The Teacher Money Show

Can teachers become financial coaches and get paid to help others with money?In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I talk with Andi Wrenn about the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) certification—what it is, how it works, and why it might be one of the best opportunities for teachers who are passionate about personal finance.If you’ve ever thought about turning your interest in money into a side hustle, second career, or retirement path, this conversation will show you exactly how to get started.We cover:• What the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) designation is and how it’s different from other financial certifications• Why the AFC focuses on the behavioral and emotional side of money, not just numbers• Why teachers are uniquely positioned to become excellent financial coaches• How becoming an AFC can help you get your own finances in order• The step-by-step process to earn the certification (including the 1,000-hour experience requirement and why that isn't as hard as you think)• What counts toward your experience hours (teaching, coaching, presentations, and more)• The time commitment and what to expect while working toward the AFC• How the certification can create a meaningful side income or post-teaching career• The credibility the AFC brings when working with clients• Why helping others with money can be one of the most fulfilling ways to make an impactIf you love helping people, explaining concepts, and seeing “lightbulb moments,” becoming an AFC might be a natural next step.🔗 Full Show Notes:https://teachermoneyshow.com/show120💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:https://shaunkmorgan.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who’s interested in making a bigger impact with money.#TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialCoaching #AFC #PersonalFinanceCareers #TeacherSideHustle #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyCoaching

Can AI actually save teachers hours of work every week?In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I break down how teachers can use AI as a time-saving tool to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and build systems that give you your time back.If you feel buried in grading, data entry, emails, and “one more thing” tasks, this episode will show you how to start using AI in a practical, realistic way—no tech background required.We cover:• Why time—not money—is your most valuable resource as a teacher• How AI can help eliminate repetitive “busywork” tasks• A simple workflow: “Could this be done faster?” → describe the goal → let AI guide you• How I used AI to automate grade adjustments in minutes instead of hours• Building systems for mass personalized student messaging• How teachers are using AI to create interactive math practice and tutoring tools• Using AI to generate worksheets, primary sources, and lesson materials• How to speed up grading with targeted writing feedback tools• Why the real power of AI is building reusable systems, not just quick shortcuts• How small time savings each week can compound into hours saved over a school yearI also share how this connects to personal finance:Being intentional with your money is really about being intentional with your time—and AI is one of the most powerful tools we’ve ever had to reclaim it.This isn’t about working faster just to do more work.It’s about building systems that let you do less of what drains you and more of what matters—in your classroom and your life.🔗 Full Show Notes:https://teachermoneyshow.com/show119💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:https://shaunkmorgan.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who needs their time back.#TeacherMoneyShow #AIForTeachers #TeacherProductivity #EdTech #ChatGPTForTeachers #TeacherBurnout #PersonalFinanceForTeachers

Can teachers really travel for free using credit card points?In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I talk with Dan Miller from Points With a Crew about travel hacking—the strategy of using credit card rewards and sign-up bonuses to dramatically reduce the cost of flights, hotels, and vacations.If you’ve ever wondered how people fly for free or stay in luxury hotels using points, this conversation breaks down the basics in a way that’s practical and realistic for teachers.We cover:• What travel hacking actually is and how it works• The difference between fixed-value points and variable-value travel rewards• Why credit card sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to earn travel points• Why everyday spending alone usually isn’t enough to earn big rewards• How opening credit cards affects your credit score (and why the impact is usually small)• The importance of paying balances in full every month• Why travel hacking only works if you avoid credit card debt• When you should NOT open new credit cards (like before applying for a mortgage)• The difference between a goal-driven travel strategy• Why teachers need to plan travel 12–18 months in advance to maximize rewards• Common mistakes beginners make when trying travel hackingDan also explains how teachers can use a goal-driven strategy to plan a trip a year or more in advance, open one or two strategic credit cards, and earn enough points to offset flights or hotel stays.Travel hacking isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about using the credit card rewards system intentionally and responsibly.But the rules are simple:• No credit card debt• Pay balances in full• Have a clear travel goal before applying for cardsIf you follow those rules, travel rewards can make trips possible that might otherwise feel out of reach on a teacher’s salary.🔗 Full Show Notes:https://teachermoneyshow.com/show118💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:https://shaunkmorgan.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who wants to travel more without blowing their budget.#TeacherMoneyShow #TravelHacking #TravelRewards #CreditCardPoints #TeacherTravel #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #FreeFlights

Are credit cards good or bad?In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Marc to break down Credit Cards 101 — how they work, why people use them, and how teachers can use them responsibly without falling into debt.Credit cards are one of the most misunderstood tools in personal finance. Used incorrectly, they can trap people in high-interest debt. But used correctly, they can help you build credit, protect your purchases, track spending, and even earn rewards.The key is understanding the rules.In this episode, we cover:• What credit cards actually are and how they work• Why building credit matters for teachers• The importance of keeping credit utilization low• Common credit card mistakes that lead to debt• Why carrying a balance can become expensive very quickly• Strategies like having multiple cards and paying balances twice per month• The benefits of fraud protection and credit card rewards• Why credit card cash advances should almost always be avoided• Practical strategies for getting out of credit card debt• How the debt snowball method can help you build momentum• Why living below your means is the foundation of financial healthMarc and I also talk about how teachers can leverage credit cards without paying interest by paying balances in full each month.Credit cards aren’t good or bad.They’re a tool.And like any tool, they can either build something — or break something — depending on how you use them.🔗 Full Show Notes:https://teachermoneyshow.com/show117💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:https://shaunkmorgan.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the channel and share it with a teacher who wants to build credit without falling into the credit card debt trap.#TeacherMoneyShow #CreditCards101 #TeacherFinance #CreditCardDebt #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #BuildCredit #MoneyTips

In Episode 116 of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Ray to debate one of the biggest financial decisions educators face: renting vs. buying.If you’ve ever wondered whether homeownership is really the best path to wealth — or if renting might actually make more financial sense — this episode will challenge your assumptions.We cover:• The pros and cons of renting vs buying a home• Why renting may make more sense in high cost-of-living areas• The role of down payments and opportunity cost• How homeownership creates forced savings and builds equity• Whether your money is “locked up” in a home• The flexibility of renting vs the stability of owning• Leveraging debt and using mortgages strategically• Risk tolerance and different wealth-building philosophies• Why defining your personal version of “enough” matters more than following societal norms• How couples can align financial goals around housing decisionsRay makes the case for renting and investing the difference in higher-return assets. I push back with the benefits of equity, appreciation, and long-term stability. The result is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation designed to help teachers think clearly about housing decisions — not emotionally.Because renting vs buying isn’t just math.It’s lifestyle, risk tolerance, values, and long-term vision.If you're a teacher thinking about buying your first home, paying off your mortgage early, or choosing to rent long-term, this episode will give you clarity.🔗 Full Show Notes (Episode 116):https://teachermoneyshow.com/show116💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:https://teachermoneyshow.com/speakingIf you enjoyed this discussion, subscribe to the channel, leave a review, and share this episode with a teacher who’s wrestling with the rent vs buy decision.#TeacherMoneyShow #RentVsBuy #TeacherFinance #HomeOwnership #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedomForTeachers #PersonalFinance

If you're a teacher trying to save money without sacrificing your quality of life, this episode is for you.In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I break down what I call the “Little Three” expenses — cable/streaming, internet, and cell phone bills — and show you how these small monthly payments quietly eat away at your wealth.Most teachers focus on the “Big Three” (housing, food, transportation). But the Little Three are on autopay… and they add up fast.Here’s what I cover:• What the average American spends on streaming, internet, and cell phone bills• Why these small recurring expenses can cost you six figures over time• My “cancel everything” reset strategy for cable and streaming• How to use a streaming rotation strategy to dramatically cut costs• Exactly how to renegotiate your internet bill (and what to say)• Why you probably don’t need the highest internet speed• How to stop financing phones and save thousands• Why MVNOs like Mint and Visible can slash your cell phone bill• How optimizing the Little Three could create $120,000+ in retirement savingsIf you’re working to pay off debt, build margin, invest more, or retire earlier as a teacher, this episode gives you practical steps you can take this week.We don’t build wealth by cutting joy. We build wealth by cutting inertia and living intentionally.🔗 Full Show Notes (Episode 115):https://teachermoneyshow.com/show115💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:https://teachermoneyshow.com/speakingIf this episode helped you, please subscribe, rate, and review the show. It helps more teachers find practical financial guidance built specifically for educators.#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #BudgetingForTeachers #SaveMoney #FrugalLiving #CutMonthlyBills #PersonalFinanceForTeachers

Can a teacher family really live on one income and use the other to aggressively pay down debt?In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Emily Guy Birken to talk about how she and her husband intentionally chose to live on a single salary so they could use her teacher income to eliminate debt and build financial flexibility.If you’re a teacher wondering how to pay off debt faster, simplify your finances, or create more margin in your life, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.Emily shares how she and her husband made a strategic decision early in their marriage:Live on her husband’s incomeUse her teaching salary to aggressively pay down their HELOCBuild equity and financial flexibility before their next moveThis approach helped them gain control, reduce stress, and create long-term options.We walk through a clear process teachers can follow:Track every expenseSeparate fixed vs. variable costsDetermine whether one income can cover essential obligationsRedirect the second income toward debt payoff or other financial goalsEven if you don’t fully transition to one income, this framework can accelerate your financial progress.Emily offers a powerful mindset shift: viewing money as energy rather than just dollars.We discuss how aligning your financial decisions with your values can reduce guilt, increase clarity, and help you use money intentionally instead of reactively.What We Cover in This EpisodeLiving on One Income to Pay Off DebtPractical Steps to Transition to One IncomeMoney as “Energy,” Not Just NumbersBalancing Work, Family, and FinancesIntentional budgeting creates flexibilityTracking spending is the first step to financial clarityA curious, growth-oriented mindset transforms both money and lifeIf you’re a teacher looking to pay off debt, simplify your finances, or create a richer wallet, classroom, and life, this episode is for you.If you’d like help creating your own one-income plan or debt payoff strategy, visit teachermoneyshow.com/coaching to learn more about financial coaching.🎙️ Subscribe for practical personal finance strategies designed specifically for teachers.💬 Comment below: Could your household live on one income? What would need to change?#TeacherMoneyShow #DebtPayoff #LiveOnOneIncome #TeacherFinance #FinancialFreedom #HELOC #PersonalFinanceForTeachers

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Jessica from Budget Bytes to talk about frugal eating—and not the “rice and beans forever” version people fear. We dig into how teachers can lower their grocery bills, reduce food waste, and still eat meals that are filling, enjoyable, and realistic for busy school weeks.Jessica breaks down what frugal eating really means at Budget Bytes: being intentional with your food dollars, keeping an abundance mindset, lowering cost per serving, and planning meals that actually get eaten. This conversation is packed with practical ideas teachers can use immediately.In this episode, we talk about:What frugal eating actually is (and what it isn’t)The biggest grocery shopping mistakes that blow up food budgetsWhy shopping without a plan leads to food waste and more takeoutSimple meal planning strategies that don’t require perfectionHow to plan just 3–4 meals a week and reuse ingredientsBudget-friendly ways to get enough protein without expensive meatUsing pantry staples and frozen foods to save moneyWhy being forgiving and flexible matters more than being “perfect”Jessica also shares specific advice for teachers who are exhausted, short on time, and trying to feed themselves (and their families) without overspending. We talk about involving kids in meal planning, avoiding “aspirational groceries,” and building systems that actually work during the school year.If you’re a teacher trying to save money on groceries, cut food waste, or stop feeling stressed every time you walk into a grocery store, this episode will help you rethink food spending in a way that’s sustainable and realistic.Explore the show notes:⁠https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show113Become a guest on the show:⁠https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest⁠Leave a voicemail question:⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow⁠Bring Shaun to your school to talk personal finance for teachers: ⁠https://www.shaunkmorgan.com⁠🍽️ You don’t need extreme frugality—just intentional systems.🔔 Subscribe to the Teacher Money Show for practical money strategies made specifically for teachers💬 Comment below: What’s the hardest part of keeping your food budget under control?#TeacherMoneyShow #FrugalEating #BudgetBytes #TeacherBudget #SaveMoneyOnGroceries #FoodBudget #FrugalLivingForTeachers #MealPlanning

What if traveling more could actually help teachers spend less?In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Suzy from Suzy May Wander to explore slow travel—a powerful, budget-friendly way for teachers to travel longer, deeper, and more affordably.Suzy is a nurse and public health educator who works in school-based health centers and has spent years leveraging the school calendar to travel internationally with her family. Together, Shaun and Suzy break down how teachers can use longer stays, creative housing options, and local living to dramatically reduce travel costs while increasing the quality of the experience.In this episode, you’ll learn:What slow travel really means—and why it’s often cheaper than traditional vacationsHow teachers can use summer breaks and school schedules to travel for weeks or months at a timeAffordable alternatives to hotels, including home exchanges, house sitting, and work-stay programsHow slow travel reduces transportation and food costs by living like a localWhy accepting that you “can’t see everything” leads to better (and cheaper) travelHow world schooling and travel-based learning can enrich kids’ education without breaking the bankSuzy also shares how slow travel makes space for deeper cultural immersion, language learning, community connection, and less burnout—especially for educators who need true rest during their breaks.Whether you’re a teacher dreaming of international travel, a parent curious about world schooling, or someone looking to cut vacation costs without cutting joy, this episode will completely reframe how you think about travel.🎒✈️ Travel slower. Spend less. Experience more.🔔 Subscribe to the Teacher Money Show for practical money strategies made specifically for teachers💬 Comment below: Would slow travel work with your school schedule?#TeacherMoneyShow #SlowTravel #TeacherTravel #FrugalTravel #WorldSchooling #FinancialFreedomForTeachers #TravelOnABudget #EducatorLife

Vacations shouldn’t leave you feeling stressed, guilty, or broke when you get home—but for many teachers, they do.In this episodeI explain how I saved for a vacation using a zero-based budget, to help you enjoy time away without money anxiety. This is something I've strggled with a lot, but this mindset shift and intentionality really made a difference.Instead of worrying about every dollar spent on vacation, I'll walk you through how he saved ahead of time, create a dedicated vacation fund, and spend the money confidently—knowing it was already planned for.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why vacations often cause financial stress (even when you “can afford them”)How a zero-based budget works for discretionary spending like travelHow to create and fund a vacation category months in advanceHow pre-planning eliminates guilt during the tripHow to use this same system for other joy-bringing expensesWhy money is a tool for fulfillment—not something to hoard or fearThis episode is perfect for teachers who:Want to travel without using credit cardsFeel guilty spending money on themselvesStruggle to balance saving with enjoying lifeWant a simple, repeatable system for big expensesWhen your money has a job, you can enjoy it without regret.🎧 Listen to more episodes and find show notes:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show111💼 Interested in 1-on-1 financial coaching for teachers?https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🔔 Subscribe for practical money strategies to help teachers build a richer wallet, classroom, and life.#TeacherMoneyShow #ZeroBasedBudget #VacationBudget #TeacherFinance #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #BudgetingForTeachers #MoneyMindset #IntentionalSpending

Medical bills are one of the biggest financial stressors for teachers and families—but many people don’t realize they have far more options and protections than they’ve been told.In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Jared Walker, founder of DollarFor.org, to explain how teachers can reduce, negotiate, or even completely eliminate medical bills using hospital charity care programs and smart advocacy strategies.Jared shares how Dollar For began by crowdfunding medical bills and evolved into a national nonprofit helping people access legally required hospital charity care—programs that many hospitals fail to clearly disclose. If you’ve ever received a medical bill that felt overwhelming or confusing, this episode is essential listening.What hospital charity care is and why most patients don’t know it existsHow nonprofit hospitals are required by law to reduce or forgive medical billsThe income guidelines that may qualify teachers for medical bill reliefStep-by-step actions to take when you receive a large medical billWhy requesting an itemized bill can uncover errors and lower costsHow and when to negotiate a medical bill with the hospitalThe 1-year window before medical debt can impact your creditHow hardship letters can help—even if you don’t initially qualifyFree tools and resources to get help with medical debtJared also explains how DollarFor.org helps people apply for charity care at no cost, removing the paperwork and confusion that keeps many families stuck paying bills they don’t actually owe.If you’re a teacher, educator, or public servant dealing with medical expenses—or want to be prepared before a health emergency hits—this episode could save you thousands of dollars.🎙️ Explore more episodes and show notes:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show110💼 Interested in financial coaching for teachers?https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🔔 Subscribe for practical money strategies to build a richer wallet, classroom, and life.#TeacherMoneyShow #MedicalDebt #MedicalBills #DollarFor #HealthcareCosts #TeacherFinance #FinancialLiteracy #MedicalDebtRelief #PersonalFinanceForTeachers

Personal finance is quickly becoming a required class in schools across the country—but many teachers feel unprepared to teach it. In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Jake Cousineau, high school educator and author of How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World, to talk about what it really takes to teach personal finance effectively to high school students.Jake shares his journey from making every possible money mistake to launching successful personal finance programs at two different schools. He explains why students today are more interested than ever in money topics, how fear and uncertainty can actually drive engagement, and why traditional approaches like “balancing a checkbook” miss the point entirely.This conversation dives deep into behavior, mindset, and relatability, showing how personal finance can become one of the most engaging and impactful classes a student ever takes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why high school students are increasingly interested in personal financeHow Jake built a personal finance curriculum without a finance backgroundThe role emotions, fear, and personal stories play in teaching moneyWhy most personal finance classes fail—and how to fix themHow How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World was designed specifically for young adultsPractical advice for teachers suddenly asked to teach personal financeHow to avoid overwhelming students while still covering what matters mostWhy concepts like interest, investing, and retirement matter more than outdated skillsIf you’re a teacher, administrator, or educator preparing to teach personal finance—or someone passionate about financial literacy for the next generation—this episode is a must-listen.🎙️ Explore more episodes and show notes:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show109💼 Interested in financial coaching for teachers?https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on money, mindset, and meaning—for teachers.#TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinanceEducation #TeachingPersonalFinance #HighSchoolFinance #HowToAdult #TeacherFinance #FinancialEducation #JakeCousineau

Do you feel confused, frustrated, or even overwhelmed by your 403(b) options as a teacher? You’re not alone—and the system isn’t designed in your favor.In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Chris Nye, teacher/administrator and former registered investment advisor serving educators, to explain why so many teachers are stuck with high-fee 403(b) plans—and what you can actually do about it.Chris breaks down the key differences between 403(b) plans and 401(k)s, including the lack of fiduciary protections in many school districts. This loophole allows expensive, commission-based vendors to dominate teacher retirement plans, often costing educators hundreds of thousands of dollars over their careers.More importantly, Chris shares a real-world playbook for how teachers can advocate for better 403(b) vendors in their own districts. He walks through how he successfully helped his district add low-cost providers like Vanguard and T. Rowe Price by working with unions, administrators, and making the process easy for decision-makers.In this episode we discuss:Why many teacher 403(b) plans are filled with high fees and bad productsThe key warning signs of a poor 403(b), including variable annuitiesHow teachers can advocate for better, low-cost 403(b) vendors in their districtWhat to do if your district refuses to improve its 403(b) optionsHow starting early—even with simple investments—can dramatically improve retirement outcomesIf you’re a teacher who wants to protect your retirement, lower fees, and take control of your financial future, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps.👉 Subscribe for more teacher-focused personal finance conversations.Explore the show notes:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show108Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring Shaun to your school to talk personal finance for teachers:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #403b #TeacherRetirement #403bPlans #TeacherFinance #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #ChrisNye #FinancialFreedomForTeachers

Most budgeting New Year’s resolutions fail—not because you are bad with money, but because you're using the wrong approach.In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Kristin McGlothlin, financial coach at MyBudgetCoach, to talk about the right way for teachers to set a budgeting New Year’s resolution that actually sticks.Instead of rigid rules and guilt-driven budgeting, Kristin and I reframe a budget as a flexible plan for your money—one that adapts to real life, busy schedules, and the emotional side of spending.In this episode, you’ll learn:What a budget really is (and why it’s not about restriction or shame)The most common budgeting mistakes people make in JanuaryWhy being too rigid causes budgets to failHow zero-based budgeting brings clarity and control on a teacher salaryWhy tracking spending first is more important than scorched Earth cutting expensesHow accountability and coaching dramatically increase successWhy teachers must prioritize their own financial well-beingThis conversation is perfect for teachers who:Have tried budgeting before and “fallen off the wagon”Feel overwhelmed and don't know whereto startWant a sustainable system instead of another short-lived resolutionIf your goal this year is to feel confident, calm, and in control of your money, this episode will help you build a budgeting resolution that works with your life—not against it.👉 Subscribe for practical, teacher-focused personal finance👉 Share this episode with a colleague starting over (again) this JanuaryExplore show notes and resources:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show 107Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #BudgetingForTeachers #NewYearsResolution #ZeroBasedBudget #MyBudgetCoach #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #MoneyMindset #TeacherLife

What if the secret to a wealth wasn’t a massive overhaul—but improving by just 1% at a time?I've experienced the power of 1% daily improvements and how small, intentional changes can compound into life-changing results—especially for teachers working with limited income and high demands. Tiny adjustments in spending, habits, and mindset can dramatically shift your financial trajectory over time.In this episode, you’ll learn:-Why small changes matter more than big, unsustainable ones-How 1% daily improvements compound in money, health, and habits-My personal shift from “already frugal” to intentionally frugal-Practical examples of 1% improvements teachers can make today such as food spending, utilities and energy use, transportation costs, and insurance and retirement contributions-How to apply the 1% rule month-by-month without burnoutThis episode is a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection—it requires consistency. Teachers don’t need to radically change their lives to build wealth; they just need to nudge the direction they’re already headed.👉 Subscribe for teacher-focused personal finance you can actually use👉 Share this episode with a colleague who feels stuck financiallyExplore show notes and resources:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show106Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #Frugality #FinancialFreedom #AtomicHabits #SmallWins #TeacherLife #MoneyMindset

Teachers often feel stuck between limited income and growing financial pressure—but this episode proves that intentional frugality and clear priorities can change everything.In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Justin Brown-Woods to unpack his journey of paying off $132,000 of debt in just 18 months—on teacher incomes—after facing over $220,000 in total debt. His story is honest, practical, and deeply relatable for educators trying to balance life, money, and values.Justin reframes frugality not as deprivation, but as the freedom to confidently say yes to what matters and no to what doesn’t. Together, they share the specific habits, mindset shifts, and budgeting systems that helped him regain peace, strengthen his marriage, and take control of his finances.In this episode, you’ll learn:-Why frugality is about values and contentment, not being cheap-The exact spending categories they cut to accelerate debt payoff-How renting instead of owning lowered stress during their financial reset-Why budgeting and tracking are essential for teachers with capped incomes-How accountability and consistent money conversations drive progress-Why teachers must prioritize their own financial security before spending on their classroomsIf you’re a teacher feeling overwhelmed by debt, lifestyle creep, or financial stress, this conversation will show you that progress is possible—without sacrificing what truly matters.~Subscribe for more teacher-focused personal finance conversations~Share this episode with a colleague who needs encouragement on their money journeyExplore show notes and resources:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show105Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #DebtFreeTeachers #FrugalLiving #TeacherFinance #BudgetingForTeachers #PersonalFinance #DebtPayoffJourney #FinancialFreedom

In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Scott Fritz, elementary teacher and co-author of the TL;DR Pennsylvania Pension Series, to explore the behavioral side of personal finance—why we manage money the way we do, how our “money story” shapes our habits, and what teachers can do to build financial confidence.Scott brings a powerful mix of classroom experience, pension expertise, and behavioral finance insights that every educator needs to hear.Key Behavioral Finance Takeaways for Teachers-Your money story explains your money behavior—name it to change it.-Automation beats motivation every time.-Diversification gives you freedom and flexibility later.-Understanding your pension is essential to long-term planning.-You don’t need to “obsess” over money—just build the right systems.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show104Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowNeed help? Get Coachinghttps://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coachingAbout The Teacher Money ShowHosted by financial coach and educator Shaun Morgan, The Teacher Money Show helps educators build a richer wallet, classroom, and life through smarter money habits, better benefits decisions, and intentional living.

Are student loans really the biggest financial trap of our generation? In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Jason Brown, author of Margin Matters and It Is Possible: How I Earned Two Debt-Free Degrees and How You Can Too, to talk about the skyrocketing cost of college—and what teachers, parents, and students can do to avoid student loan debt altogether.Jason breaks down the shocking reality of the student loan crisis, why 42+ million Americans are struggling, and how he completed two degrees with zero debt (and even made money in the process). His story is full of actionable advice for teachers going back for a master’s, parents preparing kids for college, and anyone looking to approach higher education without sacrificing their financial future.✨ Key Takeaways for Getting a Debt-Free Degree-Plan ahead—don’t rush into a degree.-Work while you study to avoid borrowing.-Apply for every scholarship you can find (especially the small ones).-Choose colleges and programs with strong return on investment.-Use tuition assistance, employer reimbursement, and dual enrollment whenever possible.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show103Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowNeed help? Get Coachinghttps://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching🎙️ About The Teacher Money ShowHosted by educator and financial coach Shaun Morgan, The Teacher Money Show helps teachers navigate personal finance, build wealth, and unlock their financial superpowers—so their wallet, classroom, and life can thrive.

Want to cut your food bill without feeling deprived? In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I break down practical, teacher-friendly strategies to spend less on groceries, cook smarter, and keep more money in your pocket.Food is one of the biggest budget categories for teachers—and it’s also one of the easiest places to save money without sacrificing quality or joy. So here 11 simple, repeatable habits that can dramatically lower your monthly spending, helping you create the margin you need for saving, investing, and reaching your financial goals.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:-How to meal-plan the frugal way using “backward meal planning”-The power of bulk cooking + freezing to avoid last-minute takeout-Why generic brands and store loyalty matter for real savings-The “half-meat rule” and how to lower grocery costs with cheaper protein-Why packing your teacher lunch beats cafeteria or fast food—every time-How to break the drink habit and save hundreds on coffee, sodas, and bottled water-Affordable breakfast ideas that actually taste good-Teacher discounts and perks most educators forget to use-How to eat out intentionally without blowing your budget-Why intentional food spending is a foundational frugality skillIf you're a teacher looking to stretch your paycheck, reduce financial stress, and build long-term wealth, this food-focused episode will give you practical steps you can implement this week.👉 Subscribe for more personal finance tips made for teachers!Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.comBecome a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring Shaun to your school for a personal finance workshop:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #Frugality #TeacherBudget #SaveMoneyOnFood #GroceryBudgeting #TeacherFinance #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #FrugalLiving #MealPlanning #FinancialFreedomForTeachers

Learn to save money on a teacher's salary: https://teachermoneyshow.com/saveHousing is one of the biggest expenses teachers face — but what if you could lower your rent without moving districts or sacrificing your quality of life?In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Justin Pogue, author of Rental Secrets, to reveal practical strategies teachers can use to negotiate cheaper rent, reduce housing costs, and make smarter rental decisions—no matter where you live.Justin breaks down how renters can use negotiation, timing, and creative housing solutions to significantly cut your monthly expenses. These approaches work whether you're a first-year teacher, a veteran educator, or living in a high-cost-of-living area.🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:-How landlords think — and why teachers have more bargaining power than they realize-Smart ways to negotiate your rent by showing you’re a low-risk tenant-How offering to sign a longer lease can score you a discount-Why landlords care so much about avoiding turnover costs (and how you can use this to your advantage)-Affordable housing alternatives for teachers, including renting from older homeowners-Whether roommates make sense — and how to avoid common pitfallsIf you’re a teacher looking to save money on housing, stretch your paycheck, and build financial freedom, this episode gives you the exact playbook to cut costs without feeling deprived.👉 Want more teacher-focused money strategies? Subscribe to the channel for new episodes every week!Explore the show notes:🌐 https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show101Become a guest on the show:🎤 https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:💬 https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring Shaun to your school for a personal finance workshop:🎓 https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #RentalSecrets #JustinPogue #TeacherHousing #LowerYourRent #TeacherFinance #FrugalLiving #BudgetingForTeachers #FinancialFreedomForTeachers