Personal Finance for Educators

PFE Episode 8 - Introducing Tools for Trade

In this episode, I discuss a new series for the project that I call Tools for the Trade. I walk through two free browser-based tools I've built for educators — showing how I used AI to turn complicated data and dense documents into something actually useful. The first tool, the Wisconsin Teacher Salary Analyzer, pulls from public DPI salary data to help teachers answer a simple but important question: is the salary I've been offered reasonable? The tool summarizes salary ranges, experience averages, and district comparisons in seconds. The second tool, the Handbook Analyzer, lets you upload a district handbook PDF and get a structured breakdown of compensation, benefits, retirement options, and notable clauses — powered by Google's free Gemini API. I also talk about why I'm building these tools, how agentic AI makes them possible, and what questions I'm hoping to tackle next. Email: josh@personalfinanceforeducators.com [josh@personalfinanceforeducators.com] Substack: https://personalfinanceforeducators.substack.com/ [https://personalfinanceforeducators.substack.com/] Educator Finance Tools: https://herteljt.github.io/educator-finance-tools/index.html [https://herteljt.github.io/educator-finance-tools/index.html] Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com]

PFE Episode 7 - Teaching and the Roth IRA: A Perfect Pair

In this episode, I discuss why I think a Roth IRA is one of the best financial tools available to teachers. I cover the basics of how a Roth IRA works, why the tax structure is a particularly good fit for educator income levels, and how it complements your pension in retirement. If you're a teacher wondering where to put your money beyond your pension, this is a good place to start. Read more on the blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠personalfinanceeducators.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://personalfinanceeducators.com] Subscribe to the Substack: https://personalfinanceforeducators.substack.com/ Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com]

PFE Episode 6 - Recognizing the Wealth of the Teaching Lifestyle

In this episode, I explore the idea of “Dimensions of Wealth” and how teaching uniquely nurtures a rich, well-rounded life. Drawing from a recent blog post, I break down six forms of wealth—time, relationships, experiences, physical well being, spiritual mindset, and material stability—and show how the teaching profession naturally supports each one. In doing so, discuss the ways educators can recognize, build, and benefit from the wealth already present in their work and lifestyle. This is an invitation to see the profession through a more holistic, empowering lens. Read more on the blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠personalfinanceeducators.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://personalfinanceeducators.com] Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com]

PFE Ep 5 - Estimating Take-Home Pay

In this episode I break down how to estimate your take‑home pay, especially if you’re starting a new job. I walk through a simple three‑step approach: estimate your gross salary, subtract likely deductions (taxes, insurance, retirement) and then figure out how much you’ll actually receive each pay period. Using a real‑world example, I show how a $45,000 salary might translate into about $30,000 in net income, and how your pay schedule (e.g., 10‑month, 12‑month) will determine the deposit in your bank account. Understanding your net pay early will empower smarter budgeting, benefit decisions, and provide peace of mind. Read more on the blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠personalfinanceeducators.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://personalfinanceeducators.com] Estimating Take-Home Pay Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bprtCnEU6QbsIGQ4ytTVtBLdiLRStf7QrEJrEkAq_r4/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bprtCnEU6QbsIGQ4ytTVtBLdiLRStf7QrEJrEkAq_r4/edit?usp=sharing] Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com]

PFE Ep 4 - Unpacking Your Employee Handbook

Employee handbooks often get ignored after the first day on the job, but they can be one of the most valuable resources for educators. In this episode, I walk through my own handbook to show how these documents reveal benefits you might otherwise miss—like leave policies, retirement programs, legal and financial assistance, and even access to counseling or coaching. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, understanding your handbook can help you take full advantage of the benefits you’ve already earned and make smarter financial decisions. Read more on the blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠personalfinanceeducators.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://personalfinanceeducators.com] Music Island Breeze by Surf House Productions | https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com⁠⁠⁠https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://surf-house-productions.bandcamp.com]Music promoted by⁠⁠⁠ https://www.free-stock-music.com⁠⁠⁠ [ https://www.free-stock-music.com]Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]