You probably didn't get into nursing or EMS for the money. But you've worked hard — double shifts, holidays, picking up extra tours — and you deserve a financial plan that actually accounts for how your career works. Most advisors don't understand overtime volatility, shift differentials, or what happens when your pension kicks in at the same time as RMDs. We do.
When Overtime Hurts More Than It Helps
Here's the thing about OT: it can be a lifesaver for your checking account, but it can also quietly push you into a higher tax bracket. We've seen nurses lose 35-40% of their overtime to taxes because nobody helped them adjust their 403(b) or 457(b) contributions to offset that income. A few tweaks to your withholdings and retirement contributions can keep thousands more in your pocket each year. That's money you earned on a 16-hour shift — it should stay with you.
Getting Your Kids Financial Aid (Without Losing Your Savings)
This one catches a lot of families off guard. You've saved well, you've got a decent pension coming — and then your kid applies to college and FAFSA says you make too much for aid. But you're not exactly in a position to write a check for $70K a year either.
We help healthcare workers move assets into places that FAFSA doesn't count — retirement accounts, certain insurance products, and other vehicles the Department of Education ignores in the aid formula. It's completely legal, and it can mean the difference between a full-ride and a six-figure tuition bill.
- Time your pension election around your kids' college years so your reported income is lower when it matters most.
- Use retirement wrappers that are invisible to the Student Aid Index calculation.
- Stay current on the 2026 rule changes — new FAFSA reporting requirements affect how healthcare worker benefits get counted.
Specialized for 9/11 Healthcare Workers
If you were a nurse or EMT at Ground Zero or in the NYC hospitals during the aftermath, you may be eligible for specialized tax exemptions and VCF protections. We ensure these awards are managed with fiduciary care.
Year-Round Tax Planning Matters
The tax rules are shifting in 2026. If you haven't checked your beneficiary designations lately, or you're not sure how much risk you're carrying in your portfolio, now is a good time to take a look. Small adjustments now can save you real money down the road.
⚠️ Student Loan Alert: July 1, 2026
Major PSLF changes take effect July 1 — including elimination of Grad PLUS loans, new borrowing caps for graduate nursing students, and parent loan exclusions from PSLF. If you're a nurse or EMT with student loans, review your options now.
Read the full PSLF update for nurses →Take Care of Your Own Future
You've earned everything you have. Let's make sure it's protected — and that your kids benefit from it, too. We specialize in plans for healthcare workers just like you.
Sirmium Capital, LLC is a registered investment advisor. This guide is for informational purposes only. Pension rules (NYSLRS/NYCERS) are subject to change. Consult with a qualified fiduciary and tax professional.