Teach and Retire Rich - The podcast for teachers, professors and financial professionals

Plan consultant Barbara Healy, CFP® and her colleague Jackie Fabitore-Matheny, had the solution to what woes the K-12 403(b) more than 25 years ago. Imagine if districts had listened? We talk with Barbara about what could have been (and what might still be).  Barbara Healy EGTRRA Industry Lobbyist Brian Graff Describes How Many Vendors His Retirement Plan Has (1:03 mark) Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Student loan expert and financial planner David Gourley updates Dan and Scott on the volatile state of student loans (particularly PSLF loans) right now.  K-12 Planning Public Service Loan Forgiveness Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Tennessee passes an anti-pubic employee law that will subject teachers and others to private company financial sales pitches. We break it down into three parts: 1) What it is 2) What we dislike about it 3) What teachers and state employees should do. Tennessee Throws Teachers to the Wolves (Blog Post) Tennessee Legislators Illegally Voting with Sticks (John Oliver) Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

The Los Angeles Unified School District created its own 457(b) plan, and it's excellent. It has won not one, but two awards. We speak with two members of the LAUSD Retirement Investment Advisory Committee who were and are instrumental to its success.   LAUSD 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Fund Lineup Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Who better to make sense of the tariff situation than one of our favorite guests, Cullen Roche, economist, and founder and chief investment officer of the Discipline Funds, a low-fee advisory firm.    An Autopsy of American Exceptionalism Three Things - China Deal Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Scott finds out just how much commission Equitable salespeople get for selling EQUI-VEST products. No wonder they fight reform so hard. No wonder they love to initiate exchanges.  The Price of Enrollment Podcast on SIOs Plan Fee Disclosure Form for University of Jamestown Equitable Plan Fee Disclosure Brochure Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Who better than best-selling author Morgan Housel to help put April's market volatility in perspective? Well we couldn't get Morgan on the pod but we have the next best thing: Morgan Houselisms! Enjoy.  First 100 Days of Trump 2 Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Retired Los Angeles Unified School District teacher, principal and district administrator, Mary Ann Sullivan, is now officially a CFP®! Not only that, she is opening an advice-only, fee-only firm.  Note: Mary Ann meant to say that the number of experience hours needed for a CFP® is 4,000 for apprenticeship and 6,000 for standard pathway (not the 2,000 and 4,000 hours respectively that she mentioned in interview). 395 Financial Planning Retired Teacher Pays It Forward (Maggie Mason/Santa Barbara) Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues) 403bwise.org Meridian Wealth Management Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

In episode two of our new pod series: 403(b) & 457(b) Basics Scott and Dan look at asset allocation. They describe what it is, why it's important and they go over several strategies for allocating a 403(b) and a 457(b).  Importance of Asset Allocation by Barb O'Neill The Price of Peace: Why diversification is difficult, but necessary by Nick Maggiulli Risk Tolerance Assessment Cullen Roche Discipline Funds Basics of the 403(b) & 457(b): How to start a 403(b) (pod) Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Barbara O'Neill, PhD, CFP, AFC, owner/CEO of Money Talk: Financial Planning Seminars and Publications, and a monthly columnist for 403bwise talks spring cleaning your personal finances.  Spring cleaning is more than deep cleaning and decluttering. It is a great time to neaten up your finances.  Spring Cleaning Your 403(b) and Personal Finances The Truth About So-Called "No Fee" Products Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Nicole and Larry Dubill, two Buffalo, NY area educators, share passion for education, music, and 403(b) advocacy.  Cleveland Hill School District 403(b/457(b) Vendor List Hamburg Central School District 403(b)/457(b) Vendor List The Truth About So-Called "No Fee" Products Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Teacher who sought to educate colleagues about the 403(b) gets threatening email from Equitable. We read and discuss correspondence. Read the letter The Truth about Structured Investing Options (SIOs) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Erin Witte, Director of Consumer Protection for the Consumer Federation of America, discusses the work she does protecting consumers in the face of a very anti-consumer climate.  Erin Witte Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Anonymous attendees dish on remarks made at a recent conference by leaders of lobbying group working to keep broken multi-vendor, sales agent-driven K-12 403(b) market in place.  NTSA Works Against Teachers Best InterestsAudio + Transcript of Brian Graff LAUSD Appearance Video of Brian Graff LAUSD Appearance NTSA Puts the Tax in the K-12 403(b) Vanguard Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

We debut a new pod series: Basics of the 403(b) & 457(b). In this series, which will eventually get its own channel, we will go over the basics of how these plans work, and how they can be used to save wisely for retirement. First off: How to Start a 403(b).  403(b) Basics CalSTRS Pension 2 Enrollment Fidelity Enrollment (need an Employer Plan number) Vanguard Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Teacher gets phishy email from Equitable salesperson. Does it violate FINRA section 2210(d)(1)(A) and (B)? Equitable to Pay $50 Million Penalty What's That Phishy Smell in Your Inbox? Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Lucretia Ryan, financial writer, educator, philanthropist and founder of FinancialFreedomforWomen.org., discusses the options for getting health insurance before age 65. Dan discusses his sudden need for a new healthcare policy.  Retiring Before 65: How to Avoid Health Insurance Nightmares Choose the Best Medicare Plan Congressional District Interactive Map: How Much Will ACA Premium Payments Rise if Enhanced Subsidies Expire? Financial Freedom for Women Dirty Little Secrets of Medicare "Advantage" Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).   

We catch up with New Jersey high school business and personal finance teacher Chris Nye, one of the best 403(b) advocates in the country. He talks teaching personal finance, how teachers may have an excellent 403(b) choice already available and don't know it, and pension drama in New Jersey. Fight for Better (our first pod with Chris) Adding a 457(b) is As Easy As 1-2-3 (Chris's second appearance) Bad 403(b) Vendors with Good Choices Using Aspire Non Advisor Option Become a New Jersey Pension Advocate Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Scott and Dan look at the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) which brought a fiduciary standard to most retirement plans. The act went into effect in 1974 but is beginning to show its age.    How a 50-year-old law changed retirement and why it needs a facelift Dawn of ERISA Man with a Better Plan - We almost had a simpler retirement system Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC® and Scott Dauenhauer CFP® break down the recently passed Social Security Fairness Act and what it means for some educators. They cover why the WEP and GPO were first put in place and what it's repeal means for: Those currently collecting Social Security benefits Those new eligible to collect Social Security benefits Those lacking enough credits to qualify for Social Security benefits At the conclusion of the recording of this episode Scott got a call from a family member who he had helped apply for this new benefit who shared the good news that she had just received a Social Security check for more than $9,000.  The Social Security Fairness Act: A Holiday Season Miracle Social Security Administration Social Security Fairness Act 403(b) Plans and Social Security  Guardians of SS FBG WEP Chart note: Link mentioned in pod mysteriously stopped working the day after recording. A web search for new link is recommended.  Opinion: Social Security Fairness Act will be tricky to implement Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Retired educator is prolific writer of state specific retirement guides for teachers (40 and counting); he's running for a seat on the Colorado PERA Board of Trustees; and he writes engaging and educational retirement planning material that he makes available for free. We discuss all of this and more.   Fisch Financial Karl's State Specific Retirement Guides for Educators LA Wildfire Relief Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

We discuss Vanguard's settlement with the SEC over issues with target date funds held in taxable accounts.  Vanguard to Pay More than $100 Million Over Target Date Violations US Inflation Calculator 403bwise Vendor Grades LA Wildfire Relief Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Individual barred from acting as a broker goes all in on Florida K-12 market is another example of how broken the K-12 403(b) remains.  FINRA Broker Check LA Wildfire Relief Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Our guest today, Aaron Standish, is the former Financial Literacy Coordinator (K-12) for the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida who recently joined Next Gen Personal Finance as their Partnership & Adoption Manager for the Southeastern part of the country.  ngpf.org NGPF On-Demand Modules The Most Important Class You Never Had Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC®, and owner of Money Talk and a regular contributor to 403bwise looks back at key money issues in 2024 and ahead to 2025.   2024 Personal Finance Recap for 403(b) Participants Million Dollar 403(b) Mistake Morgan Housel books & podcasts Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Former Baltimore teacher-turned fiduciary advisor Justin Garritt discuss the top teacher financial mistakes of 2024 that he sees in his practice.  Garritt Financial Solutions Baltimore Banner 403(b) Story Jeff Venables The Student Loan Planner The FIT Position: A Framework for Financial Success Morgan Housel books & podcasts Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Mai Nguyen, director of the Department of Social and Emotional Wellness Supports for Buffalo Public Schools, talks supporting the whole child and teacher. She also discusses the 403(b)/457(b) event she held that attracted close to 300 educators.  Buffalo Public Schools Department of Social, Emotional, and Wellness Supports Buffalo City Schools 403(b)/457(b) Plan Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

More like: Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. We review Equitable's new Equi-vest Series 202 403(b) product. Note: We talk Buffalo Bills football and Oregon Duck football for the first six minutes and 25 seconds.   Equi-vest Series 202 Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Dr. Jeff Venables is a veteran South Carolina Chemistry teacher whose advocacy led his district to add Aspire, Fidelity and Vanguard to their 403(b) lineup. But he's not done there. He's now lobbying state legislators.  Jeff's District TL; DR Finanical Literacy for Employees of South Carolina Public Schools Karl Fisch State Books for Educators Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Dan and Scott discuss their recent in-person speaking engagement in Florida which has left them a tad under-the-weather. They also discuss how to make the 457(b) even more superior to the 403(b). Finally, Dan hits Scott with a surprise topic. How does he react? Council for Great City Schools Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Dan and Scott discuss accessing 403(b) money at 59.5 while working and the new age 60 "super" catch up provision which will go into effect in 2025. Dan also talks about completing the mission he and three other friends started in 1990: to see a game in every NFL city.    401(k)/403(b)/457(b) Age 60 "Super" Catch-Up One Weird Trick to Fix Retirement Plans a.k.a. "SECURE" Act 3.0 Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Karla Kirkling, executive director of healthcare and benefits at Chicago Public Schools shares how she used data, facts, and common sense to create one of the best single-vendor K-12 403(b) in the country. It is plan that will save employees tens of thousands of dollars in fees over the lifetime of their careers.    City of Chicago 403(b)/457(b) Plan 403bwise Grade of City of Chicago Plan Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Cullen Roche is an economist, author, father and Founder and Chief Investment Officer of the Discipline Funds, a low-fee advisory firm. Jan Hatzius FRED Economic Data (St. Louis Fed)State 457(b) Plan Rating Project Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Every state runs a generally excellent 457(b) plan that firefighters, police, and other state employees contribute to. These plans often have large assets under management which leads to extremely low-cost investing options. Many states permit educators to contribute to these plans. Unfortunately not all do. We discuss our new tool that allows users to search state 457(b) plans for eligibility, plan costs, availablitly of low-cost index funds and other metrics.  State 457(b) Plan Rating Project Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Audio recording of our September 25, 2024 event with Lucretia Ryan about the dangers of choosing Medicare Advantage. It is recommended that you click link (below) to visual accompanying Lucretia's presentation before listening to audio.  Visual Resource to Accompany Lucretia's Presentation  Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Little known role — Compliance Administrator — can have massive effect on 403(b)/457(b) quality. Many school districts are being misserved and they don't even know it. Dan also shares a private jet story.  Are Educator Retirement Plans Getting Hijacked by Compliance Administrators? Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Former custodian Jeff York talks retirement and the joy it has brought him. He also talks finances — including a bold approach to homeowners insurance — and a little fishing. 2019 Podcast with Jeff Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Jesse Cramer went from designing satellite telescopes to financial planning. The host of The Best Interest Podcast talks career transition, Rochester, N.Y., and financial planning.  Best Interest Podcast Best Interest Blog How Much Life Insurance Do You Need Equitable SEC Settlement Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement  

Pennsylvania advisor Gibson McCracken talks about his time at Equitable and how he's serving educators now.  Flick Financial The Teacher Tribune Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Scott and Dan have a heart-to-heart about new 403bwise.org tools to help pre-service teachers get wise to the 403(b) and teacher retirement plans.  On-Demand Learning Module for Pre-Service Teachers YouTube video for Pre-Service Teachers Blog Post: Inoculating Pre-Service Teachers From 403(b) Sales Sharks Equitable SEC Settlement Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement

Award-winning meteorologist and fin lit fan Greg Dee of ABC Action News in Tampa, FL talks investing, forecasting, and a day in the life of a weatherman. Greg Dee, ABC Action News Tampa, FL Award for Broadcast Meteorology (for life saving work) Equitable SEC Settlement Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement

The law firm of Dicello Levitt LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company. They allege that Equitable charged investors significant undisclosed fees on their EQUI-VEST variable annuities.  Case Summary Contact Law Firm Equitable SEC Settlement Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement Bills Fan Wins Fanatics Fest Costume Contest and Tickets to Every Major Domestic Sports Championship Our Pod with Bills fan Sarah Petersen Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Part two of our inteview with Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix of the How to Money website and podcast. How to Money Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Popular podcast hosts and best friends Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix of the How to Money website and podcast, talk friendship, podcasting, and money (pt. 1).   How to Money Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

On more than one occasion we have heard red-rated vendors declare that fixed insurance products are now subject to a best interest standard for 403(b) sales in most states. This is false.   Comparing CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct to The NAIC's Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation #275 Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan and Scott discusses Dan's medical scare and market volatility.  From Soft Landing to Emergency Landing? by Cullen Roche Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan shares some of his financial mistakes. He also takes a quick trip down his journalism career memory lane.  Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Episode 1 of the 5-part series Learned by Being Burned the short pod series where teachers share how they were sold high-cost annuity products, the barriers they face to getting better, lower-cost investment choices, and the growing advocacy movement working to fix the K-12 403(b). Note: This episode previously ran two years ago. We thought our growing audience would enjoy hearing this first episode. We will return with regular Teach and Retire Rich episodes next week. The entire series is available on all major podcast platforms. Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b). Episode transcripts also available via this link. 

Scott and Dan get a little personal before talking about NTSA's so-called Elite Advisor Awards. Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org  

Greta Tinaglia, Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Fulton County Schools in Georgia, describes the process of moving their 403(b) plan to one low-cost vendor. The result? Less confusion, bureaucracy, and an 80% fee drop.   Fulton County Public Schools 403(b) Plan  Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

The 403(b)ill of Rights is one of the first 403(b) blog posts Dan ever wrote. It first appeared around July 4, 2000. Over the years we have made incremental improvements to it. What follows is a refresh. The new Amendment 12 may be considered radical. Frankly, it's radical that it is even needed.  403(b)ill of Rights Refreshed Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org