North Carolina high school educators Dave Fleisher and Brandon Speece educate colleagues about saving for retirement, host the Financial Independent Teachers Podcast, and are authors of the new book The FIT Position. Financially Independent Teachers Dave and Brandon 2022 Podcast Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

We speak with Julia Brotherton, educator and president of the Beverly, MA Teachers Association about her dual roles, and how she helps colleagues get wise to saving for retirement. Beverly 403(b) Plan Episode 5 of Learned by Being Burned - School benefits official explains how he took a school district single vendor. Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

In part 2 of our annual catch-up with one of the wisest financial minds we know, Cullen Roche, we talk the national debt, the value of international investing, possible role of A.I. in investing, and Cullen reveals a new project he is working on.  Cullen Roche Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

It's our annual catch-up with one of the wisest financial minds we know, Cullen Roche, an economist, author, and founder and chief investment officer of the Discipline Funds, a low-fee advisory firm. We talk inflation, what the Fed might do next, fixed income, residential real estate and deflationary credit events.  Cullen Roche Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

We love a quality, bidded, single-vendor 403(b) plan. Fiduciary planner Mychal Eagleson CFP® shares three examples where school districts did single vendor very wrong.  Teach Plan Retire  Episode 5 of Learned by Being Burned - School benefits official explains how he took a school district single vendor (the right way). Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

James Lange is a CPA, an attorney, and an author. His most recent book, Retire Secure for Professors and TIAA Participants was released this month. Scott describes the book as a Master Class in estate and retirement planning. Link for listeners to get a free electronic copy of book: https://faculty-advisor.com/teach/ note: Once you click link, fill in your name and email address, you will receive an email with a link which will generate a pdf download.  About Jim Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Bree Lee is a Bay Area math teacher who runs an impressive fin lit Instagram account (@ritual_finance) where she posts the basics, the more complex, the workings of the CalSTRS pension and her own paycheck breakdown, monthly budget, and growing net worth.   Ritual Finance on Instagram Bree's Money Guide for CalSTRS Members Quit Like a Millionaire Arbitrary Lines: How zoning broke the American city and how to fix it.  Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Teacher-turned planner, Justin Garritt goes deep on student loans including sharing an important deadline (December 31, 2023) for those looking to get maximum value out of PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness).    Garritt Financial Solutions Teacher/Travel Hacker Turned Fiduciary Happy Travel Hacker Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Scott talks TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities), and the dramatic rise in their real rate of return. TIPS Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

403bwise Facebook Group reaches a Taylor Swift-like milestone. New Jersey school district throws teachers under the bus.  403bwise Facebook Group New Jersey District Throws Teachers Under the Bus Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). 

Lily Katz of Redfin News discusses the recent story she co-wrote with her colleague Sheharyar Bokhari, Redfin Senior Economist, called: The Typical Teacher Can Afford Just 12% of Homes for Sale Near Their School, Down From 30% in 2019  The Typical Teacher Can Afford Just 12% of Homes for Sale Near Their School, Down From 30% in 2019 The Price of 403(b) Enrollment Lily Katz Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Scott reveals the dirty little secret about K-12 403(b) enrollment: it's a loss leader which incentivizes agents to upsell.  The Price of 403(b) Enrollment School Benefits Official Who Did the Right Thing (from the Learned by Being Burned pod series) Transcript for pod about School Benefits Official Who Did the Right Thing Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan and 403bwise community honored by InvestmentNews. We tell the 403bwise origin story. How a Former Teacher is Educating the World About 403(b)s An Annuity for the Teacher — and the Broker (New York Times) 403bwise in 2000  Paying for College with Ron Lieber (podcast) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

NYC teacher and financial coach Emily Maretsky, who has more than 16k Instagram followers (@teacherfinancialcoach), talks family and moving from the classroom to full time financial coaching.   teacherfinancialcoach.com @teacherfinancialcoach Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Part 2 of our wide ranging interview with one of the most influential personal finance writers in the country, Scott Burns. A longtime columnist for the Dallas Morning News and the father of the “Couch Potato Portfolio” investing style, Scott is a longtime champion of teachers, and K-12 403(b) reform. Scott Burns Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Wide ranging interview with one of the most influential personal finance writers in the country, Scott Burns. A longtime columnist for the Dallas Morning News and the father of the “Couch Potato Portfolio” investing style, Scott is a longtime champion of teachers, and K-12 403(b) reform (part 1 of 2). Scott Burns Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

  School counselor from Connecticut gets taken for an expensive ride. It could happen to you.  Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Bank’s Say It Is Not Their Problem. Stuck in AXA (First pod with Adam) Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Private equity is everywhere: emergency rooms, nursing homes, veterinarians, your favorite retailers, and maybe some day your retirement plan. Yet, according to our guest Brendan Ballou, author of Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America, few understand what these firms are or how they work. Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America  Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Buffer annuities — sometimes called Structured Investment Options - are pitched as a no-cost investment. Sounds good, right?  The Risk of Buffer and Floor Strategies SEC Warning  Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Massachusetts 5th grade teacher Brian Kramer, who describes himself as an Aspiring Financial Literacy Advocate, discusses teaching, how he and his wife got out of Equitable, term life insurance, saving in a Roth IRA, and perhaps earning the CFP® designation.   Northborough School District 403(b) Plan Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Former teacher, current financial planner, and 24-7 student loan forgiveness guru, David Gourley returns to make sense of where student loan forgiveness stands in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, and the recent Biden Administration announcement of a seemingly new program. David has a message for public sector borrowers: there is a lot to be optimistic about.   Contact David studentaid.gov Biden administration announces $39 billion in student loan forgiveness Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We talk to a real doctor — not a phony one like Dan — who after being burned by salespeople, started the White Coat Investor, the most widely-read, physician-specific personal finance and investing website in the world. White Coat Investor Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Former professional baseball player and current Florida high school teacher, Ole Sheldon, discusses his new book The Impact of Fees on Retirement Investing: Written by a Teacher for Teachers which grew out of his doctoral dissertation on this topic.  The Impact of Fees on Retirement Investing: Written by a Teacher for Teachers Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Yanely Espinal is the author of Mind Your Money and the Director of Educational Outreach at our favorite non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance. To her 58,000 youtube followers she is known as MissBeHelpful, a fin lit channel she founded in 2015 that has racked up more than 4 million views. Yanely also hosts the Financially Inclined, a podcast about "all the money lessons we wish we learned earlier." In part 2 of this two-part interview, Yanely talks about her pivot from education to YouTube Fin Lit star and all of the opportunities it has led to.  Mind Your Money NGPF MissBeHelpful YouTube Channel Financially Inclined Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Yanely Espinal is the author of Mind Your Money and the Director of Educational Outreach at our favorite non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance. To her 58,000 youtube followers she is known as MissBeHelpful, a fin lit channel she founded in 2015 that has racked up more than 4 million views. Yanely also hosts the Financially Inclined, a podcast about "all the money lessons we wish we learned earlier." In part 1 of this two-part interview, Yanely talks growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn; the economic challenges she and her family faced; earning a scholarship to Brown University; and working as an elementary teacher.  Mind Your Money NGPF MissBeHelpful YouTube Channel Financially Inclined Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Auto Enrollment has led to a massive increase in saving for retirement participation, especially among the young. We discuss data from new Vanguard 401(k) report, and what it could mean for the 403(b) and 457(b). We also talk a little travel hacking at beginning of podcast.  Report: Generational Changes in 401(k) Behaviors Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Micah Hauptman, the director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America, talks about his job and the fight to implement a fiduciary standard.  Consumer Federation of America Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Teacher Tim Whelan of Illinois succinctly describes the many benefits of having a single vendor 403(b) plan. 

Illinois math teacher Tim Whelan discusses his career, family, effort to earn a CFP®, and his fight to stop NTSA-backed legislation that would deny Illinois school district's the ability to offer a single vendor 457(b) plan. He also makes a strong case for why single vendor 403(b) and 457(b) plans are best. Mr. Whelan Financial Illinois Education Association SB 0734 Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Listening to the education and advocacy podcast series Learned by Being Burned: Teachers and the K-12 403(b) motivated South Carolina high school teacher to advocate for and get better 403(b) investment choices in his South Carolina school district.  York 3 vendor list Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

After their own missteps, New York music teachers Hana and her husband James are helping colleagues get wise to the 403(b). Hana may have the best story ever for how and where she first signed up for a 403(b).  Episode begins with Dan talking about his current living arrangement.  Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Scott calls them the "boring administrative sh*t" but investment committees can be game changers in ensuring quality 403(b) and 457(b) plans. What are they? How do they work? And why you should consider starting or serving on one.  New York State laws on Deferred Compensation Committee Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

NTSA pushing bill to ban single vendor 457(b) plans in Illinois. But only for K-12 institutions. Not police plans. Not firefighter plans. Not government employee plans.  Bad New Jersey 403(b) legislation is on the move despite sponsors telling teachers it was dead.  SB 1233 (Illinois) Senator Michael W. Halpin (D) 36th District Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit (D) 84th District Bill A1974 (New Jersey) Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We talk about our recent talk with CalSTRS, and take another look at how to access 403(b) money. Accessing 403(b) Money Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We dig into the two advising services firm offers: 1) Vanguard Digital Advisor; and 2) Vanguard Personal Advisor. NerdWallet Ratings Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We go over the insurance policies every educator should consider having.  Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Taylor Swift is amazing for so many reasons: talented singer-songwriter, role model, activist. But did you know that she has written 10 songs about the K-12 403(b)?  Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

SB 263 — which could be a model for other states — will decrease the number of sales of life insurance and annuities to consumers that are not in consumers’ best interests by prohibiting insurance producers from receiving incentives beyond allowable commissions or fees (such as prizes, rent reimbursement, etc.) for their sales and also prohibiting producers from making sales when they do not know if the product is in the consumer’s best interest. Bill also covers sale of life insurance products.  SB 263 Insurance Agent (Producer) Compensation Disclosure For Annuities and Life Insurance Policies Form Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

If only Congress had adopted a 2003 Bush Administration plan to drastically simplify saving for retirement. We interview William Sweetnam the Benefits Tax Counsel at the Treasury Department from 2001-2005. 2003 ERSA/LSA/RSA Plan Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Classic bank run has many wondering how they can protect their savings.   Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Lobbying organization is actively working to make saving for retirement more expensive for educators. Link to Soundbite of NTSA Lobbying Against Single Vendor 403(b) in LAUSD Banned by the NTSA NTSA Works Against Teachers Best Financial Interests (Contains links to Illinois and Maryland bills) Mike Halpin Sponsor of Illinois 457(b) Bill  SB1233 Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Matt Raleigh on teaching and co-writing a saving-for-retirement guide for California teachers. TL;DR: Financial Literacy for California Public School Teachers: Optimizing Financial Decisions Based on Your CalSTRS Benefits Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Teacher turned travel-hacker/blogger extraordinaire, Zac Hood talks leveraging credit card use to travel "freely."  Travel Freely Award Hacker Point.me Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

That is how much money teacher-turned planner David Gourley has saved teachers in student loan repayment.  Teach Plan Retire Newsletter New Biden Student Loan Repayment Plan (January 2023) July 2022 PSLF Waiver Event (Podcast) Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

On January 31, 2003, the Bush Administration announced a plan to drastically change how Americans save in defined contribution plans. Unfortunately that plan never got the public debate it deserved. Scott and Dan discuss the never implemented plan.  Bush Administration Retirement Savings Plan Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Horrified by complexity of SECURE Act 2.0 and saving for retirement in general, Dan and Scott devise a better way to save for retirement, medical expenses and college. Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We welcome back Barb O’Neill, CFP, AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor) and 403bwise columnist to discuss wise 403(b) and other money moves to make in 2023.  403(b) New Year's Resolutions Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

In part two of our two-part look at SECURE 2.0, we focus on provisions most applicable to the 403(b) and educators.  SECURE Act 2.0 (pt. 1) Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org