Money Matters for Educators is a practical, no-nonsense guide designed specifically for teachers and school professionals who want to take control of their financial lives, without giving up everything they enjoy or becoming financial experts overnight.
Written by a longtime educator, this book speaks directly to the realities of earning a teacher’s salary in today’s economy. Using relatable classroom analogies, real-world examples, and plain language, Wallace breaks down complex financial topics into manageable, actionable steps. From budgeting and credit scores to housing decisions, retirement planning, and investing, Money Matters for Educators helps you make informed choices that support both your current lifestyle and your long-term goals.
This book isn’t about quick fixes or unrealistic promises. It’s about building financial confidence, avoiding common pitfalls educators face, and creating stability and freedom over time. Whether you’re early in your career, mid-career, or approaching retirement, this guide meets you where you are and helps you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
Create a realistic budget that actually works on a teacher’s salary
Understand and improve your credit score without obsession or fear
Make smart decisions about renting versus buying a home
Navigate pensions, retirement accounts, and long-term planning
Use debt strategically while avoiding financial stress
Build wealth gradually through practical investing principles
Align your financial decisions with your values as an educator
Money Matters for Educators is the financial guide teachers wish they had when they first entered the profession—clear, honest, and grounded in the real world of education.
Dr. Burke Wallace is a scholar-practitioner who has spent more than two decades navigating the complexities of the education system. Since beginning his career in 2004, Dr. Wallace has served at nearly every level of the field-from classroom teacher and coach to site-level and district-level administrator. His experience extends to higher education, where he has served as an academic advisor, adjunct professor, and tenure-track professor.
Dr. Wallace's unique perspective on personal finance is fueled by his diverse academic background. He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and an MBA, alongside master's degrees in Education and Religion. This rare combination of leadership, business, and pedagogical expertise allows him to bridge the gap between financial theory and the lived reality of school life.
A frequent conference presenter and licensed administrator in both California and Montana, Dr. Wallace's work centers on innovation and the continual improvement cycle. He wrote Money Matters for Educators to empower his colleagues with the practical tools they need to achieve financial stability.
Burke is married and has three adopted children.
