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 products
The key warning signs of a poor 403(b), including variable annuities
How teachers can advocate for better, low-cost 403(b) vendors in their district
What to do if your district refuses to improve its 403(b) options
How starting early—even with simple investments—can dramatically improve retirement outcomes
If 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/show108
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring 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:
This conversation is perfect for teachers who:
If 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 January
Explore show notes and resources:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show 107
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:
#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 burnout
This 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 financially
Explore show notes and resources:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show106
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:
#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 classrooms
If 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 journey
Explore show notes and resources:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show105
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:
#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/show104
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Need help? Get Coaching
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching
About The Teacher Money Show
Hosted 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/show103
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Need help? Get Coaching
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching
🎙️ About The Teacher Money Show
Hosted 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 skill
If 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.com
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring 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/save
Housing 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 pitfalls
If 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/show101
Become a guest on the show:
🎤 https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
💬 https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring Shaun to your school for a personal finance workshop:
🎓 https://www.shaunkmorgan.com
#TeacherMoneyShow #RentalSecrets #JustinPogue #TeacherHousing #LowerYourRent #TeacherFinance #FrugalLiving #BudgetingForTeachers #FinancialFreedomForTeachers
Sign up for my upcoming webinar:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/webinar
After 100 episodes of The Teacher Money Show, we've heard some amazing tips from 67 incredible guests — all focused on helping teachers live with a richer wallet, classroom, and life.
To make sure we've internalized this wisdom, I review these top tips shared over the past two and a half seasons and organizes them into 8 key steps every teacher can use to achieve financial freedom.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
💰 How to know where you stand financially by understanding your numbers, benefits, and credit
🎯 Why having a clear plan and intentional goals is essential to wealth and peace of mind
📈 The importance of starting early and taking action with investing
🧾 How to master the basics of budgeting and cash flow control
🌿 The power of frugality and contentment to avoid lifestyle creep
💼 Smart ways to grow your income through side hustles and teacher-focused opportunities
⚖️ How to maintain balance between work, life, and purpose
🧠 Why your money mindset determines everything
This episode is the ultimate teacher’s guide to financial success — practical, hopeful, and built from the real experiences of teachers across the country. Whether you’re brand new to personal finance or looking to level up your plan, this episode gives you the roadmap to build lasting wealth and freedom.
📘 Interested in one-on-one financial coaching?
Book a 30-minute discovery call!
👉 Get started here: https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes on teacher finance, investing, and living a richer life.
Explore the show notes:
🌐 https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show100
Become a guest:
🎤 https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
💬 https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
#TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialFreedomForTeachers #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #InvestingForTeachers #TeacherFinance #FinancialCoaching #ShaunMorgan #MoneyMindset #Frugality #BudgetingForTeachers
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/save
Gerry 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/show99
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring me to your school to talk teacher finance:
#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 investments
If 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/show98
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!
#TeacherMoneyShow #OpenEnrollment #TeacherBenefits #FinancialWellness #TeacherFinance #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #JeffVenables
Get my free Money Tracker: https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/tracker
Transportation 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/show97
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Book Shaun to speak at your school:
#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/debt
Can 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 worth
If 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/show95
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!
#TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialIndependence #TeacherFinance #FrugalLiving #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #WealthBuilding #TeacherLife
Get my money tracker at: https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/tracker
Do 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 65
If 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/show94
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Bring me to your school to talk personal finance for teachers!
#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 market
2. Downsizing or moving within your city to cut costs without sacrificing quality of life
3. Relocating to a lower-cost state with potentially higher teacher salaries
4. House hacking strategies like renting out a room, Airbnb, or multi-unit properties
5. Extreme savings ideas—living in a tiny home, RV, or as a caretaker
Reducing 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/show85
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave 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/show89
Become a guest on the show:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest
Leave a voicemail question:
https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow
Sign up for my free webinar:
https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/webinar
✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
If 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.