Teacher Finance

Helping you live big dreams on a small salary

Archives for 2009

Do You Have Renter’s Insurance?

Based on recent events in my apartment building,I've made the decision to get renter's insurance. I did some investigating today, including talking to my trusty insurance agent, and it's only going to cost $11 per month. Virginia has notoriously low insurance rates, so I'm sure ... Read more...

Letter to My Package Thief

Dear Person Who is Stealing My Packages,Hello, this is the person whose packages you have been stealing from outside my apartment. You know the one: I always have the nice, handmade, seasonally-appropriate wreath on my door. Your illegal antics started last Christmas with the ... Read more...

The Financial Crisis Has Hit Home

Up until now, the effects of our bad economy had been happening to strangers. As a teacher in the DC area (where most people are employed in secure, government jobs), the economic crisis, while constantly in the news, always seemed far away. Anonymous. Happening to lots of ... Read more...

I Hate Being Average

Whatever "average" is, I've always tried to be better. In fact, I've pretty much spent my whole life trying to go above and beyond what "normal" people are doing. I fully admit that this overachiever mentality has not always served me well. Actually, I think it's psychologically ... Read more...

Yeah for My E-Fund!

My emergency fund now proudly stands at $1000! On the one hand, I'm really happy. On the other hand, I feel like it should be a lot higher by now. I had some large expenses that cut into my progress (vet visit, contacts, personal property tax - I think I forgot to update about ... Read more...

If the Cash Fairy Paid a Visit..

If the cash fairy paid a visit, and you had to spend the money she left - no saving allowed! - what would you buy? Right now, I'd buy:1. This pair of vintage-style, black Dior sunglasses. I. Love. Them.2. Every season of The Office. I just got into this show it's so hysterical. ... Read more...

November Goals

Wow, I really feel like October flew by. I can't believe it's already November! Anyway, let's see how I did with my October goals:1. De-clutter and organize my desk. I have all the stuff I need to do this, I just need the time and energy - PASS! My desk looks awesome.2. Swim at ... Read more...

Are There Any Debts That You’re OK With?

To a lot of people in the PF world, being in any type of debt is not acceptable. To others, certain debts are OK to keep around, if not necessarily desirable. My general feeling about debt is that it should be avoided, but if it can't be, one at least needs to have a plan to ... Read more...

$60!

I almost forgot until I just looked at my calendar: I have to go to a 2-hour workshop this week after school, and it pays a tax-free $60! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the money. In fact, I don't think it's going to show up in my paycheck until the end of November. I'm ... Read more...