Owning Your Financial Power – Small Steps to Lasting Freedom
“Financial empowerment isn’t about making millions overnight. It’s about making small, intentional decisions today that create lasting freedom tomorrow. Own your worth, own your wealth, and glow up like the boss you are.” – Dr. Lauretta Justin
We didn’t go to optometry school to become accountants—but if we want to create lasting success and freedom, we need to embrace our role as the CEO of our lives and our practices.
As women ODs, we juggle multiple roles daily—clinician, business owner, mentor, caregiver—and often, the financial CEO hat gets pushed to the side. But here’s the truth: financial empowerment isn’t reserved for Wall Street. It starts right here, in your exam room, at your front desk, and in your day-to-day decisions.
What Does Financial Empowerment Really Mean?
1. Paying Yourself First
You are your practice’s biggest asset. Yet, many ODs reinvest every dollar back into the business without paying themselves first. Prioritizing your salary isn’t selfish—it’s smart. It signals that your hard work is valuable and deserving of reward.
2. Understanding Your Practice’s Numbers
You don’t need to be a CPA, but understanding key financial metrics is crucial. Know your revenue streams, overhead costs, and profit margins. When you understand your numbers, you make smarter, more profitable decisions.
3. Creating Multiple Income Streams
Relying solely on patient appointments? It’s time to diversify. Whether it’s offering specialty services, starting a consulting side hustle, or investing in real estate, multiple income streams provide security and open doors to greater financial freedom.
Take Action: One Small Step Today
Financial empowerment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on small, intentional actions. This month, commit to one goal:
- Increase your savings by 5%
- Conduct an audit of your billing processes
- Start that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about
Your future self will thank you.
