Investing for 1099 CRNAs: What to Know Before You Start

As a 1099 CRNA, you’ve unlocked a level of income flexibility and freedom most healthcare professionals don’t get. But with that opportunity comes a crucial responsibility: what you do with your money matters more than ever.

If you’re earning strong income from contracts but not putting your money to work, you may be missing out on the most powerful wealth-building opportunity you have: investing.

At CBFC, we work with CRNAs across the country who are ready to start investing—but don’t know where to begin. Here’s what every independent CRNA should know before taking the plunge into investing.

1. Your Income Gives You an Edge

Unlike W-2 employees limited by a fixed salary or capped 401(k) contributions, 1099 CRNAs have far more control:

• You can earn more by working more—or choosing higher-paying contracts

• You have access to high-limit retirement accounts like Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs

• You can reduce taxes and invest more through smart business planning

This means you have a huge opportunity to invest early and often, putting compound interest on your side.

2. Build a Financial Foundation First

Before diving into the stock market or buying real estate, make sure your base is covered:

• Emergency fund: Aim for 6–12 months of essential expenses

• High-interest debt: Pay off credit cards or personal loans

• Insurance: Ensure you have adequate malpractice, health, and disability coverage

Why does this matter? Because investing involves risk—and you don’t want to sell off investments early to cover a surprise expense.

3. Know Your Investment Options

There are dozens of ways to invest, but for most 1099 CRNAs, it starts with understanding three key buckets:

✅ Retirement Accounts

• Solo 401(k): Up to $69,000 in 2025 (including employer + employee contributions)

• SEP IRA: Up to 25% of income, capped at $69,000

• Roth IRA: After-tax contributions, with tax-free growth (subject to income limits)

These accounts come with major tax advantages and should be the first stop for most CRNAs.

✅ Taxable Brokerage Account

Once your retirement accounts are funded, you can invest in individual stocks, ETFs, or index funds in a taxable account. These accounts don’t have contribution limits, and they offer full flexibility—but they come with tax implications on growth and dividends.

✅ Real Estate or Alternative Investments

Some CRNAs explore real estate, syndications, or even private equity. These can be valuable additions to a portfolio—but they require more capital and due diligence.

4. Avoid the Common Mistakes

Here’s where we see CRNAs get tripped up:

• Waiting too long to start: Trying to “time the market” is a losing game

• Investing without a plan: Jumping into crypto, meme stocks, or risky options without a long-term goal

• Neglecting tax planning: Making investment moves that trigger avoidable tax bills

• DIY overload: Getting overwhelmed by information and doing nothing

Investing should support your goals—not stress you out. That’s where a plan (and a financial partner) makes a difference.

5. Start With a Clear Strategy

At CBFC, we believe investing should be tied to your real-world goals:

• When do you want to retire?

• What’s your target lifestyle?

• How much risk are you comfortable with?

• Do you want passive income, early retirement, or long-term growth?

Your answers guide your investment mix, contribution levels, and timeline.

Final Thoughts

Investing as a 1099 CRNA isn’t just about picking stocks—it’s about building a system that lets your hard-earned income grow while you focus on your career. And the earlier you start, the more powerful your results will be.

Ready to start investing with confidence?
Schedule a consultation with CBFC and we’ll help you build a personalized investing plan that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and CRNA lifestyle.