What I need help with is finding guests, so if you want to come on the show, share your money story as a teacher, talk about personal finance, or you know a great guest, let me know!

Ever wondered how to create extra income as a teacher—and what actually works in real life?

In this solo episode of the Teacher Money Show, I pull back the curtain on a brand new side hustle I’ve started—reselling Costco return pallets

If you’ve been thinking about starting a side hustle, paying off debt faster, or just finding new ways to make money as a teacher, this episode is a real, unfiltered look at what that process actually looks like.

We cover:

• Why I pivoted away from a speaking business to something that produces faster cash flow
• How my new reselling side hustle works (buying Costco return pallets and flipping items)
• The full breakdown of my first pallet (toys)—including repairs, challenges, and profit
• How a Facebook Marketplace shadowban impacted my sales
• Why I shifted to eBay reselling and how that changed everything
• My second pallet (oral care) and how it’s already generating revenue
• What I’m learning in real-time about testing, iterating, and building income streams

This episode is all about taking action, trying new things, and adjusting quickly—because sometimes the best side hustle isn’t the one you planned, it’s the one that actually works.

If you’ve ever thought, “I need to make more money, but I don’t know where to start,” this episode will give you a practical, real-world example of what that journey looks like.

📩 Want to be a guest or know someone who should be?
Email me: shaun@teachermoneyshow.com
Apply here: https://teachermoneyshow.com/guest

🔗 Full Show Notes:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show122

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://shaunkmorgan.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who’s looking for new ways to increase their income and take control of their financial future.

#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherSideHustle #Reselling #MakeMoneyFromHome #TeacherFinance #SideHustleIdeas #FinancialFreedom

Can teachers really build wealth on a teacher’s salary?

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Danny Kofke, author of The Wealthy Teacher, to break down what it actually means to build wealth as an educator—and why it’s more possible than most teachers think.

If you’ve ever felt like financial success is out of reach in education, this conversation will challenge that belief and give you a clear, practical path forward.

We cover:

• Why wealth is about optionality, not just money
• How one teacher family lived on a single income to create freedom
• Why so many teachers believe wealth is impossible—and how to break that mindset
• How to use a zero-based budget as a “spending plan” that creates freedom
• The hidden cost of everyday spending (like $2,000/year on lunches)
• Why living below your means is the foundation of financial success
• How to save 20% of your income (even on a teacher salary)
• Why increasing income should accelerate wealth—not lifestyle inflation
• The surprising truth about teacher pensions and why they’re incredibly valuable
• How a $42,000 pension can equal a $1 million retirement portfolio
• How financial stability gives teachers the power to say “no” and avoid burnout

We also talk about the real goal of money—not just having more of it, but creating the freedom to make meaningful life choices for yourself and your family.

If you want to stop feeling stuck financially and start building real, long-term wealth as a teacher, this episode gives you the mindset and the strategy to do it.

🔗 Full Show Notes:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show121

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://shaunkmorgan.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who needs to hear that wealth is possible on a teacher’s salary.

#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherWealth #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #BudgetingForTeachers #TeacherPension #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding

Can teachers become financial coaches and get paid to help others with money?

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I talk with Andi Wrenn about the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) certification—what it is, how it works, and why it might be one of the best opportunities for teachers who are passionate about personal finance.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your interest in money into a side hustle, second career, or retirement path, this conversation will show you exactly how to get started.

We cover:

• What the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) designation is and how it’s different from other financial certifications
• Why the AFC focuses on the behavioral and emotional side of money, not just numbers
• Why teachers are uniquely positioned to become excellent financial coaches
• How becoming an AFC can help you get your own finances in order
• The step-by-step process to earn the certification (including the 1,000-hour experience requirement and why that isn't as hard as you think)
• What counts toward your experience hours (teaching, coaching, presentations, and more)
• The time commitment and what to expect while working toward the AFC
• How the certification can create a meaningful side income or post-teaching career
• The credibility the AFC brings when working with clients
• Why helping others with money can be one of the most fulfilling ways to make an impact

If you love helping people, explaining concepts, and seeing “lightbulb moments,” becoming an AFC might be a natural next step.

🔗 Full Show Notes:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show120

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://shaunkmorgan.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who’s interested in making a bigger impact with money.

#TeacherMoneyShow #FinancialCoaching #AFC #PersonalFinanceCareers #TeacherSideHustle #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyCoaching

Can AI actually save teachers hours of work every week?

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I break down how teachers can use AI as a time-saving tool to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and build systems that give you your time back.

If you feel buried in grading, data entry, emails, and “one more thing” tasks, this episode will show you how to start using AI in a practical, realistic way—no tech background required.

We cover:

• Why time—not money—is your most valuable resource as a teacher
• How AI can help eliminate repetitive “busywork” tasks
• A simple workflow: “Could this be done faster?” → describe the goal → let AI guide you
• How I used AI to automate grade adjustments in minutes instead of hours
• Building systems for mass personalized student messaging
• How teachers are using AI to create interactive math practice and tutoring tools
• Using AI to generate worksheets, primary sources, and lesson materials
• How to speed up grading with targeted writing feedback tools
• Why the real power of AI is building reusable systems, not just quick shortcuts
• How small time savings each week can compound into hours saved over a school year

I also share how this connects to personal finance:

Being intentional with your money is really about being intentional with your time—and AI is one of the most powerful tools we’ve ever had to reclaim it.

This isn’t about working faster just to do more work.

It’s about building systems that let you do less of what drains you and more of what matters—in your classroom and your life.

🔗 Full Show Notes:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show119

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://shaunkmorgan.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who needs their time back.

#TeacherMoneyShow #AIForTeachers #TeacherProductivity #EdTech #ChatGPTForTeachers #TeacherBurnout #PersonalFinanceForTeachers

Can teachers really travel for free using credit card points?

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I talk with Dan Miller from Points With a Crew about travel hacking—the strategy of using credit card rewards and sign-up bonuses to dramatically reduce the cost of flights, hotels, and vacations.

If you’ve ever wondered how people fly for free or stay in luxury hotels using points, this conversation breaks down the basics in a way that’s practical and realistic for teachers.

We cover:

• What travel hacking actually is and how it works
• The difference between fixed-value points and variable-value travel rewards
• Why credit card sign-up bonuses are the fastest way to earn travel points
• Why everyday spending alone usually isn’t enough to earn big rewards
• How opening credit cards affects your credit score (and why the impact is usually small)
• The importance of paying balances in full every month
• Why travel hacking only works if you avoid credit card debt
• When you should NOT open new credit cards (like before applying for a mortgage)
• The difference between a goal-driven travel strategy
• Why teachers need to plan travel 12–18 months in advance to maximize rewards
• Common mistakes beginners make when trying travel hacking

Dan also explains how teachers can use a goal-driven strategy to plan a trip a year or more in advance, open one or two strategic credit cards, and earn enough points to offset flights or hotel stays.

Travel hacking isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about using the credit card rewards system intentionally and responsibly.

But the rules are simple:

• No credit card debt
• Pay balances in full
• Have a clear travel goal before applying for cards

If you follow those rules, travel rewards can make trips possible that might otherwise feel out of reach on a teacher’s salary.

🔗 Full Show Notes:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show118

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://shaunkmorgan.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher who wants to travel more without blowing their budget.

#TeacherMoneyShow #TravelHacking #TravelRewards #CreditCardPoints #TeacherTravel #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #FreeFlights

Are credit cards good or bad?

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Marc to break down Credit Cards 101 — how they work, why people use them, and how teachers can use them responsibly without falling into debt.

Credit cards are one of the most misunderstood tools in personal finance. Used incorrectly, they can trap people in high-interest debt. But used correctly, they can help you build credit, protect your purchases, track spending, and even earn rewards.

The key is understanding the rules.

In this episode, we cover:

• What credit cards actually are and how they work
• Why building credit matters for teachers
• The importance of keeping credit utilization low
• Common credit card mistakes that lead to debt
• Why carrying a balance can become expensive very quickly
• Strategies like having multiple cards and paying balances twice per month
• The benefits of fraud protection and credit card rewards
• Why credit card cash advances should almost always be avoided
• Practical strategies for getting out of credit card debt
• How the debt snowball method can help you build momentum
• Why living below your means is the foundation of financial health

Marc and I also talk about how teachers can leverage credit cards without paying interest by paying balances in full each month.

Credit cards aren’t good or bad.
They’re a tool.

And like any tool, they can either build something — or break something — depending on how you use them.

🔗 Full Show Notes:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show117

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://shaunkmorgan.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the channel and share it with a teacher who wants to build credit without falling into the credit card debt trap.

#TeacherMoneyShow #CreditCards101 #TeacherFinance #CreditCardDebt #PersonalFinanceForTeachers #BuildCredit #MoneyTips

In Episode 116 of the Teacher Money Show, I sit down with Ray to debate one of the biggest financial decisions educators face: renting vs. buying.

If you’ve ever wondered whether homeownership is really the best path to wealth — or if renting might actually make more financial sense — this episode will challenge your assumptions.

We cover:

• The pros and cons of renting vs buying a home
• Why renting may make more sense in high cost-of-living areas
• The role of down payments and opportunity cost
• How homeownership creates forced savings and builds equity
• Whether your money is “locked up” in a home
• The flexibility of renting vs the stability of owning
• Leveraging debt and using mortgages strategically
• Risk tolerance and different wealth-building philosophies
• Why defining your personal version of “enough” matters more than following societal norms
• How couples can align financial goals around housing decisions

Ray makes the case for renting and investing the difference in higher-return assets. I push back with the benefits of equity, appreciation, and long-term stability. The result is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation designed to help teachers think clearly about housing decisions — not emotionally.

Because renting vs buying isn’t just math.
It’s lifestyle, risk tolerance, values, and long-term vision.

If you're a teacher thinking about buying your first home, paying off your mortgage early, or choosing to rent long-term, this episode will give you clarity.

🔗 Full Show Notes (Episode 116):
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show116

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/speaking

If you enjoyed this discussion, subscribe to the channel, leave a review, and share this episode with a teacher who’s wrestling with the rent vs buy decision.

#TeacherMoneyShow #RentVsBuy #TeacherFinance #HomeOwnership #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedomForTeachers #PersonalFinance

If you're a teacher trying to save money without sacrificing your quality of life, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Teacher Money Show, I break down what I call the “Little Three” expenses — cable/streaming, internet, and cell phone bills — and show you how these small monthly payments quietly eat away at your wealth.

Most teachers focus on the “Big Three” (housing, food, transportation). But the Little Three are on autopay… and they add up fast.

Here’s what I cover:

• What the average American spends on streaming, internet, and cell phone bills
• Why these small recurring expenses can cost you six figures over time
• My “cancel everything” reset strategy for cable and streaming
• How to use a streaming rotation strategy to dramatically cut costs
• Exactly how to renegotiate your internet bill (and what to say)
• Why you probably don’t need the highest internet speed
• How to stop financing phones and save thousands
• Why MVNOs like Mint and Visible can slash your cell phone bill
• How optimizing the Little Three could create $120,000+ in retirement savings

If you’re working to pay off debt, build margin, invest more, or retire earlier as a teacher, this episode gives you practical steps you can take this week.

We don’t build wealth by cutting joy. We build wealth by cutting inertia and living intentionally.

🔗 Full Show Notes (Episode 115):
https://teachermoneyshow.com/show115

💰 1-on-1 Financial Coaching for Teachers:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/coaching

🏫 Bring Me to Your School for Professional Development or Teacher In-Service:
https://teachermoneyshow.com/speaking

If this episode helped you, please subscribe, rate, and review the show. It helps more teachers find practical financial guidance built specifically for educators.

#TeacherMoneyShow #TeacherFinance #BudgetingForTeachers #SaveMoney #FrugalLiving #CutMonthlyBills #PersonalFinanceForTeachers