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
Can teachers really become millionaires? Gerry Born — also known as The Millionaire Educator — says absolutely. In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Gerry to explore how living frugally (not cheaply!) helped him and his wife build multi-million-dollar wealth on teacher salaries.Get my short ebook: How to Save Money on a Teacher's Salary https://teachermoneyshow.com/saveGerry shares his journey from frugal habits to full financial freedom, including how he’s now completing a $4,000 doctorate in Mexico while living comfortably on just $2,000 a month. He explains why frugality isn’t about deprivation — it’s about value, freedom, and control over your financial life.Here are some highlights:-The difference between cheap and frugal — and why it matters.-How to master the “Big Three” teacher expenses: housing, transportation, and food.-Gerry’s Seven Pillars of Wealth that any teacher can follow.-How to use frugality to increase flexibility and peace of mind.-Why financial independence starts with a plan — not a high income.If you’re a teacher who wants to live better, save more, and stop feeling broke, this conversation will show you how frugal living can be your greatest wealth-building superpower.👉 Subscribe for more personal finance tips for teachers!Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show99Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk teacher finance:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #Frugality #MillionaireEducator #TeacherFinance #FinancialFreedom #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #WealthBuilding #FrugalLiving
Open enrollment season is here — but do you really know what you’re signing up for? In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, Shaun Morgan sits down with Jeff Venables to help teachers make smarter, more confident decisions during open enrollment.They break down how to choose the right health insurance plan, when dental and vision insurance actually make sense, and how to think strategically about life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement contributions. This episode gives teachers a step-by-step guide to make the most of this important annual financial checkup.Here are some highlights:-How to choose between HMO, PPO, and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs)-The difference between FSAs and HSAs — and which one saves teachers more money-Why long-term disability insurance may be more valuable than short-term-When to buy extra term life insurance (and skip whole life)-How to use open enrollment to review your retirement contributions and investmentsIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by open enrollment forms or unsure about your benefit options, this episode will help you take control and make confident, informed decisions for the year ahead.👉 Subscribe for more teacher-focused personal finance tips!Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show98Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #OpenEnrollment #TeacherBenefits #FinancialWellness #TeacherFinance #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #JeffVenables
Get my free Money Tracker: https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/trackerTransportation is one of the biggest expenses for teachers (especially if you don't live in the district you teach in)— but it doesn’t have to drain your paycheck. In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I break down practical ways to save money on your car, gas, insurance, and commute — without sacrificing reliability or convenience.Cutting your transportation costs is pretty simple, but that doesn't make it easy! But if you're ready to give it a try, let's dive in!Here’s what you’ll learn:-How to buy a car wisely — avoid high-interest auto loans and overpriced upgrades.-Simple maintenance tips to lower vehicle ownership costs and prevent costly repairs.-Smart ways to save on gas, including carpooling, loyalty apps, and route planning.-The best strategies to shop around for cheaper auto insurance and maximize educator discounts.-How to rethink car ownership with biking, walking, or public transit — and why less driving can mean more wealth.Remember to choose one strategy and just go with it, then move on to the next. Incremental wins are the most permanent.👉 Subscribe for more teacher-focused financial tips every week!Explore the show notes:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show97Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBook Shaun to speak at your school:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #TransportationSavings #FrugalLiving #TeacherBudget #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #SaveMoney #CarBudget
Credit can feel complicated — but it doesn’t have to be. In this Teacher Money Show “Lunch & Learn” episode, Marc Jenkins (a veteran teacher) and I break down what credit really is, why it matters for teachers, and how to build and protect it for the long term.Your credit score is more than just a number — it’s your financial reputation. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, refinancing student loans, or opening a new credit card, good credit means lower rates and more opportunities. We also explain the difference between your credit score and your credit report, how to monitor both, and what habits will keep your score healthy for years to come.Here are some highlights:-What credit is and why it’s essential for your financial future-The difference between credit reports and credit scores (and why both matter)-Smart ways to build and maintain excellent credit as a teacher-How to use Credit Karma and free credit reports to track your progress-Why freezing your credit is one of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theftIf you’ve ever felt unsure about how credit works — or how to use it without getting trapped by it — this episode will give you the knowledge and tools you need to confidently take control of your financial reputation.👉 Subscribe for more teacher-focused personal finance lessons!Explore the show notes:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show96Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestFinancial resources for teachers:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/recommendationsEmail Shaun: shaun@teachermoneyshow.comBring Shaun to your school to teach financial literacy:https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #CreditScore #TeacherFinance #FinancialLiteracy #CreditReport #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #MoneyTipsForTeachers #FinancialFreedom
If Brittany can grow wealth, any teacher can! Get started on your journey with my debt inventory at: https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/debtCan teachers really build wealth on a modest salary? In this inspiring episode of The Teacher Money Show, Shaun Morgan talks with Brittany Flammer, a certified financial coach, mom of five, and wife of a high school teacher, about how they built over $800,000 in net worth on an average income of just $37,000 a year—all while raising a large family.Brittany shares how small, consistent steps toward saving and investing—even when money was tight—led to incredible financial peace and freedom. She and her husband avoided debt, prioritized long-term goals, and learned to live frugally without feeling deprived.Here are some highlights:-Brittany and her husband built nearly $1M in net worth on a teacher’s income-She shared simple ways to live frugally and raise money-smart kids-How to make small investments grow through consistency and employer matching-Why financial peace matters more than high income for teachers-Why your worth as a teacher is not defined by your net worthIf you’re a teacher looking to build wealth, create stability, and find contentment—this episode will show you that financial independence is possible, no matter your salary.👉 Subscribe for more teacher-focused personal finance tips!Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show95Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialIndependence #TeacherFinance #FrugalLiving #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #WealthBuilding #TeacherLife
Get my money tracker at: https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/trackerDo you hate budgeting? You’re not alone—and financial expert Kim Butler says you don’t actually need one to build wealth and security. In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, Shaun Morgan sits down with Kim to explore a smarter way for teachers to manage money without the stress of a traditional budget.Kim introduces the powerful concept of the “reservoir account”—a simple system where all income flows into one account before being distributed into your checking account, emergency fund, and investments. This method helps teachers avoid overspending, automatically save more, and gain peace of mind without tracking every expense.Here are some highlights:-Why traditional budgets often fail for teachers (hint its not just teachers)-How to build a $10,000 emergency fund with confidence using your reservoir.-Savings are to pursue opportunities, not just retirement-You might want to rethink retirement and to find purpose beyond age 65If you’re a teacher who struggles with budgeting but still wants to save money, reduce stress, and prepare for financial freedom, this episode will show you a practical alternative that works.👉 Subscribe for more teacher-focused personal finance tips!Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show94Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #Budgeting #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #FinancialFreedom #KimButler #TeacherFinance
Learn how you can save money with “5 Steps to Save Money as a Teacher”Housing is one of the biggest expenses in a teacher’s budget—often taking up 30% or more of monthly income. In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I share 5 strategies teachers can use to reduce housing costs and free up money for savings, investing, and financial freedom--potentially even living for free!We explore:1. Renting vs. buying as a teacher and how to decide what makes sense in your market2. Downsizing or moving within your city to cut costs without sacrificing quality of life3. Relocating to a lower-cost state with potentially higher teacher salaries4. House hacking strategies like renting out a room, Airbnb, or multi-unit properties5. Extreme savings ideas—living in a tiny home, RV, or as a caretakerReducing your housing costs can do more for your financial future than skipping lattes ever will. By lowering your largest expense, you’ll create breathing room in your budget and accelerate your journey to financial independence.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show85Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow📘 Get Shaun’s free ebook “5 Steps to Save Money as a Teacher” at https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/save👉 Watch now and subscribe to the Teacher Money Show for more teacher-focused personal finance tips!#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #HousingCosts #FrugalLivingForTeachers #TeacherBudget #HouseHacking
Do teachers have to choose between passion in the classroom and financial freedom? In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, Shaun Morgan sits down with Chantal from That Millionaire Teacher to break down how educators can build wealth, achieve financial independence, and design their dream lives—while still teaching if they want to.Chantal shares her journey from “accidentally” becoming a teacher to building financial security and empowering other educators to do the same. Together, we tackle the myth of the “teacher vow of poverty” and prove that teachers can thrive financially without giving up their calling.In this episode, we cover:-How to define your dream lifestyle and calculate what it costs-The truth about teachers’ unique financial advantages (pensions, summers off, PSLF)-How to earn more by monetizing your existing skills-Automating savings and investments to stay consistent-Why financial freedom and teaching don’t have to be mutually exclusiveIf you’re a teacher struggling with money or wondering whether to leave the classroom, this conversation will inspire you to see a new path forward. Financial freedom is possible—and it can start with the paycheck you already have.👉 Watch now and subscribe to the Teacher Money Show for more personal finance strategies made for teachers.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show91Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #FinancialFreedomForTeachers #InvestingForTeachers #SideHustlesForTeachers #FinancialIndependence
What would you do if you built a $1.8 million portfolio as a teacher? In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, Shaun Morgan sits down with Christina, a New York City public school teacher earning $150,000 a year, to unpack how she grew her retirement and taxable accounts to $1.8M—and how she’s planning her future.Christina started early, consistently maxing out her Roth IRA, 457b, and investing in a taxable brokerage account. During summers, she actively trades (a very small portion of her portfolio in) stocks and options to accelerate her wealth. Now she’s weighing the tradeoffs of retiring at 50, 53, or 55—balancing her pension benefits with her dream of starting schools and orphanages around the world.We also dive into:-How teachers can maximize retirement accounts (403b, 457b, Roth IRA)-Strategies for minimizing taxes in retirement (Roth conversions, 0% capital gains tax bracket, donor-advised funds)-Why teachers should focus on their bigger “why”—their vision for impact—over obsessing about taxes/optimization in retirement-Practical advice for balancing financial freedom with purposeWhether you’re a teacher just starting out or nearing retirement, Christina’s story shows that teachers can build wealth, retire early, and use their money for a mission bigger than themselves.👉 Watch now and subscribe to the Teacher Money Show for more teacher-focused financial strategies.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show91Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #RetirementPlanning #InvestingForTeachers #FinancialIndependence
In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with financial planner Mary Ann Sullivan from 395 Financial Planning to dive into Target Date Funds (TDFs) — what they are, when they work well, and how teachers can know when it’s time to move beyond them to optimize their retirement investments.Target Date Funds are often the default option in 403(b) plans, making them a common choice for teachers. They automatically rebalance and adjust risk over time, which is great for simplicity. But are they always the best choice for educators building wealth and preparing for retirement?Mary Ann and I explore:-The benefits of Target Date Funds for teachers just getting started with investing-The limitations of TDFs, especially if you have a pension or want more control over your portfolio-How to know when you’ve outgrown Target Date Funds and are ready to optimize-Strategies like a three-fund portfolio and bond ladders for more flexibility and tax efficiency-Why every teacher needs a comprehensive financial plan to align investments with life goalsWhether you’re a new teacher just starting to invest or a seasoned educator thinking about retirement, this episode will help you decide if a Target Date Fund is the right tool for your situation — or if it’s time to graduate to a more intentional investment strategy.👉 Subscribe to The Teacher Money Show for more teacher-focused conversations on personal finance, investing, and building a secure retirement.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show90Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.com#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #TargetDateFunds #InvestingForTeachers #TeacherRetirement #403b #FinancialPlanning
Welcome to season 3 of the Teacher Money Show! Here is my proposition for season 3: Teachers should embrace frugal living as the first step toward financial freedom—before worrying about earning a higher income.Frugality was once considered a virtue in ancient Rome, let's make it that again. Frugal living can empower teachers to live intentionally, reduce stress, and align spending with their values. By being frugal (not cheap), defining your personal “why” for financial discipline, and understanding how to live a frugal lifestyle, you can create a more fulfilling life both inside and outside the classroom.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show89Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowSign up for my free webinar:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/webinar✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why frugality is more powerful than just earning more moneyHow frugality leads to freedom without feeling deprivedThe key differences between living frugal and being cheapHow to define your personal “why” for a frugal lifestyleHow teachers can build financial wellness through intentional livingIf you’ve ever felt like money is holding you back, this episode will inspire you to reimagine your relationship with spending and embrace a happier, simpler, more intentional life.📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Teacher Money Show for more conversations on teacher finance, investing, frugal living, and financial freedom.
🎓 *What does smart investing really look like for teachers?* In this Season 2 wrap-up of *The Teacher Money Show*, I reflect on the biggest lessons learned from a full season dedicated to **investing strategies for educators**.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show88Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.comHere are some of my thoughts:* Your **pension is an investment*** **Index funds** may be the smartest move for most teachers* There are pros and cons of **dividend investing** and **real estate investing*** Your **mindset** can make or break your financial success* It's critical to align your investments with your **financial goals**📈 I also share how my own investing approach has shifted this year—including:* Getting my **403(b)** match and maxing out my **HSA*** Opening a **taxable brokerage account** for flexibility and early retirement* Using **Worthy Bonds** as part of my emergency fund strategy💬 I’d love to hear how Season 2 has shaped your financial thinking! Email me with feedback or if you’re interested in being a guest in Season 3—launching this August!#TeacherInvesting #403b #FinancialWellness #IndexFunds #DividendInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #WorthyBonds #TaxableBrokerage #TeacherMoneyShow #SeasonRecap #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #FinancialIndependence
Can bonds and alternative investments help you build wealth outside the stock market?In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Dara Albright from Worthy Financial, to talk about how teachers can use bonds, impact investing, and alternative assets to grow income and strengthen their financial foundation.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show87Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.comInvest in bonds with Worthy (affiliate link)https://tinyurl.com/teachermoneyshowIn this episode we discuss:-The difference between public vs. private bonds-Why private bonds can offer 7-8% annual returns-When to use bonds in a portfolio with a pension-The role of self-directed IRAs for investing in real estate, art, bonds and more-How Worthy Bonds work, including features like round-up investing and senior living revitalization-Why impact investing doesn’t mean sacrificing performance—it can actually do both: grow your wealth and create positive changeIf you're a teacher looking to diversify your investment portfolio beyond the standard 403(b), this episode gives you tools to invest smarter and align your money with your values.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews on teacher investing, side income, and retirement planning.#TeacherInvesting #WorthyBonds #PassiveIncome #BondInvesting #AlternativeInvestments #SelfDirectedIRA #ImpactInvesting #TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #403b #IncomeStrategies
Big changes are here for teachers planning their retirement!In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I talk with David Gourley—former high school math teacher turned financial planner for educators—about the recent repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) and what it means for teachers across the country.These long-standing Social Security provisions have reduced or eliminated benefits for many public school educators. With their repeal, teachers in affected states could now see a significant boost to their retirement income.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show86Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk about personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.comIn this show, we dive into:-What the WEP and GPO were, and how they impacted teachers' Social Security benefits.-What the repeal means for teachers nearing or already in retirement.-How to earn Social Security credits through side jobs or non-teaching work to maximize your retirement benefit (and if you should!)-When to take Social Security benefits and how to coordinate them with your pension-Tools and resources teachers can use to plan smarter for retirementWhether you're close to retirement or just starting out, this episode helps you understand how these policy changes could impact your financial future—and how to make the most of them.🎧 Subscribe for more content on teacher retirement, investing, and financial planning.#TeacherRetirement #WEPRepeal #GPORepeal #SocialSecurityForTeachers #TeacherFinance #TeacherMoneyShow #403b #PensionPlanning #DavidGourley #EducatorFinance #RetirementPlanning #TeacherBenefits
In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Jeff Venables—teacher, financial coach, and personal finance advocate—to talk about smart investing strategies for teachers navigating today’s unpredictable market.Jeff brings a wealth of experience both from the classroom and the world of personal finance. We dive into how educators can stay grounded in their investment strategies despite market volatility, news cycles, and economic uncertainty. Jeff explains why it's essential to focus on the signal (your financial plan) instead of the noise (market headlines), and how to align your investment decisions with your risk tolerance and risk need.Explore the show notes at:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show85Become a guest on the show:https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guestLeave a voicemail question:https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshowBring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!https://www.shaunkmorgan.comHere is some key highlights:👉There is an emotional side of investing, you must overcome that to avoid common traps👉Rebalancing your portfolio on a schedule beats reacting to news👉It is vital to start now by paying yourself first👉Stay the course!Whether you're new to investing or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode offers practical advice tailored specifically to educators.👉 Subscribe for more content on teacher finance, investing, and retirement planning.🎙️ Listen to more episodes at www.theteachermoneyshow.com#TeacherFinance #InvestingForTeachers #FinancialWellness #403b #TeacherMoneyShow #PersonalFinance #InvestingInVolatileMarkets #JeffVenables #FinancialPlanning #TeacherInvesting #LongTermInvesting