Financially Independent Teachers

Send us a textWe have discussed SO many side hustles on the FIT Podcast...pressure washing, baby sitting, lawn care, mail box beautification, Door Dash, tutoring, Airbnb cleaning, private lessons, and much more! In past episodes, we have even talked about teaching abroad...what if I told you there is a way to teach abroad but you don't have to resign from your current teaching position?Megan is a Raleigh elementary teacher who is getting ready to head to China make some extra cash this summer while on the adventure of a lifetime. How much will she make? How long does it last? What is provided during the stay? Tune in to find out if this might be a summer side hustle in your near future! CHECK FOR INTERNATIONAL SUMMER JOBS HERE!https://ddcacademy.org/

Send us a textStephanie taught English for 30+ years in North Carolina. Unfortunately, throughout most of her career, she was not privy to financial literacy. Did she invest? If so, how much and in what? How is she making it in retirement off of her NC pension? As the saying goes "hindsight is 20/20"...what advice would she give to teachers who are currently working to prepare for life after education? Tune in to hear her story! 

Send us a textIn this conversation, Jillian and Dave discuss the concept of mini retirements and how they can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle while pursuing financial independence. They discuss "mini retirements" throughout your career, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks, traveling, and spending quality time family. We explore the challenges and benefits of unconventional choices, the gradual transition to early retirement, and the value of practicing mini retirements to prepare for a fulfilling post-work life.Surprise...teachers are uniquely equipped to give this practice a shot, EVERY SUMMER!Here are some of the links that she might have mentioned based on the direction our conversation during the show: Website: https://retireoften.com/Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoftenFree Opt-In Worksheets:Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud

Send us a textSweet 16...21.....these are HUGE milestone birthdays in life! Does the party end at 21? Tune in as I talk about MAJOR milestone birthdates that play a large role in your personal finance life. Spoiler alert...21 is just the beginning of the FUN!

Send us a textPat has been on DOZENS of cruises and was inspired to start her own social media page, giving tips and tricks to first time cruises and veterans alike. Have you ever considered a cruise or do you like to travel in general? Pat discusses the fun of cruising, how to find a deal, tips for packing, cruise line stereotypes, cost, and much more! As we prep for summer, it is time to start thinking of having fun! Check out Pat's Youtube channel below:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCGeGT70LAHp6eUiXbCkMGw/videos

Send us a textDaniel has been teaching in NC for almost 30 years. Unfortunately, the first few decades of his career, he wasn't very informed on his NC teaching benefits, his pension, or investing. Whether you start to learn in your first year or toward the end of your career, it is never TOO late! Now, Daniel is investing, becoming an expert on all things NC teacher benefits, and is even teaching colleagues in the Charlotte area about their benefits. If you want to hear someone who has had a life changing money mindset shift, you won't want to miss out! 

Send us a textCody Garrett (not to be confused with our good friend, Justin), is a CFP and a regular on the ChooseFI message boards and FB group. By know, most of us know about the Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b)...but many of us (myself included) have been in the dark about a taxable brokerage account. Cody is here to talk about all the positives of having one of these amazing accounts.  Remember, after you retire, you won't be able to contribute to your workplace 403(b), 457(b) etc. Also, you need EARNED income (pension doesn't count) to still invest into an IRA. Personally, I opened up a taxable brokerage account when the market dipped in COVID and I like to call it my "opportunity fund". It has been a major blessing to our family! https://youtube.com/@measuretwiceplanners?si=QXits06nDhEEWMykhttps://measuretwicefinancial.com/meet-cody/

Send us a textEric is a teacher and coach in the Boston area. In the episode, he lays out ideas for building financial success in a HCOL, we discuss renting vs buying, and his mini stint with financial independence when he moved his family to France for a handful of years. What did he enjoy? What were the pros and cons of living internationally? 

Send us a textNancy is in wrapping up "Act II" of her life journey. Act I was living in Ohio and working in HR in the corporate world. Act II brought her to the beaches of NC to become a CTE teacher at Jacksonville High School. With a few decades of teaching under her belt and only a few years left until retirement (Act III), Nancy has been gazelle intense, working on having her financial house in order as she gets ready to ride off into the sunset and travel the world as a part of her final act. Nancy first appeared on FIT last year on episode 159 (check that out to hear more about her personal story). Since then, she has officially become a net worth millionaire and is helping others along the way! 

Send us a textWhile cruising the Western Caribbean, I had GRAND plans to read a book a received for Christmas titled "The Bucket Plan: Protecting and Growing Your Assets for a Worry-Free Retirement"...well, sometimes grand plans do not come to fruition! Luckily, we had a 6 hour wait in the Miami Airport, so I had a chance to finally read that book that I had planned on reviewing earlier in the week. In this episode, I give a brief review of the book and highlight the 3 main buckets to store your money as you prepare to exit working. The NOW bucket, the SOON bucket, and the LATER bucket. Which accounts go in each bucket? How should you think about retirement? Check out the highlights of the book in this week's episode! 

Send us a textJohn Chester, the Millionaire Math Teacher is back on the show to continue our discussion on the current state of the stock market. As a retiree and in his late 60's, what is his perspective on the market? Will he get out? Will be buy more? We talk about his portfolio and diversification allotment. How do you mentally and emotionally handle large swings of 50k+ gains/losses? All of this and more! 

Send us a textWhat a crazy week! The stock market is down around 10%...should I keep investing? Should I sell? What can I control when we face these uncertain times? Former teacher and financial planner, David Gourley joins us on the show, almost in REAL TIME to discuss! 

Send us a textAllison has been a history teacher in NC for over a decade.  Currently, she is teaching at a Charlotte area Early College and has taken on the task of learning new curriculum by teaching NC's new EPF course. The theme of Allison's story is resilience! Like many, she has regrets on how she used her student loans in college and has worked hard to overcome her mistakes. From credit card debt, and student loans to co-signing on a student loan for a former partner, Allison's pre EPF life gives her lots of content to share in class. Now, Allison has opened some high yield savings accounts, mastered a budget with her irregular income earning husband, started investing, improved what she calls her "tanking" credit score, and is a go to for colleagues to learn from.Her future is bright as she can see the light, even as a teacher in NC!

Send us a textPaul has been a dedicated public educator for over 24 years. His goal is to blend the love for education with a passion about finances to help lay out a strategic plan to assist teachers with their retirement goals.  Many financial advisors and supplemental retirement plans have both outrageously high fees mixed with limited knowledge about Ohio (or other state) pension plans. Paul believes that teachers deserve fair, specific and detailed assistance from someone who understands the profession. Listen in as Paul shares his journey from investing as a teen to now assisting his district with low cost investing options like Vanguard for his teachers.  In addition, Paul is speaking to prospective teachers at local colleges and sharing financial independence so they don't make the mistakes that most of us made starting out! CONTACT PAUL: https://www.gwteachers.com/Intelligent Investment Today - The Warren Buffett WayINTELLIGENT INVESTMENT TODAY, a Shortcast "mini-podcast" series each around ten...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textFritz Gilbert is an expert in the retirement space, and he is back on FIT to discuss the Top 5 Retirement Regrets and how to not make those same mistakes. You only get one chance at retirement, let Fritz (a retiree who has intensely studied retirement) help give us all a leg up on our future!Check out his website:https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/blog/Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textStacBe a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textJeff lives south of Charlotte, across the border in Rock Hill SC.  He is in his 30th year teaching, all at the time school but actually retired after his 28th year.  He is now "double dipping" and making well over 130k to teach in South Carolina.  A divorce in the middle of his teaching career really made Jeff rethink finances as he enrolled in FPU and went on to lead many through the program as well.  Now, Jeff is teaching AND has also launched his own financial company called Venables Financial Solutions. Check Jeff's media presence below:  Business Website: https://venablesfinancialsolutions.com/Blog: https://teacherretirementor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15aaxKGXxu/?mibextid=wwXIfrBe a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textThere are some important milestone birthdays in life...16, 18, 21, 59.5, 62 and 65. What is special about 65? This is the age you transition to Medicare. Did you know? There are two main choices in your healthcare at 65...Traditional Medicare OR a Medicare Advantage plan. Lucrecia Ryan takes us on a journey on which plan she likes best and why. As a 42 year old, I think a lot about retirement and investing, debt etc. However, I am pretty green when it comes to healthcare. This was one of the most informative episodes I have been a part of. ***THIS EPISODE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE***About LucreciaAfter graduating from Cornell University and spending her career at IBM, Lucretia is now helping women to gain financial independence. She writes articles to simplify complex saving and investment decisions to help women make financial decisions that are in their best interest.Because Lucretia does not accept any fees, commissions, advertising, or donations or sell any financial products, she is able to expose the hidden fees and financial traps and help women avoid being taken in by financial predators. She conducts pro-bono, one-on-one retirement optimization workshops for women so they can understand their retirement options and make educated financial decisions. She also teaches Financial Literacy, as well as Avoiding Medicare Pitfalls for Women.Lucrecia's Website:https://www.financialfreedomforwomen.org/Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textDennis is retired from the military, but recently made the move to work with special needs students in the public school setting. With the wiring to always want to help others AND have some work flexibility, Dennis and his wife have both found themselves working within the school system. Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4Lead-Lag Live - Hosted By Michael A. Gayed, CFA of The Lead-Lag ReportConversations with thought leaders in the world of finance, economics, and investing.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textIn 2011, Adam and his wife married with a net worth of ZERO. In 2025, their net worth has climbed to 1.7 million! Adam is a community college professor and his wife works part time as a substitute teacher. Although their family has W2 income of less than 100k per year, their lifestyle is enhanced by owning 3 rental properties. Listen in as Adam shares their journey from nothing to almost being a multi-millionaire...all on around 65k per year. Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textZach graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in finance. In his mid 20's, he was clearing 100k+ and his wife had income as well. Even though he knew WHAT to do with money, the temptations that we all face (cars, travel, eating out) proved to be a major roadblock to building financial independence. After taking a pay cut to teach, Zach and his wife have tracked every dollar and are now making financial progress.  Zach shares his journey and some of the important lessons he has learned along the way.  Now, he is helping other individuals as a financial coach and has a passion for helping navigate others from not making the same mistakes he once made. Zach's Info:·   zach@fjfcoaching.com·   Free “Limiting Money Beliefs Booklet by going to fjfcoaching.com/FITBe a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4Lead-Lag Live - Hosted By Michael A. Gayed, CFA of The Lead-Lag ReportConversations with thought leaders in the world of finance, economics, and investing.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textEpisode 200 is here! What better way to celebrate 200 than you sharing your wins with the FIT Family! Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4Lead-Lag Live - Hosted By Michael A. Gayed, CFA of The Lead-Lag ReportConversations with thought leaders in the world of finance, economics, and investing.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textKevin is a SS teacher/coach from Long Island, went to college in Upstate NY, but landed in the DC suburbs in Prince William county. Like many teachers, Kevin and his wife were "just getting by" as they had a 2k per month daycare bill in his mid 30's. Once the kids made their way out of daycare, they redirected their old payments to 457's, 403's, and eventually got into the real estate game. With only a handful of years left in education, Kevin discusses what their retirement plans at the beach might look like, how they are navigating paying for their kids college, and how involved he will be "working" in retirement. Is it possible to go from a net worth that is treading water to a millionaire teacher in less than 20 years? Check out Kevin's story to find out more! Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textFrom single parent to married again...Virtual HS Spanish teacher in her 24th year and auto worker husband are approaching NW millionaire status and just paid off their home. They each went through tough divorces with spouses who never got on the same page financially. After both went through tough financial issues in their first marriages, they wanted their lives to look different in chapter two.  SHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textGreg is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and has settled in Colorado after studying abroad and moving back to the states. Greg was able to buy his first house from an amazing program that enables teachers to buy a home for 50% of the listed price via the "Teacher Next Door Program".  Greg and his wife enjoy frugal living and taking advantage of the amazing 457(b) that many teachers have access to.  This will enable them to enjoy an early retirement.  "Because teachers play a vital role in community revitalization, HUD provides a significant incentive through the Good Neighbor Next Door Program. This program offers eligible teachers the opportunity to purchase a home at a remarkable 50% discount off the list price. However, it's important to note that the availability of Good Neighbor Homes is extremely limited. While specific restrictions apply to this program, they do not affect other homes purchased through the Teacher Next Door Program, which offers additional benefits like grants and mortgage assistance to help teachers achieve homeownership."https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/reo/goodn/gnndabotSHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4MarketAboutA breakdown of listed companies' financials, news, trends and other.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textToday's guest was Justin GarrittHe is the founder and owner of Garritt Financial Solutions, a financial planning and investment management firm that guides educators, young professionals, healthcare professionals, and first responders to become intentional, secure, and confident about their hard-earned dollars by creating and implementing a financial plan to reach their goals. Garritt Financial Solutions offers ongoing comprehensive financial planning, project-based financial planning, student loan planning, and investment management.He and his team work out of Baltimore MD, but serve clients virtually around the country. Justin's team's website: https://garrittfinancialsolutions.comClick here to schedule a discovery call with Justin's team.Previous FIT Episodes with Justin:Episode 137Episode 95Episode 44Episode 12

Send us a textDanny was a special teacher in Georgia and is the author of four personal finance books - "The Wealthy Teacher: Lessons for Prospering on a School Teacher's Salary (JAN 2018), "A Bright Financial Future: Teaching Kids About Money Pre-K through College for Life-Long Success" (SEPT 2014), "A Simple Book of Financial Wisdom: Teach Yourself (and Your Kids) How to Live Wealthy with Little Money" (SEPT 2011) and "How To Survive (and perhaps thrive) On A Teacher's Salary" (OCT 2007). Danny's everyday approach to managing money has led him to appear on over 50 television shows including Fox & Friends, Fox News Channel's Happening Now, The CBS Early Show, CNN's Newsroom, HLN's Weekend Express, The 700 Club, CNN's Your Bottom Line, Fox News Channels' America's News HQ, ABC News Now, Fox Business Network's Varney & Company, HLN's The Clark Howard Show and MSNBC Live. He has also been interviewed on over 600 radio shows and featured in numerous publications including Yahoo.com, Money Magazine, CBS MoneyWatch.com, FoxBusiness.com, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, ABCNews.com, Woman's Day, Consumer Reports, CNN.com, Forbes.com and The Huffington Post.Danny wants to show others if this school teacher can do well with money, they can too. He is living proof that a family can live wealthy on little money.To learn more about Danny please visit www.wealthyteacher.weebly.comSHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textCharlotte and her husband grew up on Long Island in NY.  Floundering with their finances into their mid 30's with a few young kids at home, they decided to flee NY for a most cost effective lifestyle in SW Ohio.  Selling their home in a HCOL enabled them to pay off their debt AND pay cash for a house north of Cincinnati. Shortly after their move, they were introduced to Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps and worked through the process in 7 years. Charlotte didn't start teaching in the classroom until 38 but has retired at 50 (along with her husband).  From Ramsey to FIRE, this couple has made big moves and already have their 20 something children on the path to financial independence as well. SHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textThe FIT Family tree is growing! Brendan is a Durham NC history teacher who is a former student and colleague of a previous FIT guest. Inspired by his former teacher/coworker, he went from saving money to understanding the basics of the stock market and the power of a Roth IRA and becoming an investor. Brendan has maxed out all NC pay scale upgrades by becoming a National Board Certified teacher and was fortunate to be locked into to masters pay. SHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textRyan was a teacher in Colorado but retired early at 50 years old. In this episode, he discusses what it is like to retire early when all of your friends and spouse are still working. Ryan believes in a philosophy that he calls "more F money"...Fun, Future, and Philanthropy. SHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textBrendan has been a math teacher for over a decade in the Baltimore City Schools.  Growing up in the suburbs of Philly, he found plenty of opportunity in Baltimore as a teacher and now teacher/coach. With a salary of over 120k, he will discuss maximizing the opportunities that are available to educators and how to take advantage of them.SHARE HOW FIT HAS IMPACTED YOU FOR EPISODE 200!https://forms.gle/RiqfrUzZJsMVJQ8T8Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textHow much money do you need to have per month for retirement? On this episode, Chad lays out his plan, numbers, and thought process.  Chad and his wife are both NC educators. Chad grew up on government assistance in a one bedroom apartment in NYC before moving to NC to teach world history. Through all of the trials and tribulations, these two NC educators are approaching a two million dollar net worth (no inheritance and no lotto winnings).  Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a textAs teachers, we often say, "there is no such thing as a dumb question"...unfortunately, many Americans are struggling financially and don't ask for help.  In this episode, we look at some of the basic questions Americans don't ask but should. 

Send us a textDavid Gourley and his wife both taught in our public schools for around a decade, his passion for teaching and helping others transformed from the classroom to financial coaching. Now, David is advising teachers with their money. https://www.k-12planning.com/links

Send us a textDrew is an LA PE teacher who is utilizing his former college athlete swim skills as a lifeguard to bring in an extra 30k per year as a side hustle. 

Send us a textPaige is a NC school counselor who faced over 40k in debt.  Over the last 4-5 years, she has become completely debt free and is now working to making her first home purchase.  Paige has made many sacrifices to put herself in this position by attending community college, driving to university vs. the dorm life, and living back home upon getting her first job in education. Self admittedly, Paige says she was a ZERO out of TEN when it comes to understanding personal finances as a beginning counselor, now she is guiding and helping others! Investor's Deep DiveInvestment Insights You've Never HeardListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textYou've heard the education buzzwords and cliche's...Piggyback, Differentiation, Pivot, Fidelity, and the idea of the FIXED mindset vs. a growth mindset. As a teacher or middle income earner who believes financial independence is possible, you will often get pushback from individuals who think you are borderline crazy for believing it is possible. This bred the idea of the concept of a FIT Mindset vs. a FIXED Mindset.  What is the difference? Take a listen and find out! 

Send us a textKristen is a former NC teacher who moved back to her home state of NJ to resume her career in education back home.  Kristen is a teacher and union president for her district and has a passion for dissecting teacher pay scales from around the nation.  In this episode, Kristen talks about some of the high and lower salary teacher pay scales she has seen, as well as the places in the US that provide the most bang for your buck

Send us a textBen is a recently tenured Orchestra teacher just south of NYC in NJ.  Ben is one of the first followers of the FIT podcast and was guest way back on episode 121.  Since his last interview, he has earned a masters degree, bought a house and continued to invest.  Ben recently went through the FIT "Find Your Freedom" coaching session and he is back to share his findings. During the meeting, I revealed some crazy numbers for what his retirement MIGHT look like. If you are interested in singing up to a Freedom Meeting, click on this link:https://calendly.com/getfiteducator/find-your-freedom-meeting?month=2024-09

Send us a textLiz is a former SC educator who is married to a South Carolina teacher.  After a decade + in the classroom, she now works with the state, guiding college medical students on personal finance and navigating student loan debt. Passionate about personal finance AND married to a personal finance teacher, Liz and her husband work together to manage their different money personalities. There are so many good nuggets in this episode, you won't want to miss it. 

Send us a textMary Ann Sullivan has done it all! Classroom teacher, instructional coach, admin, and work at the district office. She has recently moved out of education with an "early" retirement but is coming back to be a CFP and help teachers with their finances.  On this episode, we discuss 403(b) and 401(k) rollovers, Roth conversions, roadblocks for teachers and their finances PLUS much more! 

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Send us a Text Message.Teachers have TWO days of New Years!1. Back to school 2. January 1Dave and Brandon discuss things to think about with your finances, life, and school year as the majority of NC teachers get students back this week! 

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Send us a Text Message.Brandon and Dave discuss the American retirement crisis.  On a recent CBS special, it was revealed that over 50% of Americans who "retire" don't actually have enough money to do so.  In addition, 20% of Americans age 65+ have had to reenter the workforce. In this episode, we will highlight a Florida couple who has had to go back to work at ages 66 and 77 years old.  What mistakes did they make to put themselves in this position? How do you know you are ready for retirement? Learn from their mistakes and cruise into a better situation that you had during your working years! 

Send us a Text Message.John and his wife are both California educators, nearing the end of their teaching careers (2-7 years left). John is a middle school music teacher and his wife is a primary school educator. Even though John didn't read his first book on personal finance until the age of 40, he is on fire for everything related to personal finance and has been focused on catching up.  From learning woodworking skills and carpentry to renovate their home, John and his wife are the epitome of those who continue to reinvent themselves. 

Send us a Text Message.Miguel is an ESL teacher in the Chicago area who has an amazing story! He left his home country of Venezuela with little to nothing to his name before coming to America on a visa to learn English. Whil. e here, he met his now wife and ended up moving to the US permanently 

Send us a Text Message.Do you have kids? Grandkids? Nieces or Nephews? Will you potentially have kiddos one day? In this episode, Dave and Brandon discuss some qualitative and quantitative tips and tricks to set kids up for success. 529's to RothAuthorized Credit Card UsersFinancial ModelingBrokerage Accounts Talking Money...More!  Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a Text Message.Jackie Cummings Koski, is a personal finance educator & consultant. After overcoming poverty, divorce & single motherhood, Jackie reached F.I.R.E. in her 40s, making less than six figures. Before retiring, she grew her wealth to over $1 million and her story and personal finance tips have been featured on CNBC, Forbes, and Market Watch. She holds the Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Financial Counselor credentials. Her commitment to educating and empowering Americans in the area of personal finance earned the policymakers and was officially recognized with a Congressional Commendation for her accomplishments in the field of financial literacy from the US House of Representatives.Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a Text Message.Guest favorite, Gerry Born (AKA Millionaire Educator) is back on FIT to take part in a special FIT Q&A episode.  Gerry gives us a quick 5 minute life update and then dives into around 15-20 questions submitted by YOU, the FIT Family! Gerry covers a wide range of topics on this show and it is always a good time hearing his perspective. Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a Text Message.Barbara is a Chicago teacher who had to start at over at 45 years old. During the divorce, she took on $250,000 of the debt. Over the  course of the next 4 years, she paid everything off and even has 25k invested! To say she went scorched earth is an understatement! A side hustle, two side jobs and many 80 hour weeks behind her, she's now in a position at 50 to build wealth and will likely have over 500k in investments when she retires. Be a guest on the show:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8Check out our website:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/Sign up for FIT coaching:https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4