Hey Teacher Friend,

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with educators, it’s this:

You don’t need more hustle, you need a plan that brings clarity to your finances and helps you build toward your goals with confidence.

This week, I’m sharing three essential tools every teacher can use to reduce financial stress and make smarter money decisions this year. Whether you’re preparing for back-to-school or just trying to feel more in control of your budget, these strategies will help you build a stronger financial foundation.

The 50/30/20 Rule - A Simple, Teacher-Friendly Budgeting Framework

Budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. The 50/30/20 Rule is a simple, flexible guideline that can help you quickly assess where your money is going and make sure it’s aligned with your priorities.

Here’s how it works:

50% of Your Income: Needs

These are your essentials, things you cannot live without.

Examples:

• Rent or mortgage

• Utilities (electric, water, gas, internet)

• Groceries

• Health insurance

• Transportation

30% of Your Income: Wants

These are the things that bring joy, comfort, or convenience. They’re important, but flexible.

Examples:

• Dining out

• Hobbies and entertainment

• Travel and vacations

• Subscriptions (streaming, music, apps)

20% of Your Income: Financial Goals

This is where your future security is built.

Examples:

• Emergency savings

• Retirement contributions (403(b), IRA, etc.)

• Extra debt payments (student loans, credit cards)

• Investments

Why This Works for Teachers:

The 50/30/20 rule is adaptable to any income level and helps ensure you’re not overspending in one area while ignoring another. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, this framework can help you see where small adjustments could free up more money for your future.

Teacher Talks Money now has a new page! Come swing by the website to download some free helpful tools and products, made by a teacher just for teachers!

https://teachertalksmoney.com/resources

How to Spot Hidden Spending Leaks (And Fix Them)

Even the most budget-conscious people can fall victim to “money leaks.” These are the small, often unnoticed expenses that drain your income without adding much value to your life. Over time, these leaks can add up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year.

Common Money Leaks Teachers Overlook:

• Forgotten subscription services (streaming, apps, fitness programs)

• Automatic renewals for memberships you no longer use

• Fees for unused credit cards or bank accounts

• Frequent coffee shop visits, snack runs, or last-minute takeout

• Classroom expenses you didn’t plan for

How to Find & Fix Them:

• Pull your last 2-3 months of bank and credit card statements.

• Highlight every recurring payment. Ask yourself: Do I still need this? Am I using it?

• Look for spending patterns. Is there a daily or weekly habit quietly eating your budget?

• Cancel or reduce. Unused subscriptions and memberships should go. Small habits can be adjusted.

Pro Tip: Many banks now offer “spending insights” tools to help you see trends. Use these reports to spot problem areas quickly.

The Money Audit Every Teacher Needs Right Now

A money audit is simply a check-in with your finances to make sure you’re on track. Think of it like reviewing your students’ progress reports, it gives you the data you need to make adjustments and succeed.

Here’s a quick self-audit checklist to help you spot any gaps:

Are you saving consistently?

• Do you have an emergency fund covering at least 3-6 months of expenses?

• Are you setting aside money for long-term goals, like retirement or future travel

Are your debts under control?

• Are you making more than the minimum payment on high-interest debt?

• Do you have a strategy for paying down loans efficiently?

Do you know where your money is going?

• Are you tracking your spending monthly?

• Does your budget reflect your current lifestyle and needs?

Are you protected?

• Do you have adequate health, life, and disability insurance coverage?

• Have you reviewed your beneficiaries recently?

Do you feel financially confident?

• Are you clear on your next financial steps?

• Do you have someone you can ask for guidance?

If this checklist feels overwhelming, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most teachers weren’t taught how to manage money; that’s why Teacher Talks Money exists.

We offer free consultations to help you review your current financial situation and create a clear, personalized plan forward.

👉 Book Your Free Consultation Here: https://teachertalksmoney.com/packages

Next Week

Next week we'll go over:

• How to Set Money Goals That Actually Stick

• How to Build a Buffer Between Paychecks

• The Teacher’s Guide to Emergency Funds: How Much is Enough?

Closing Thoughts

Clarity is power. The sooner you identify where your money is leaking, where your budget could use adjusting, and where you’re doing well, the more confident you’ll feel about your finances, both today and in the future.

You deserve a financial system that works for you, not against you. Let’s build it together.

With gratitude,

Rose | CEO Teacher Talks Money

P.S. If you ever feel like you need support or guidance on your financial journey, don’t hesitate to reach out! And please share with a friend.