how a teacher can become a millionaire
TRANSCRIPT
How a Teacher Can Become a Millionaire
How a husband and wife, both teachers, saved up nearly $1 million in
just 16 years.
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
• 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
But how did they do it?
The couple’s journey is best understood by looking at five key
aspects of their lives
Key #1
Teaching in Saudi Arabia (1996-2001)
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!
The Result
After three years, their student loans were entirely paid off.
After two more years, the couple’s net worth was $103,000.
Key #2
Teaching in Georgia: Maxing Out Retirement
Accounts
(2002-2015)
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).
Key #3
Salary Bumps via Advanced Degrees
Photo: Sarah Stierch, via Flickr
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.
Key #4
Geographic
Arbitrage
What is Geographic Arbitrage?
A simple definition
Saving money by living in areas with
lower costs of living.
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!
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.
Key #5
Living Frugally
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.
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!
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…
The $60K Social Security Bonus Most Retirees Completely Overlook