional Financial Advice Doesn't Work for CRNAs
Generic financial advice ignores your late start, massive debt, and high tax bracket. Here's the playbook built for your actual situation.
The Financial Advice CRNAs Don't Want to Hear
High income doesn't guarantee wealth. Discover the uncomfortable financial truths every CRNA needs to hear — and the steps to get ahead of them.
False Blockades to Wealth Building
Many CRNAs obsess over tax strategy, employment classification, and the perfect investment vehicle — but these are largely false barriers to wealth. This post cuts through the noise on 1099 vs W-2 status, debt payoff vs investing, index fund selection, and budgeting systems, arguing that savings rate and consistent action matter far more than optimization. With a high CRNA income, financial independence is achievable in years — if you stop making excuses and start executing.
Market Correction or Regime Change? 5 Indicators Every Investor Should Watch Right Now
Is the 2026 market pullback a routine dip or the start of something bigger? We break down five key indicators — the 200-day moving average, VIX, Dual Momentum, the Sahm Rule, and credit spreads — to help you read the trend before it reads you.
Troubles with Locum Work
Locum Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists encounter many unnoticed problems. The job is not all about high income, scheduling flexibility, or traveling the country. There are hassles a 1099 independent contractor faces. Everything from scheduling logistics to housing to malpractice coverage. Contractors are responsible for their own benefits and taxes. Read to learn if the cons offset the pros.
Case Study: TFC Moneymoon
FIRE in their 30s. How the TFC family is planning to achieve early financial independence. How they are making the most of the Moneymoon. Options for FIRE, Coast FIRE, and Fat FIRE are all viable here. It’s a matter of divergence between income and cost of living.
FAQs: Locums/1099
I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding locum work and 1099 independent contracting.
My Single Greatest Investment
I have now made many investments throughout my career, but a single investment stands out. One returned far more than the others combined. That’s right…an investment in me. I spend many hours and dollars educating myself. This led to the ability to generate more revenue than I imagined possible just years ago. Now I continue to invest in myself through other means. An investment I don’t regret.
Stepping Over Dollars to Pick Up Pennies
Handle the big ticket items and don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s a matter of making the most of your time and money. Bet the house on the important areas. Learn the high yield areas of your life to dedicate your energy. Minimize the areas of concern because most don’t actually impact your financial outcome.
Side Hustles That Actually Work: How to Increase Your Income
Learn about what makes a side hustle viable and which fit into your life. Is your objective profitability, flexibility, or sustainability. There are amazing opportunities, especially for CRNAs. Read about ways people have grown their side hustle to produce more than their day job.
Debt Payoff Strategies That Actually Work
Learn about three effective debt payoff strategies that are proven to work. One of these strategies is guaranteed to fit your ideal personal finance approach. Go beyond the approach and discover deeper solutions to making your debt vanish. I write specific considerations for different kinds of debt, managing your income, and controlling your expenses.
VTI and VUG: A Two ETF Portfolio for Long-Term Wealth Building
Explore the benefits of a simplified, two ETF portfolio. A total U.S. Stock Market Index fund such as VTI provides great diversification. A growth index fund such as VUG provides an amazing growth tilt. A great combination for those looking to capture market gains, but double down on momentum. A viable, yet simplistic approach to outperforming many financial advisors.
10 Overrated Money Moves
These moves have become a religion of rigid rules in the personal finance community. Supported by armchair experts across the span of social media platforms, here are the 10 most overrated money moves. These may have a place and time, but for the most part, these pseudo recommendations are a slough of complexity manifesting feelings of inadequacy. You need an emergency fund, but not the kind you read about. You need tax-advantaged accounts, but not the way they preach. I’ll set the record straight with what works and where to focus your efforts.
The Power of Long-Term Thinking in Volatile Markets
Market downturns are inevitable, but long-term thinking and patience prevails. Create and implement a data-driven plan to be confident about your investing. Dollar-cost average throughout all markets to maximize compounded returns and to take advantage of market recoveries. Have clear goals and review your progress regularly to ensure you are doing your part, even if the market isn’t agreeing with you this week.