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Pick your niche / Niche moments
Teachers and educators

10 moments for teachers and educators.

Name the moment, not the job title. Each one has a hook line to open a post or video with, its ringtone (the letter, bill or date people react to before they think) and what's at stake.

  1. First teaching contract

    “First year teaching? Your pension is your biggest benefit and most new teachers don't know how it works.”
    Ringtone
    The pension enrollment
    What's at stake
    Pension vesting, contributions and 403(b) options shape retirement.
  2. Choosing a 403(b)

    “The 403(b) rep who visits your school may not be a fiduciary. Check the fees first.”
    Ringtone
    A vendor table in the teachers' lounge
    What's at stake
    Many school 403(b)s offer high-cost annuities; vendor choice matters.
  3. PSLF and teacher loan forgiveness

    “Teachers can qualify for two forgiveness programs, but not for the same years. Pick the right one.”
    Ringtone
    The loan servicer letter
    What's at stake
    PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness interact; the wrong choice costs years.
  4. Summer pay gap

    “Paid over 10 months? Your summer budget starts in September.”
    Ringtone
    The last paycheck in June
    What's at stake
    Ten-month pay schedules need planning for summer.
  5. Master's degree raise

    “Going back for a master's to move up the salary schedule? Run the payback first.”
    Ringtone
    The salary schedule
    What's at stake
    Degree costs versus lifetime pay and pension increases.
  6. Moving to another state

    “Moving states as a teacher can cost you years of pension credit. Check before you leave.”
    Ringtone
    A job offer in another state
    What's at stake
    Pension portability, service purchases and vesting vary by state.
  7. Social Security and your pension

    “Teacher in a state without Social Security? Check how recent law changes affect your benefit.”
    Ringtone
    The Social Security statement
    What's at stake
    Rules on pensions and Social Security changed recently and affect benefit estimates.
  8. Leaving teaching

    “Leaving teaching mid-career? Your pension choices are cash out, leave it or roll it.”
    Ringtone
    The resignation letter
    What's at stake
    Cashing out a pension can cost years of value.
  9. Buying service credit

    “Your pension lets you buy service years. It can be a great deal or an expensive one.”
    Ringtone
    The service purchase quote
    What's at stake
    Buying credit changes retirement date and benefit.
  10. Retirement eligibility

    “Eligible to retire at 55 with 30 years? The pension option you pick lasts the rest of your life.”
    Ringtone
    The retirement application
    What's at stake
    Pension payout options, survivor benefits and health coverage before Medicare.

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General education, not financial advice. Check rules and figures against current law before you publish.