Teach and Retire Rich

We check in with NY teaching couple we interviewed in 2017. 7:25 — 529/retirement plan update/new saving rate 10:23 — 403(b) vendor quality update 13:03 — 457(b) plan update 22:36 — Applying to college landscape 26:07 — Teaching during pandemic 31:29 — NY State 529 plan 36: 14 — Reveal total annual $ cost in fees 37:21 — Travel hacking Episode #43: Two Educators Get Wise Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Florida middle school principle Joe Peccia Jr. began the school year by helping his staff get wise to their pension, the 403(b), the 457(b), and what to know when working with an advisor. Principle Joe Peccia Jr. Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan has some thoughts for new teachers that he wishes had been shared with him way back in August, 1993. Dear New Teachers (Blog Post) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch and former Illinois teacher and current Illinois College instructor Eric McClarey discuss their new book for members of the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois. Illinois TRS Book TL;DR Series Interested in Collaborating with Karl? 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We talk 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, UTMAs and other ways to save for college. We also discuss how to put aside money for other expenses kids may have. 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management Speakpipe

Author and New York Times Your Money columnist Ron Lieber discusses his fantastic new book: The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make Ron Lieber 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management

NYC teacher Emily Maretsky talks teaching, her varied and interesting teaching experiences, and helping other teachers get wise to saving and investing. https://www.instagram.com/teacherfinancialcoach/ 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management

The Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision can reduce Social Security benefits (from live 403bwise Event recorded 6.7.21). Michael Kitces GPO article Michael Kitces WEP article Devin Carroll WEP Explainer WEP/GPO Facebook Group Social Security Solutions 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management

Kerry Tracy, developer of Bone Bridge® STEM Challenges, discusses teaching, leaving the profession, and starting a teacher professional development business whose mission is to bring "brain-busting" work disguised as fun to teachers and students. https://www.feelgoodteaching.com/ https://403bwise.org/

More than 40 million families are set to receive a new Child Tax Credit that some think will slash the poverty rate in half. We go over the details. IRS Child Tax Credit Information Rich Smith YouTube Child Tax Credit Explainer 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Pending legislation would make saving for retirement easier. We review the highlights which include: auto enrollment, increased catch-ups, and assistance to student loan borrowers among other provisions. 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

National Sales Director for Aspire Financial Services, Matt Drummond, talks K-12 403(b) and 457(b), the company's unique approach to the K-12 market, and shares some big California news. Aspire Financial Services Matt Drummond 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Ty McGilberry and Tim Catanzano discuss their time at Vanguard and the financial planning firm they formed. Pegasus Financial Planning 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Award winning author of A Splendid Exchange and the Four Pillars of Investing talks with Scott and Dan about this new book: The Delusions of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups. The Delusions of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups. If You Can 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Wide ranging interview with nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary. We discuss her new book, What to Do with Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide, her upbringing which shaped her financial outlook, her volunteer work, and the upside of adult kids living at home for a period of time. Michelle Singletary What to Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Fiduciary advisors Breanna Reish, CFP® and Mychal Eagleson, CFP® of An Exceptional Life Financial discuss the difference between investing and speculation in this May 6, 2021 403bwise Event. An Exceptional Life Financial 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Updated information on exiting a bad 403(b). Also, Dan shares two animal adventures. 0-8:46 Dan Shares Two Animal Stories 8:47-38:13 Financial Portion of Podcast CNBC: Invest in Teachers 5.5.21 from 4-5pm EST How to Get Out of a Bad 403(b) Plan 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Two teachers, a custodian, and a personal finance writer share how they successfully retired in this April 15, 2021 403bwise Event. Money Letters 2 My Daughter Late Bloomer Wealth 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

CFP® Emily A. Johnson of Ritholtz Wealth Management holds the CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) designation. She discusses how she assists clients going through divorce. Emily Johnson, CFP®, CDFA What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Sandy Blair, Director of Retirement Readiness for CalSTRS, and Christina Elliott, Executive Director of Ohio's state-based 457(b) plan discuss the power of state-based 403(b) and 457(b) plans for K-12 teachers in this April 6, 2021 403bwise Event. CalSTRS Pension 2 Ohio Deferred Compensation 403bcompare 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch talks about his easy-to-read guide to financial literacy and the Colorado teacher retirement pension PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association). TL;DR: Financial Literacy for Employees of Colorado Public Schools: Optimizing Financial Decisions Based on your PERA and School District Benefits Book Resources Colorado PERA Interested in Collaborating with Karl? 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Baltimore math teacher, entrepreneur and prolific travel hacker Justin Garritt talks travel hacking: how to do it, who it is for, and who it is not for. Garritt Financial Solutions Happy Saver TRR Pod #98 Happy Meter Podcast Choose FI Travel Hacking Travel Freely Rich Smith YouTube Channel The Secret History of the Credit Card 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Recently retired California custodian and super saver, Jeff York, age 55, shares how he is spending his time in retirement. The Wealthy Custodian Retires Pt. 1 (pod 155) The Wealthy Custodian (pod 74) Custodian Cleans Up His 403(b) (pod 53) 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

One of our favorite guests, Redding, California custodian and super saver, Jeff York, age 55, retires. He shares details on how he's funding his retirement. The Wealthy Custodian (pod 74) Custodian Cleans Up His 403(b) (pod 53) 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Three educators — Danielle Greco, Jessica Logan and Tara Slyman — and a personal finance author, Jackie Cummings Koski, shared their perspective in this 2.25.21 403bwise Event. 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan and Scott talk 457(b) video news and California's huge 403(b) vendor lists. Blog: Too Many 403(b) Vendors Blog: California K-12 Teachers Have a Great 403(b) Choice. They Just Don't Know It. In Praise of 403bcompare.com The Paradox of Choice 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Two professors and a Dean of a College of Education discuss how to educate pre-service teachers about the 403(b) and saving for retirement before the sales sharks get to them (403bwise Event recorded on 1.27.21). Eric McClarey Mark Schug Anthony Scheffler 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Bad AXA/Equitable things come in threes. Equitable Bermuda Triangle Mutating 403(b) Phish 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Dan Dews and his wife were early F.I.R.E. folks. They did it before there was even a name for it. Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

We talk 457(b) with Christina Elliott, executive director of Ohio's excellent state-based 457(b) plan which is open to all Ohio K-12 public school teachers. Ohio Deferred Compensation Plan 403(b)/457(b) Side-by-Side Comparison Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Dr. Anthony Scheffler, Dean, School of Education at Lindenwood University talks teacher preparation and educating pre-service teachers about saving for retirement. Lindenwood University Anthony Scheffler What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Recording of our January 6, 2021 event with three teachers who successfully added better 403(b) and/or 457(b) investment choices. 403bwise Events Adam Pod Tara Pod Chris Pod 403bwise Advocacy Tools What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

New Jersey teachers says no to bad 403(b) choices and yes to educating colleagues about saving for retirement. 403bwise Events When Bad 403(b) Vendors Offer Good Investing Choices What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Undaunted by roadblocks, 30-year-old Speech Language Pathologist gets a better 403(b) vendor. 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Build Your Stax by NGPF.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

We continue conversation about ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing with Joey Fishman, an Investment Advisor Representative at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Joey Fishman 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

We talk ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing with Joey Fishman, an Investment Advisor Representative at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Joey Fishman 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Rochester, New York math teacher Craig Mills is helping colleagues get wise to saving for retirement. Also, Dan, a Bills fan, and Craig, a Dolphins fan, bond over their mutual dislike of the New England Patriots. Picture from Dan's 1995 Trip to a Miami Dolphin Game 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Scott and Dan address more questions posed by the 403bwise Facebook Group. They also continue to hash out a half-baked plan to start a 403(b) themed brewery. 00:08 Social Security and teacher pensions 08:14 Solid Roth IRA and house paid Off. Should I start a 403(b) or taxable brokerage account? 14:04 What to do with a bad 403(b) vendor? 19:45 Which vendors should I lobby my district to add? 23:17 Dan's beer name ideas 25:09 How to help co-workers without sounding boorish, condescending and sales-ish? 27:34 Scott comes up with name of 403(b) themed brewery 29:05 What to do with bonds in a rising interest rate environment? 40:20 Dan comes up with more beer names 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Scott and Dan address questions posed by the 403bwise Facebook Group. They also hatch a half-baked plan to start a 403(b) themed brewery. 1:39 The math behind retiring early vs. waiting to maximize pension benefit 24:35 Health Savings Account (HSAs) 33:16 Does it make financial sense to switch school districts? 37:46 Retire early once pension benefit has been maximized? 43:46 What to do with 403(b) plans from former employers 403bwise Teaching and Advocacy Tools 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Creative high school chemistry teacher talks effective teaching strategies, and teaching teachers about saving for retirement. Teacher Story with Barb 403bwise Teaching and Advocacy Tools 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Mark Schug, President of Mark Schug Consulting Services and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, discusses teaching middle school, research work, and his new book designed to help teachers get financially fit. Mark Schug Mark and Dan on NGPF Podcast 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Teaching teachers about the 403(b) before they enter the classroom. Eric McClarey Financial Concepts Every New Teacher Should Know 457(b) > 403(b)? Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Super advocate Chris Nye shares how easy it was to add a 457(b) from Fidelity at his school district. Fight for Better 457(b) > 403(b)? Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Scott discusses how to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and how to do a Backdoor Roth Contribution. Dan talks about dentistry. How to Convert to a Roth IRA Convert IRA Roth Calculator How to Do a Backdoor Roth Conversion Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We talk Roth IRA which for many teachers can be a better option than the 403(b). Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Aaron Standish is the Financial Literacy Coordinator (K-12) for the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida. It's a position every school district should have. He can be reached on Twitter at @SDPBC_FinLit Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Innovative high school personal finance teacher and newest member of Next Gen Personal Finance, Brian Page, talks teaching personal finance, NGPF, and luggage choices. NGPF Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

In California, it's the worst of 403(b) times (too many vendor choices), and it's the best of 403(b) times (generally at least one good vendor). Unfortunately, not all districts in the state have at least one good vendor. We challenged the community to find the lemons. Challenge met! 403(b) Lemon Challenge 403bcompare.com Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Twenty-something music teacher Keelan paid off $45,000 in student loan debt. He shares financial wisdom in his blog: Millennial Educator. Millennial Educator Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

403bwise launches new vendor search tool that allows users to quickly see if they have Vanguard or Aspire available at work. Find a Good Vendor 403bwise Events What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org