Financially Independent Teachers

EP 161- Tiffany Lawrence (GA) Discusses Career Optimization In Education

Tiffany began as a teacher in GA and was married to a teacher for over 15 years. However, they could never get on the same page in regards to their money. However, as she went through a divorce, Tiffany has been able to improve her financial situation and learn more about finances. Increasing her knowledge has become important of her long-term goals. In order to learn, she went back to school to become a CFP.  Currently, she is working to help other educators, in particular school nutrition ...

160-Sean Mullaney-FI TAX Guy Discusses Inheritance and Taxes!

Sean Mullaney is an advice-only financial planner and the President of Mullaney Financial & Tax, Inc. Through Mullaney Financial & Tax, Sean provides advice-only financial planning for a flat fee. Sean writes the Plutus Award winning blog FITaxGuy.com on the intersection of tax and financial independence. He also has a personal finance YouTube channel and wrote Solo 401(k): The Solopreneur’s Retirement Account.  Sean has discussed personal finance and tax on numerous podcasts, including Cho...

EP 159- Nancy---> Private Sector HR to NC Educator

Is the grass really greener on the other side? Many teachers are filing for the exits to leave education but Nancy did the opposite.  Nancy spent  in the private many years sector in HR before moving into her role as a Career and Technology teacher in NC.  What are the pros and cons of each? Many teachers (myself) only know education...K-12 to college and then right into the classroom.  Only a few years away from retirement, Nancy is continuing to learn about personal finance and how to ...

EP 158-The S&P 500 with Lucretia Ryan

What is the S&P 500 and why is everyone talking about it? Lucretia is the daughter of two teachers and spent 20+ years working for IBM.  After digging into teacher retirement options, she realized teachers all over were getting the raw end of the deal with high fees and bad products.    This has led Lucretia to retire early and start a passion project to help people build wealth and do it all for FREE! Check out her website for free articles and articles geared toward teachers. https://w...

EP 157-Dave and his Wife Discuss the book "Die With Zero"

Dave is a natural saver, Stephanie is a natural spender and BIG giver.  Together, they have been trying to make financial headway by living a very frugal and debt free lifestyle.   In December of 2019, their world was rocked as Stephanie was diagnosed with an aggressive and fast moving cancer diagnosis. Last summer, Stephanie's dad was in a life changing car accident that left him in the hospital for 5 months and is now having to learn how to walk and eat again.   How can you you save, inves...

EP 156-Special Ed Teacher Couple (KY) Paid Off 140K!

Trevor and his wife are both special education teachers in the Bluegrass State.  In addition to Trevor's role in the classroom, he is also the varsity HS basketball coach at his high school.  Together, they paid off 140k of debt in a 3 year period. You don't want to miss this incredible story!  Be a guest on the show: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8 Check out our website: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/ Sign up for FIT coaching: https://www.financ...

EP 155-Upstate NY Middle School Math Teacher (Rachel) Motivated to Help Teachers!

Rachel has been teaching for 11 years, makes around $55,000 per year AND she is on pace to retire early and become a net worth millionaire...her NW is currently 500K at 32 years old! Her husband is also a middle income earner in the world of education and Rachel is on a mission to help teachers believe they can do it, too! Check out Rachel's fun and informative videos on Instagram @teachertomillionaire -Educating teachers about their money -Providing content we never learned in school -Sha...

EP 154-Eric Lee-Minnesota

Eric is a single teacher in Minnesota with a net worth north of 250k. Eric is currently a math interventionist and now has a much better work-life valence than being a classroom teacher. How can a 35 year-old making less than 60k make this happen? Listen to this week's show to find out! Be a guest on the show: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8 Check out our website: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/ Sign up for FIT coaching: https://www.financiallyind...

EP 153- California Teacher Oppo of FIRE

Gavin has spent 15 years in the classroom with public and private school teaching experience in Southern California and calls himself the opposite of the FIRE MOVEMENT.  Gavin is married with two young children under the age of four while his wife stays at home. Gavin's net worth has hit the double commas and he is now a net worth millionaire.  Be a guest on the show: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8 Check out our website: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers....

EP 152-NC Teaching Couple Investing 2k Per Month

We are thrilled to have former colleague and friend, Brandon Akins back on the show! Brandon was the FIRST guest to ever record with us on the FIT Podcast in 2021.  How does Brandon manage being a dad (x2), coaching, side hustles, marriage and mindset? Check out his powerful podcast where Brandon talks about running his race and not being concerned about the opinions of how others choose to spend their time or money.  Be a guest on the show: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/co...

EP 151-NJ Teacher Educates On 403(b) + Investments For Teachers

In a throwback to the early days, we have some bonus content for you! This is such good information, we had to keep recording! Chris Nye joins Dave and the Millionaire Math Teacher and he has been featured on the popular 403(b) Wise mini series titled "Learned By Being Burned" and has developed a passion for teaching his fellow teachers about the dangers of high fees and investment education.  Not only is Chris a teacher, he is also a financial planner who specializes in helping teachers.  C...

EP 150-From Broke to 200K+ Invested-NC Educator Making Up For Lost Time!

Angie is a North Carolina educator in her 30th year! Single with no kids, she started her life over at 50 years old with debt and very little invested.  Today, she has over 200k in investments and is debt free (besides her home).  Angie started out as a agricultural teacher and eventually moved into a CTE position.  During her "starting over" period, Angie went back to school to get her masters degree and is now a 12-month employee as a Digital Learning and Teaching Facilitator for multiple ...

EP 149- Reading Specialist Balances Investing + Real Estate + New Side Business

Connor and his wife are both teachers in Illinois who came on the FIT Podcast in Season #2.  Connor is back to check in with an update to his financial plan as well as their most recent decisions on being landlords and starting a new side hustle. Be a guest on the show: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8 Check out our website: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/ Sign up for FIT coaching: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

EP 148-Breaking Free From Broke

The gap between financial stress and financial peace is littered with traps, myths, distractions and slick marketing designed to keep you brainwashed and in debt. In Breaking Free From Broke, George does the research for you and exposes the money myths and traps about: Credit cards and credit scores Student loans and car loans Mortgage mishaps and mistakes Investing traps and get-rich-quick schemes Marketing and consumerism tactics George shares the story of how he broke free from debt...

EP 147-English Teacher (CA) Married To Teacher In HCOL Area

Sarah is an 8th grade English teacher who also serves as the department chair at her school.  Sarah and her educator husband both teach in Los Angeles California, which has an extremely high cost of living.  They started in their 20's like most teachers, student loan debt + credit card debt but really wanted to own their own home.  In order to realize their dream of home ownership in a HCOL area, they learned to be frugal and fearless with their decisions.  Sarah says they haven't done every...

EP 146-Season FOUR IS HERE!

Brandon and I are excited to launch Season Number 4 of the Financially Independent Teachers Podcast.  We are so thankful for the FIT Family and all of you supporting the movement of providing hope for teachers and their finances. Be a guest on the show: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/contact-8 Check out our website: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/ Sign up for FIT coaching: https://www.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

EP 145-College Coach Turned K-12 Educator Turned Window Washer

Jordan is a former educator in Minnesota and has been involved at a variety of levels in education. Jordan started at Roth IRA as an 11th grader in HS but also went down the road of day trading, crypto and says he has made just about any mistake you can imagine. Even though Jordan is out of education, he is currently married to a middle school teacher.  They invest in the 457(b), Roth IRA's, and have a few 529's set up for their kids. Listen in as Jordan talks about a wide array of financial...

EP 144-Dave and Brandon Interviewed by the 403(b) Wise Guys on Teach and Retire Rich

This week, Dave and Brandon were interviewed on the Teach and Retire Rich Podcast.  With their permission, we are sharing their interview with us at FIT. 

EP 143-Elementary PE Teacher (MD) Parlays Frugality Into Wealth Building Machine

Muskee has been teaching for 18 years in Maryland.  Although he is wired as a saver and never wandered into debt, he wasn't exactly being very intentional with his money either. To make major progress, multiple side hustles and building his house with his own two hands, Muskee's story covers nearly EVERY topic in personal finance. 

EP 142-The Benefits of Financial Coaching

Dave and Brandon are big believers in financial coaching. For most, a one-time financial coaching session help create a vision for staying on the path to financial independence and the simple path to wealth! Whether you are killing it or whether you feel like your finances are getting killed, something can be learned. 

EP 141-JL Collins Previews New Book-Pathfinders

The Godfather of FI is back! JL Collins, author who wrote the foreword to The FIT Position is back with the sequel to best selling book The Simple Path to Wealth.  Have you ever wondered how all kinds of people from all over the world gain control of their finances, attain FU money and achieve financial independence? Are you looking for ideas on how you can better follow the Simple Path to Wealth? Would you like to pull the FI finish line closer?  Through fascinating first person accounts ...

EP 140-XC Coach (MA) Lives Off One Income

Benn has been teaching and coaching for over a decade in a charter school in Western Massachusetts. He worked with his district to add more affordable investment options and maxed out his salary by "moving lanes" on the teacher pay scale. 

EP 139- NYC Teacher Leaves Public Ed And Moves Into Educating Teachers About Their Finances

Emily is newly married and just became a mom, she recently decided to step away from education and move into a full time financial coach, helping teachers with their finances. Have you struggled with the decision to stay in education or move in an alternative direction? Emily details some of the thought process of getting out of Ed and how she combined finances with her husband.  Emily also talks investing, social security and the teacher pension.  Check out Emily on social media: Instragra...

EP 138-Justin Garritt Part II-Student Loan Forgiveness Update

Justin is back to give us the most recent news regarding public student loan forgiveness. Justin Garritt is a former Maryland teacher turned financial advisor.  On this episode, Justin does a deep dive with us the latest regrading loan forgiveness and important deadlines.  Justin's Website https://garrittfinancialsolutions.com/

EP 137-Justin Garritt Discusses EVERYTHING Money. Open Enrollment, Tax Shelters, Insurance, Flex Spending + MORE

Justin Garritt is a former Maryland teacher turned financial advisor.  On this episode, Justin does a deep dive with us regarding open enrollment, health benefits and options for teachers to store their money and legally hide money from the IRS.  According to Justin, "Part of why America’s wealth gap is widening is because our financial system is not set up to support middle class Americans. It infuriates me that selfless and dedicated educators  are kept from the high-quality, unbiased, aff...

EP 136-Ohio Teaching Couple Ditch AXA, Begin Wealth Building!

Aaron and his wife are both teachers in NE Ohio.  A few years ago, Aaron started getting serious about personal finances.  Through podcasts and reading, Aaron quickly realized the importance of investment fees and started the process of getting out of AXA/Equitable.  Aaron has been married for 8 years and has two young children.   On this episode, we discuss student loan forgiveness, how much he invests, what he invests in, Ohio teacher pensions and more.  Aaron and his wife are projected t...

EP 135- Yanely Discusses Her New Book And Financial Literacy For Teachers

YANELY ESPINAL is a Brooklyn-born ball of energy! She's an educator with a gift for storytelling and a passion for explaining financial concepts in a straightforward way. While working as an elementary school teacher, she decided to change her financial life by paying off $20,000 of debt in just 18 months.

EP 134- Single Teacher (CO) Is Hacking Her Way To Success!

Courtney is a single teacher in Colorado.  An avid hiker and thrill seeker, Courtney has self admittedly been a spender for most of her life. After a near tragic car accident, her life changed   forever. Courtney received a small financial sum from her accident and she did not want to "blow" her opportunity of getting on track with her finances. She has only been on this financial  journey for less than a decade but is inspired to make baby steps to her end goal of having the OPTION to retir...

EP 133-Dave And Brandon Share 5 Things You Need To Do RIGHT NOW!

Dave and Brandon share FIVE things that you need to be thinking about with your money right now.  This episode hits on those who have lots of debt and those who have conquered debt and are ready to take their financial game to the next level. 

EP 132-Millionaire Math Teacher Discusses Lessons Learned On Estate Planning

The Millionaire Math Teacher is back on FIT to discuss a variety of topics, most importantly, estate planning.  Unfortunately, John's father-in-law recently passed and John and his family have been handling the estate of the late family member.  Is a will enough? How about a trust?  What else should we be doing to ease the burden on the family we leave behind.  John has been knee deep into all of these topics and more over the course of the last few months and he shares what he has learned a...

EP 131-Dave and Brandon Discuss The FIT Investment Order of Operations

So, you have your emergency fund built or building...you are on your way to being debt free or you ARE debt free.  Now what? In the book "The FIT Position", Dave and Brandon share what the most recommended order of investing operations should be for teachers and middle-income earners.  Based on hours of interviewing successful teachers and millionaires, this episode discusses what we've learned. 

Dave and Brandon Discuss The FIT Investment Order of Operations

So, you have your emergency fund built or building...you are on your way to being debt free or you ARE debt free.  Now what? In the book "The FIT Position", Dave and Brandon share what the most recommended order of investing operations should be for teachers and middle-income earners.  Based on hours of interviewing successful teachers and millionaires, this episode discusses what we've learned. 

Andrew Giancola-Million Dollar Money Decisions

All Episodes Andrew from The Personal Finance Podcast is back for Part II of our interview. Andrew comes from a family of educators and has quickly become one of the fastest growing names in the personal finance community.  In this episode, we talk to Andrew about million dollar money decisions we make each day...from investment fees to what we drive, Andrew lets us know what to be looking out for on the path to building wealth.  Andrew is the host of the Personal Finance Podcast where he ...

EP 130-Andrew Giancola-Million Dollar Money Decisions

All Episodes Andrew from The Personal Finance Podcast is back for Part II of our interview. Andrew comes from a family of educators and has quickly become one of the fastest growing names in the personal finance community.  In this episode, we talk to Andrew about million dollar money decisions we make each day...from investment fees to what we drive, Andrew lets us know what to be looking out for on the path to building wealth.  Andrew is the host of the Personal Finance Podcast where he ...

Andrew Giancola-Generational Wealth

Andrew Giancola comes from a family of educators and has quickly become one of the fastest growing names in the personal finance community.  In this episode, we talk to Andrew about the idea of generational wealth for our children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews and our students.  Andrew is the host of the Personal Finance Podcast where he reveals all of his personal finance, money, investing, business strategies, income sources, stock, and real estate investing tips so that you can build mo...

EP 129-Andrew Giancola-Generational Wealth

Andrew Giancola comes from a family of educators and has quickly become one of the fastest growing names in the personal finance community.  In this episode, we talk to Andrew about the idea of generational wealth for our children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews and our students.  Andrew is the host of the Personal Finance Podcast where he reveals all of his personal finance, money, investing, business strategies, income sources, stock, and real estate investing tips so that you can build mo...

EP 128-School Counselor (MA) Teaches Students + Adults

Rose is a school counselor who has developed a passion for personal finance. In addition to her job at the school, she founded "Teacher Talks Money" which she is the CEO.  Like many in education, Rose didn't know much about finances when she started, but her thirst for being a lifelong learner has her on a quest to never let that happen to her colleagues. 

School Counselor (MA) Teaches Students + Adults

Rose is a school counselor who has developed a passion for personal finance. In addition to her job at the school, she founded "Teacher Talks Money" which she is the CEO.  Like many in education, Rose didn't know much about finances when she started, but her thirst for being a lifelong learner has her on a quest to never let that happen to her colleagues. 

EP 127-Jay Retires Early Using Real Estate

Jay is a retired teacher living on SoCal. His relationship with real estate has provided a nice quality of life on retirement. Jay doesn't own 5 or 10 houses, just a few has made all of the difference. 

Jay Retires Early Using Real Estate

Jay is a retired teacher living on SoCal. His relationship with real estate has provided a nice quality of life on retirement. Jay doesn't own 5 or 10 houses, just a few has made all of the difference. 

EP 126-Single Teacher (MD) House Hacks Her Way To Success!

Single Teacher (MD) House Hacks Her Way To Success!

EP 125-Andy Hill Talks Money, Kids, Marriage

From Andy's Website: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/about/ I’m a husband and father to two awesome (and crazy) kids and we hail from the great state of Michigan. Since I’m all about my family, my goal is to give them the best life possible and strengthen our family tree for generations to come. In 2016, I got so geeked about this topic of family financial independence that I decided to start a blog and podcast about it. It began as a hobby and then morphed into a fun side hustle when peo...

Andy Hill Talks Money, Kids, Marriage

From Andy's Website: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/about/ I’m a husband and father to two awesome (and crazy) kids and we hail from the great state of Michigan. Since I’m all about my family, my goal is to give them the best life possible and strengthen our family tree for generations to come. In 2016, I got so geeked about this topic of family financial independence that I decided to start a blog and podcast about it. It began as a hobby and then morphed into a fun side hustle when peo...

EC Teacher From NC Starts Over And Learns Finance In Her 50's

Michelle is 55-year old educator and is ‘starting over’ and trying to now play catch up after a divorce. Since ending her marriage 8 years ago, she has brought her credit score over 200 points, paid off thousands in debt and have built some savings and adding to her retirement. She is now being intentional with her money and expanding into some investments and working towards a comfortable retirement. 

EP 124-EC Teacher From NC Starts Over And Learns Finance In Her 50's

Michelle is 55-year old educator and is ‘starting over’ and trying to now play catch up after a divorce. Since ending her marriage 8 years ago, she has brought her credit score over 200 points, paid off thousands in debt and have built some savings and adding to her retirement. She is now being intentional with her money and expanding into some investments and working towards a comfortable retirement. 

EP 123-Gerry Born AKA "The Millionaire Educator" Talks 457(b), Retirement, Life Update

Gerry Born is back on the FIT podcast to give an update on his current situation, answer some questions submitted via social media, and discusses the super power of the 457(b).  Gerry's Blog Page: http://www.millionaireeducator.com/

Gerry Born AKA "The Millionaire Educator" Talks 457(b), Retirement, Life Update

Gerry Born is back on the FIT podcast to give an update on his current situation, answer some questions submitted via social media, and discusses the super power of the 457(b).  Gerry's Blog Page: http://www.millionaireeducator.com/

EP 122-Mizzou Educator + Firefighter Husband Paid Off The House Before 35!

Erica is a Missouri educator who has  net worth over 700k.  Erica married young and went through a divorce but persevered and stuck to her goals while furthering her education during a trying time.  Erica has since remarried and combined with her firefighter husband, they are quickly approaching millionaire status (before age 35).  Erica has moved from the classroom to being a reading specialist and has even started her own Teachers Pay Teachers account and created her own toy company.  Eric...

Mizzou Educator + Firefighter Husband Paid Off The House Before 35!

Erica is a Missouri educator who has  net worth over 700k.  Erica married young and went through a divorce but persevered and stuck to her goals while furthering her education during a trying time.  Erica has since remarried and combined with her firefighter husband, they are quickly approaching millionaire status (before age 35).  Erica has moved from the classroom to being a reading specialist and has even started her own Teachers Pay Teachers account and created her own toy company.  Eric...