What if your summer break could be the beginning of your financial breakthrough?

Hey there, amazing educators! Whether you're soaking up some well-deserved sunshine or catching up on all the to-dos you pushed aside during the school year, I want to invite you to look at this summer a little differently. What if—in between the pool days and popsicles—you carved out just a bit of time for you and your future?

I know firsthand how easy it is to pour everything into your students during the year, only to arrive at summer break running on fumes. But here’s the thing—your financial life deserves just as much attention and care. Especially now, with a little breathing room in your schedule!

I’m Debbie Majher, a former educator turned financial coach. I’ve walked in your shoes—curriculum planning, grading until midnight, managing life’s many moving parts. Now, I help teachers, administrators, and school staff across the country get crystal-clear about their money goals—without spreadsheets or stress.

In this post, I’m going to share three simple, empowering money moves you can make this summer to boost your financial confidence—without sacrificing your precious relaxation.

If you’ve ever Googled phrases like "easy budgeting tips for teachers," "how to start saving during summer," or "educator retirement help," then you're in the right place. Let’s walk through three small changes that can lead to a big shift in your financial future.

Tired of feeling behind with your money? Wondering if you’ll ever feel in control of your financial life? You’re not alone—and better yet, you’re not stuck.

By the end of this article, you’ll walk away with:

• Three fun, doable financial activities you can complete in under 30 minutes each

• Real stories from fellow educators who’ve made the shift

A free checklist to get started (stay tuned!)

🌈Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Check In on Your Finances

Let’s be real—during the school year, there’s hardly time to breathe, let alone budget.

But summer? Summer’s a different story.

Whether you’ve got two weeks of downtime or two months, it’s a golden opportunity to reset—not just your mindset, but your money.

Here’s why:

• Your schedule is (a little) more flexible.

• You’re already thinking about the next school year.

• A fresh perspective can make financial planning feel less intimidating.

Now let’s turn this mindset into action.

🔥Move #1: Host a Budget Picnic

Yes, really. Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like punishment—it can feel like a picnic.

How it works:

1. Grab your favorite drink, a comfy blanket, and head outside.

2. Open your banking app or credit card statement.

3. Ask: “Where’s my money going?”

4. Jot down your top 3 spending categories.

5. Look for surprises.

True Story:

One teacher I worked with found she was spending over $400 a month on unused subscriptions. That’s not a budget—it’s a ghost town! Once she canceled a few, she put that money toward her emergency fund. She now calls it her “Freedom Fund.”

🧺 Debbie’s Tip: Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for awareness. Once you know where your money’s going, you can tell it where to go next.

⏱️Move #2: Set a 15-Minute Retirement Timer

This one’s big. You don’t need to map out your entire retirement plan in one go. You just need 15 minutes.

Here’s what to do:

• Log in to your pension plan or 403(b) provider.

• Set a timer for 15 minutes.

• Check:

Common Teacher Question:

“But Debbie, I’m not retiring for 20 years—why should I bother now?”

Because small changes now = big wins later. Even a 1% bump in contributions this year could grow into thousands of dollars by the time you retire.

⏰ Debbie’s Tip: Think of this as writing a quick note to your future self that says: “I’ve got your back.”

🎬Move #3: Have a Money Movie Night

Yes, even Netflix can be educational. Grab a friend (or your spouse!) and plan a low-key evening watching something inspiring about money.

My top 3 picks:

1. “How to Get Rich” (Netflix docuseries with Ramit Sethi)

2. “Playing with FIRE” (documentary about the Financial Independence movement)

3. “The Minimalists” (for those wanting to simplify and save)

🎥 Debbie’s Tip: After the show, ask each other: “What’s one thing we’re going to try this summer?”

🤔FAQs from Fellow Educators

Q: What if I feel behind with my money?

A: You’re not behind—you’re beginning. Everyone starts somewhere. And summer is a great time to take that first step.

Q: Do I need a financial advisor to make these changes?

A: Not at all! These are steps you can take on your own. But if you’re feeling stuck, a conversation with a financial coach (like me!) can help you sort out your next move.

Q: I already have a pension. Why should I look at anything else?

A: Pensions are great, but they often won’t replace your full salary. A 403(b) or Roth IRA can help fill that gap—especially with rising costs and longer retirements.

🎯Quick Recap: What You Can Do This Summer

Ready to turn your summer break into a financial breakthrough? Let’s recap:

✅ Host a budget picnic ✅ Set a 15-minute timer to check your retirement progress ✅ Have a money movie night and get inspired

These moves are simple, fun, and powerful. You deserve financial peace—not just during summer, but all year long.

📣Your Turn: Try One This Week

Which one of these will you try first?

👇 Drop a comment and let me know—or tag a fellow educator who might be interested in joining you! Better yet, share your results. What surprised you? What changed?

And hey—if you’re looking for more tools to help you get started, visit my Resource Page at TeachersRoadmap.com. You’ll find:

• My One-Page Financial Plan Template

• A Budget Picnic Checklist

• Free videos and step-by-step guidance

Let’s make this summer count—not just for rest, but for your future. You’ve got this.

With you every step, 💛 Debbie Majher, Your Summer Financial Cheerleader