Teachers Make the Leap

In this episode, Kristin and Hillary chat with Shaun Morgan, a teacher and podcaster dedicated to helping teachers identify their financial superpowers so they can have healthy wallets and financial futures. Sean shares his insights and strategies for teachers to navigate their financial journeys while still fulfilling their passion for teaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Teachers can gain financial control by tracking their spending, avoiding overtime work beyond contract hours, and investing in the retirement options most teachers have.
• Entrepreneurship offers incredible financial growth potential for teachers, especially with flexible summer schedules.
• Educators possess money-saving superpowers like access to multiple pre-tax retirement accounts and the ability to put away significant sums for future financial stability.
• Developing a side business can serve as not only a supplementary income stream but also a refreshing change that helps prevent burnout.

Resources:

• Shaun Morgan's podcast: "Teacher Money Show" (teachermoneyshow.com)
• Sign up for free financial coaching with Sean: teachermoneyshow.com/guest

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode, educators-turned-entrepreneurs Kristin and Hillary sit down with Lauren Bell, who shares her journey from the classroom to launching and running her own online tutoring business. Lauren delves into her extensive experience in special education and her pivotal shift towards helping students with dyslexia through Orton-Gillingham programs. 

Lauren also offers practical insights on building a tutoring business from scratch, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging relationships with other professionals to find clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting an online tutoring business allowed Lauren Bell to leverage her specialty in Orton-Gillingham programs, addressing a critical need for dyslexia and language-based disability education outside the traditional school environment.
• Teachers possess a wealth of transferable skills, including multitasking, creativity, and data-driven decision-making, that can lead to entrepreneurial success.
• Online business operations and marketing can be intimidating but are learnable and essential skills for growing a tutoring business.
• Establishing a virtual tutoring company has advantages in convenience, flexibility, and access to online resources, while maintaining the need for engaging and effective teaching techniques.
• Adaptation and strategic planning are crucial for business continuity and growth, especially when anticipating personal changes, such as Lauren Bell's experience adjusting her role in her business due to her pregnancy.

Resources:

• Instagram: @hammond_bell
• Facebook: Hammond Bell Educational Services
• Website: www.hammondbell.com

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode of "Teachers Make the Leap," Hillary and Kristin welcome special guest Steven Jarvis, a seasoned CPA and tax planner. The conversation dives into the critical transition from W-2 employment to entrepreneurship and the consequent tax implications that educators need to be aware of. You'll hear actionable advice and insightful knowledge to prepare for and manage taxes as you venture into the world of online business.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from W-2 employment to self-employment drastically changes one's tax situation, moving from an almost automatic process to a more manual one.
• New entrepreneurs should set aside a substantial percentage of their income for taxes, potentially upwards of 40%, into a separate savings account.
• Keeping business expenses distinct and well-documented is critical, ensuring that every legitimate business deduction is identified and utilized.
• Making quarterly estimated tax payments is non-negotiable for business owners, and Steven advises a proactive and conservative approach to these payments.
• Despite the daunting nature of tax planning in entrepreneurship, Steven encourages teachers not to allow tax fears to deter them from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.

About the Guest:

Steven Jarvis is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a tax planner, who co-founded Retirement Tax Services—a firm specializing in integrating tax planning with financial and retirement planning for financial advisors. With over a decade of expertise as a CPA, Steven is known for his personable approach in the industry, proudly holding the title of "The Least Boring CPA" on LinkedIn. His experience extends to teaching in a master's program and engaging in discussions on tax strategies that are both impactful and informed.

Resources:

LinkedIn Profile: Steven A. (The Least Boring CPA) Jarvis, CPA 🧩
Website: Retirement Tax Services
Podcasts: The Retirement Tax Podcast (consumer-facing), The Retirement Tax Services Podcast (advisor-facing)

IRS Website: For making online estimated tax payments

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Kristin and Hillary delve into the common hurdles that aspiring entrepreneurs encounter when starting their online businesses. They each draw from their personal experiences and interactions with other teachers to identify and break down the barriers to making meaningful progress toward launching a business.

From grappling with decision-making to gaining clarity on the next steps, Kristen and Hillary articulate the challenges many face on their entrepreneurial journey. They emphasize the importance of taking incremental actions, avoiding the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the transformative power inherent in making a series of small yet strategic moves. This discussion covers actionable strategies and the encouragement needed to tackle the often-intimidating task of building a business from scratch.

Key Takeaways:

• New business owners often struggle with committing to key decisions in the beginning due to fear of making the wrong choice.
• Focusing on small, actionable steps, rather than being overwhelmed by the larger vision, can lead to more significant progress over time.
• Overcoming perfectionism is essential; it's better to create a "shitty first draft" and refine later than not to start at all.

Resources:

• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
• Shitty First Drafts by Anne Lamott

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

We're taking a break from our regular schedule this week! Want to know why? Listen to find out!

Here are some links you might need:

• Ask a question for the podcast
• Join the Launchpad waitlist

We'll see you back with a regular episode next week.  👀

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Kristin and Hilary sit down with Candice Dudley, a former teacher who left the world of education after 10+ years in the classroom to start he own online business as an accountability coach for women. Candice's story offers an honest glimpse into the challenges and motivations that led her from being a dedicated teacher to launching her business. 

This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, tips for women considering big transitions, and practical tips for teachers considering making the leap to entrepreneurship. 

Key Takeaways:

• Making the leap from teaching to entrepreneurship involves overcoming the fear of the unknown and learning to trust personal intuition.
• Building an online business can be achieved through effectively utilizing small pockets of time and breaking down large goals into actionable tasks.
• Transitioning careers can be motivated by the desire for a better work-life balance, especially for teachers who find themselves exhausting their energy in the classroom.
• Skills honed in a teaching career, such as backwards planning and building connections, are directly applicable and incredibly valuable in starting and growing an online business.
• Adapting and pivoting business strategies are important for aligning with personal needs and ensuring a sustainable entrepreneurial journey.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Tiffany Sattler shares her journey from teaching to entrepreneurship. She discusses the aspects of teaching that she loved, such as the "light bulb" moments when students finally understand a concept. She also talks about the challenges she faced in the education system, including a toxic work environment that affected her mental health. After experiencing a panic attack, she made the difficult decision to leave teaching and pursue a different path.

Tiffany discovered LinkedIn marketing and found her passion in helping others build their presence on the platform. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and consistency in entrepreneurship, as well as the need to give yourself grace and flexibility during the journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Teaching can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you witness those "light bulb" moments when students finally understand a concept.
• Mental health and well-being should be a priority, and it's okay to leave a toxic work environment for the sake of your own well-being.
• It's important to find a career or business that aligns with your values and allows you to continue learning and growing.
• Mindset and consistency are key in entrepreneurship. Visualize your success and show up consistently, even when you're not seeing immediate results.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Kristin and Hillary discuss their intentions for 2024 and the choice to focus on intentions over resolutions or goals. They share their desires for more adventure and space for reflection in the New Year. They explore ways to feel more intentional about how they spend their time, how they can feel more fulfilled with their work, and their top priorities for 2024. They conclude by sharing their focus words for the year.

Key Takeaways:

• Setting intentions rather than resolutions or goals for the new year.
• Kristin discusses her desire to create space for more adventure in the New Year, and Hillary shares her goal to build more time for reflection in her life.
• Both Kristin and Hillary share what is no longer serving them and what they'd like to let go of in 2024.
• They identify their top priorities and each choose a focus word for the year to guide their actions and mindsets.

Questions to Guide Intention-Setting

1. What do you want more of in the new year?
2. How can you be more fully YOU in 2024? And what's holding you back?
3. What is no longer serving you in your life? And what do you want instead?
4. What single thing could you do this coming year to feel more intentional about how you spend your time?
5. What changes could you make next year to feel more fulfilled with your work?
6. In what areas do you want to grow next year?
7. What is your top priority for 2024?
8. Choose a focus word for 2024.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Kristin and Hillary reflect on the past year, sharing their ups and downs, wins, and mistakes. They discuss unexpected joys, favorite books and shows, work satisfaction, personal challenges, and magical moments. They also share the biggest lessons they learned about themselves in 2023.

Hillary + Kristin's 2023 Reflection Questions:

1. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
2.  What was your favorite book you read this year?
3.  What was your favorite movie or TV show?
4.  What worked out in your favor this year?
5.  How satisfied were you with your work this year? What did you enjoy and not enjoy?
6.  What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself?
7.  What was your biggest challenge this year?
8.  What is one magical moment that made you feel alive or grateful or joyful?
9.  What are three adjectives you would use to describe 2023?
10.  What will you choose to remember 2023 for?

Grab a journal and your favorite drink and enjoy some focused time of reflection on the year past. 

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode, Kristin and Hillary address a listener's question about overcoming the fear of social media criticism when starting an online business. They share their own experiences and offer strategies for dealing with fear of negative comments and building confidence on social media. They emphasize the importance of taking action, setting goals, and detaching from the outcome when it comes to showing up online. They also discuss the benefits of showing up on social media and give their best tips for getting started.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming the fear of social media criticism is essential for starting an online business.
• Negative comments are rare, and most interactions on social media are supportive.
• Blocking negative individuals from your social media accounts can help you feel more comfortable.
• Showing up on social media can be done in small, manageable ways that align with your comfort level.
• Confidence comes from taking action, and social media is a great platform for connecting with potential clients.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.