A Tax Move I See Nurses Miss (Especially in Uncertain Years)

I want to talk about a tax topic I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, both as a finance coach and as someone deep in my CFP studies.

It’s not flashy.
It’s not complicated.
But it can quietly make a big difference, especially in years where income feels uncertain.

Tax withholding.

I know not the most exciting word.
But hear me out.

Most nurses set their tax withholding once… and then never look at it again.
Even when income changes.
Even when overtime fluctuates.
Even when strike risk, reduced hours, bonuses, or side income enter the picture.

And what I’m seeing again and again is this:
People are either giving the IRS an interest-free loan or setting themselves up for a stressful surprise.

Neither is ideal.

Here’s the mindset shift I want you to have:
Withholding isn’t about being “good” at taxes. It’s about cash flow and safety.

If your income is variable: overtime, bonuses, per diem work, side hustles, your tax picture is not static. And in years like this, flexibility matters more than perfection.

Some things I want you to gently check:

• Are you getting large refunds every year because too much is being withheld?

• Or are you consistently owing because not enough is being set aside?

• Has your income changed in the last 6–12 months?

• Are you relying on overtime or bonuses that aren’t guaranteed?

A large refund can feel nice, but it often means you could’ve had more money in your paycheck each month when life felt heavier.
And owing unexpectedly can create stress right when you don’t need more of it.

From a CFP lens, the goal isn’t “zero refund.” The goal is alignment.

Money flowing to you when you need it.
Enough set aside to avoid panic.
And no surprises that throw off your nervous system in April.

If you’ve never adjusted your W-4 before, that’s okay.
This isn’t about doing everything at once.

Your next money date could simply be:

• pulling your most recent pay stub

• checking current federal and state withholding

• asking, “Does this still match my reality?”

That’s it.

Tax planning doesn’t have to be dramatic.
Most of the time, it’s small adjustments that create the most peace.

And as I move through my CFP journey, this is one of the biggest things I’m reminded of: good financial planning isn’t about optimizing every dollar.

It’s about reducing stress, protecting cash flow, and giving yourself options especially in uncertain seasons.

If taxes feel intimidating, you’re not behind.
You’re just ready for the next layer of understanding.

And I’ll keep walking you through it: step by step.