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 travel

• How to create and fund a vacation category months in advance

• How pre-planning eliminates guilt during the trip

• How to use this same system for other joy-bringing expenses

• Why money is a tool for fulfillment—not something to hoard or fear

This episode is perfect for teachers who:

• Want to travel without using credit cards

• Feel guilty spending money on themselves

• Struggle to balance saving with enjoying life

• Want a simple, repeatable system for big expenses

When 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 exists

• How nonprofit hospitals are required by law to reduce or forgive medical bills

• The income guidelines that may qualify teachers for medical bill relief

• Step-by-step actions to take when you receive a large medical bill

• Why requesting an itemized bill can uncover errors and lower costs

• How and when to negotiate a medical bill with the hospital

• The 1-year window before medical debt can impact your credit

• How hardship letters can help—even if you don’t initially qualify

• Free tools and resources to get help with medical debt

Jared 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 finance
• How Jake built a personal finance curriculum without a finance background
• The role emotions, fear, and personal stories play in teaching money
• Why most personal finance classes fail—and how to fix them
• How How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World was designed specifically for young adults
• Practical advice for teachers suddenly asked to teach personal finance
• How to avoid overwhelming students while still covering what matters most
• Why concepts like interest, investing, and retirement matter more than outdated skills

If 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 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:

• What a budget really is (and why it’s not about restriction or shame)

• The most common budgeting mistakes people make in January

• Why being too rigid causes budgets to fail

• How zero-based budgeting brings clarity and control on a teacher salary

• Why tracking spending first is more important than scorched Earth cutting expenses

• How accountability and coaching dramatically increase success

• Why teachers must prioritize their own financial well-being

This conversation is perfect for teachers who:

• Have tried budgeting before and “fallen off the wagon”

• Feel overwhelmed and don't know whereto start

• Want a sustainable system instead of another short-lived resolution

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:

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 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:

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 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:

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/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