Financially Independent Teachers

Send us Fan Mail Gary taught high level math for almost 20 years in California, but is now enjoying the FIRE lifestyle and early retirement. Although he won't receive his CA pension until 55, he has enough investments working behind the scenes to provide a nice retirement in the future. His wife is still working for a handful of years, so he doesn't have to worry about the health insurance piece, but before they are both 50, they want to be retired together. In his downtime, Gary offers free financial services for educators and shares some of the biggest roadblocks teachers face. In addition, he will share insight on "how much do I need invested to retire". Run your numbers and see how close you are!

Send us Fan Mail Jermaine was a guest on FIT back on Episode 249 in early January. On that episode, Jermaine shared how he was making almost 2k per month moonlighting as a DoorDash delivery man. After learning Jermaine's story, he looked in the mirror and said it is time for a change. As a husband and father of three, 45-year old Jermaine, realized he is essentially starting from nothing...enough money to pay the monthly bills BUT... -Zero in savings -Debt on a Jeep -No investments -Nothing for retirement As co-workers and new-found friends, I offered Jermaine some FREE FIT financial coaching. We got started on January 15th and he is back to give us his first update, just months later. During this time period, a car broke down, wife saw 30% in reduced hours, mother was diagnosed with cancer, and DoorDash was shut down by the biggest winter storm ENC has faced since the 80's. Did Jermaine meet his goals? Where is he now? This episode will address Phase I and II of Jermaine's story... Phase I-Jan 15 to Feb 1 Phase II-Feb 1 to April 15 Listen in as we try to take Jermaine from just scraping by, to a life of future abundance and security!

Send us Fan Mail Traditional, Pre-Tax, Roth, Post-Tax, Brokerage Accounts...these investment accounts can be so confusing, especially to newbies. Do you want to pay taxes now or later? Is there a better time to convert funds during a particular time of life? I've talked to many teachers who don't know the difference between Roth and Traditional accounts. Some have tens of thousands of dollars in a traditional 403(b) or 401(k) accounts, but didn't find out about a Roth (tax free growth) until it is "too late". Good news...former HS math teacher (turned Financial planner), David Gourley is back on the FIT podcast to share how you can move funds from one investment account.

Send us Fan Mail Rachel has had a lot of financial ups and downs, but finally got serious about her money three years ago. A speech therapist, Rachel didn't get started in her career until 31, so she felt like she felt like she had a late to start making "adult money". Rachel lives in a very high cost of living area and she works full time in the local public schools, while also work a side job doing telehealth to support her financial goals. Life changed when her son was diagnosed with leukemia in 2024 and Rachel has learned the true meaning of an emergency fund and preparing for a rainy day. Currently raising her 3 kids solo, she continues to learn and grow in her financial education. Learning more about her finances makes her feel hopeful for the future!

Send us Fan Mail NJ high school teacher is married to NJ high school EC teacher. Before having their first child, they caught the FIRE bug in their early to mid twenties. They didn't do it forever, but they lived on a very modest 40k per year in annual spending for a handful of years while investing around 80K each year (combined). This early maximization caused them to become teacher millionaires before the age of 35. After having a daughter and moving from being renters to homeowners, they no longer invest at such a high rate, but they don't have to. They are now COAST FI. Projection Lab Nectarine

Send us Fan Mail There is a big difference between being high net worth and income producing assets. Sure, a paid for house is GREAT...BUT, it is not going to make you any money (unless you house hack). Good intentions can lead to a BAD retirement. The Millionaire Math Teacher is here to discuss all the things you might not think of when it comes to planning for the future...whether retirement is 20 years away or a few years away.

Send a text Louis is a soon to be retired California middle school math teacher, and he is thankful to have started investing as a young teacher, however, he was setup by the classic "sharp dressed man" in the teachers lounge...high fees, subpar investment options. In addition, Louis didn't fully understand investing, so he went the ultra conservative route..2%-3% growth. Through trial and error, he went from conservative investor to single stocks...now, he has settled on target date funds and low cost index funds. How much does he make in CA? When did he hit millionaire status? How does he view cars? Will he be able to flip the switch from frugal saver to a more loose spending style in retirement? All of these questions and more are answered on this episode!

Send a text Brandon is a 27-year old teacher from KY...although current pension rules are different, he falls under their old pension rule, which will enable Brandon will to able to retire with a full pension after 27 years of Kentucky service. Because he started teaching at the ripe age of 21, he will start collecting a $60,000 per year pension at 47...with non contributory healthcare until 65 In addition to his pension, he has rental property and anticipates 10k per month from his rental portfolio. He is projecting a retirement of 15k a month at 47.

Send a text Jessica has been teaching in Florida since 2003, although she did some investing while in HS, the personal finance bug caught her in her 40's. We discuss the power of teachers understanding all of the investing buckets available to them, the messy middle of life, raising 3 kids, and how personal finance education can transform our students and our teachers. Like most people, she wishes she understood the power of the 457(b) as a young teacher, and she doesn't want any other teacher to feel the way she once did. Knowledge is power, and Jess is empowering her family, students, and colleagues! 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

Send a text Married (PA) teacher's Dale and Kendra love taking advantage of their summer time teacher schedule. Each year, they load up and hit the road with their twins and make memories together that wouldn't be possible without the schedule of a teacher. In PA, they have the option to take a lump sum instead of their pension. Instead of having "golden handcuffs", they will take the lump sum and both retire before 50. 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

Send a text A married Michigan teacher couple uses each summer to scratch their travel itch. Last summer, they spent over 50 days in Europe. Before that, they spent much of summer in Indonesia. This summer, they are headed to Belgium! With a combined teacher income of around 135k, they own a home, have 500k invested in the stock market, and save for their summer vacations. Starting with Dave Ramsey and the Minimalists helped lead frugal lives with intense desire to be debt free, they are now working on accumulation. This teacher duo is FIT approved! 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

Send us a text Early in their marriage, Dave and Stephanie took part in a local Dave Ramsey FPU class. After "graduating", they started using the cash envelope budgeting system. Fifteen years later, and some financially milestones met, they decided to switch to strictly credit cards, as long as they didn't carry any monthly debt. After 6-8 months of this system, they realized they weren't maximizing their financial lives. Tomorrow, they are back on the envelopes and they share why. 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

Send us a text On this week's episode, I welcome national financial voice and host of the Personal Finance Podcast, Andrew Giancola back to the show. He shares the importance of automation and how to set up your accounts and make your personal finance life automatic! This is a must listen if you want to successfully set up your accounts and bills. Check out Andrew's Money Automation Checklist https://courses.mastermoney.co/automate-your-money-checklist 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

Send us a text No lotto winnings, no inheritance, no real goal of becoming a millionaire. However, a 42-year old Cobb County GA PE teacher recently crossed over $1,000,000 in investments. Now in his 20th year teaching, he moved from NE Ohio to ATL as a 22-year old... with $1,000 to his name. 20 years later, he is in the double comma club. He has no children, has never been married, and is taking advantage of the aggressive GA salary schedule by maxing out his higher education to earn more, all while coaching, and side hustling. 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

Send us a text A little over five years ago, Dave started Financially Independent Teachers...a passion project to inspire other educators to get smart with their money and maximize their finances. Up until the birth of FIT, Dave and his wife Stephanie started getting very serious about finances (mid 30's), shocked at how much time they had wasted in the past. Some might call it extreme, but the couple wanted to get back on track and ahead of the curve, so they lived strictly off of Dave's teacher income and side hustle money, sold cars, downsized houses and started investing. Being in a family of 4 while living off of one spouses income for a handful of years meant lots of sacrifice, but the experience showed Dave it CAN BE DONE. Last summer, Dave (host) was approached by the Bigger Pockets Money Podcast to share his personal finance journey. Dave was featured on Episode #650. Check out Dave's story as he gets transparent with his journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAgJgSFOkVE&list=PLZAaD29urNMNjO9TJq1LJulMZO9MPr6sw&index=60 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

Send us a text This week, I interview Jermaine, a TA and coworker at Jacksonville High School. At 45, with the last of his three kids almost out of college, he's ready to start his financial journey. From working for the Philadelphia Eagles to being a real estate agent, and having a video production company, Jermaine made the move into education last year. For the next 12 months, Jermaine will be going through FIT financial coaching. Follow along as we document Jermaine's money progress in 2026 over multiple episodes throughout the year. 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

Send us a text Greg is a retired teacher living in the Dallas area who decided to come back to the education space and work part time. Even though he has a net worth of 6+ million dollars, Greg had a major health scare that had him start making some critical lifestyle decisions as he heads toward full retirement. His advice to teachers is to think BEYOND the financial numbers as you plan for retirement. Check out his 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.financiallyindependentteachers.com/services-4

Send us a text In our last episode of the season, I welcome back fan favorite, Justin Garritt back on the show to discuss 8 timeless lessons surrounding our lives and money. In addition, we are joined by Justin's wife, Paulina, as she shares insight on the topic as well! Have a great holiday season! 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

Send us a text 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

Send us a text On this episode, we welcome Lucretia Ryan back to the show! Raised by educators in NYC, Lucretia has a heart for teachers and providing her expertise and free resources. With recent changes, SS is now on the table for ALL teachers, even if you don't pay into it as an educator. Have you paid into it in the past? Should you get your 40 quarters to get SOMETHING? Lucretia Ryan is the founder of FinancialFreedomforWomen.org. She is a financial writer, educator, and philanthropist. After graduating from Cornell University and spending her career at IBM, Lucretia is now helping women to gain financial independence. Her goal is 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 teaches “Financial Literacy” and “Medicare: What the Insurance Companies Won’t Tell You”. https://www.financialfreedomforwomen.org/