Teachers often feel stuck between limited income and growing financial pressure—but this episode proves that intentional frugality and clear priorities can change everything.

In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Justin Brown-Woods to unpack his journey of paying off $132,000 of debt in just 18 months—on teacher incomes—after facing over $220,000 in total debt. His story is honest, practical, and deeply relatable for educators trying to balance life, money, and values.

Justin reframes frugality not as deprivation, but as the freedom to confidently say yes to what matters and no to what doesn’t. Together, they share the specific habits, mindset shifts, and budgeting systems that helped him regain peace, strengthen his marriage, and take control of his finances.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

-Why frugality is about values and contentment, not being cheap

-The exact spending categories they cut to accelerate debt payoff

-How renting instead of owning lowered stress during their financial reset

-Why budgeting and tracking are essential for teachers with capped incomes

-How accountability and consistent money conversations drive progress

-Why teachers must prioritize their own financial security before spending on their classrooms

If you’re a teacher feeling overwhelmed by debt, lifestyle creep, or financial stress, this conversation will show you that progress is possible—without sacrificing what truly matters.

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Explore show notes and resources:

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show105

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Leave a voicemail question:

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Bring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:

https://www.shaunkmorgan.com

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