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

Become a guest on the show:

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest

Leave a voicemail question:

https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow

Bring Shaun to your school for personal finance PD:

https://www.shaunkmorgan.com

#TeacherMoneyShow #DebtFreeTeachers #FrugalLiving #TeacherFinance #BudgetingForTeachers #PersonalFinance #DebtPayoffJourney #FinancialFreedom

In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Scott Fritz, elementary teacher and co-author of the TL;DR Pennsylvania Pension Series, to explore the behavioral side of personal finance—why we manage money the way we do, how our “money story” shapes our habits, and what teachers can do to build financial confidence.

Scott brings a powerful mix of classroom experience, pension expertise, and behavioral finance insights that every educator needs to hear.

Key Behavioral Finance Takeaways for Teachers

-Your money story explains your money behavior—name it to change it.

-Automation beats motivation every time.

-Diversification gives you freedom and flexibility later.

-Understanding your pension is essential to long-term planning.

-You don’t need to “obsess” over money—just build the right systems.

Explore the show notes at:

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show104

Become a guest on the show:

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest

Leave a voicemail question:

https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow

Need help? Get Coaching

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

About The Teacher Money Show

Hosted by financial coach and educator Shaun Morgan, The Teacher Money Show helps educators build a richer wallet, classroom, and life through smarter money habits, better benefits decisions, and intentional living.

Are student loans really the biggest financial trap of our generation? In this episode of The Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Jason Brown, author of Margin Matters and It Is Possible: How I Earned Two Debt-Free Degrees and How You Can Too, to talk about the skyrocketing cost of college—and what teachers, parents, and students can do to avoid student loan debt altogether.

Jason breaks down the shocking reality of the student loan crisis, why 42+ million Americans are struggling, and how he completed two degrees with zero debt (and even made money in the process). His story is full of actionable advice for teachers going back for a master’s, parents preparing kids for college, and anyone looking to approach higher education without sacrificing their financial future.

✨ Key Takeaways for Getting a Debt-Free Degree

-Plan ahead—don’t rush into a degree.

-Work while you study to avoid borrowing.

-Apply for every scholarship you can find (especially the small ones).

-Choose colleges and programs with strong return on investment.

-Use tuition assistance, employer reimbursement, and dual enrollment whenever possible.

Explore the show notes at:

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/show103

Become a guest on the show:

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/guest

Leave a voicemail question:

https://www.speakpipe.com/teachermoneyshow

Need help? Get Coaching

https://www.teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🎙️ About The Teacher Money Show

Hosted by educator and financial coach Shaun Morgan, The Teacher Money Show helps teachers navigate personal finance, build wealth, and unlock their financial superpowers—so their wallet, classroom, and life can thrive.