how a teacher can become a millionaire

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How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire How a husband and wife, both teachers, saved up nearly $1 million in just 16 years.

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Page 1: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

How a husband and wife, both teachers, saved up nearly $1 million in

just 16 years.

Page 2: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Yes, it’s true!

Ed Mills and his wife have spent the bulk of their working lives as teachers in Georgia.

They’ve used some unusual techniques to become millionaires—all while living a life they wouldn’t trade for anything.

Photo: Facebook page for Millionaire Educator

Page 3: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

• In 1996, the Mills family was $40,000 in

debt.

•By 1999, their assets were even with their

debts.

• In 2015, the family’s net worth is almost $1

million

Page 4: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire
Page 5: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

But how did they do it?

The couple’s journey is best understood by looking at five key

aspects of their lives

Page 6: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Key #1

Teaching in Saudi Arabia (1996-2001)

Page 7: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

The Advantages

Though the salary was just $40k per year… It was not taxed! Use of housing and a car were included

free of charge!

Page 8: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

The Result

After three years, their student loans were entirely paid off.

After two more years, the couple’s net worth was $103,000.

Page 9: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Key #2

Teaching in Georgia: Maxing Out Retirement

Accounts

(2002-2015)

Page 10: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Supercharged Savings

Back in 2002, the couple earned $85,000 combined.

From 2002 onward, the couple maxed out their 403(b)s and IRAs (Traditional or Roth)

From 2005/2006 onward, they maxed out their 457 accounts (which allow for penalty-free withdrawals), a Coverdell Education Account (for their son), and their school-sponsored annuity.

From 2012 on, they maxed out a family Health Savings Acct. (HSA).

Page 11: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Key #3

Salary Bumps via Advanced Degrees

Photo: Sarah Stierch, via Flickr

Page 12: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Advanced Degrees

Ed eventually earned two Master’s degrees and a Specialist degree.

His wife eventually received her advanced degrees as well.

Ed estimates this led to an automatic 25% bump in their yearly salaries.

Page 13: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Key #4

Geographic

Arbitrage

Page 14: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

What is Geographic Arbitrage?

A simple definition

Saving money by living in areas with

lower costs of living.

Page 15: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Examples of Geographic Arbitrage

Saudi Arabia

We already covered how this:

Allowed the couple to pay off student loans.

Amass a net worth of over $100,000 before moving back to the United States.

Rural Georgia

After teaching in LaGrange for seven years, the couple moved to rural south Georgia for 3 years.

Living expenses were extremely low.

The couple added $250,000 to their nest egg via savings and investment!

Page 16: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

A Notable Side-Effect

Because of constantly shifting jobs, they were allowed to roll over their 403(b)s.• They had many

more investment options.

• This also reduced fees significantly.

Page 17: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

Key #5

Living Frugally

Page 18: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

The Key to Savings

As you might have guessed, Ed and his wife don’t need much to be happy.

At one point, the couple earned $100K per year, and was able to save over 60% of that pre-tax salary!

The couple splurges on travel—usually internationally. Last year, they took months off of work to visit

Cancun for an extended period with their son.

Page 19: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

The simple, yet powerful message can’t be stressed enough:

By living well below their means, Ed and his family enjoy complete freedom of time, and are generally immune to financial stress.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS!

Page 20: How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire

More Retirement Help

Ed was able to help his family by doing extensive research on different ways to boost his retirement savings.

We’d like to help you do the same. Check out our special free report…