Let’s get the bad news out of the way. This teacher’s maternity leave is entirely unpaid. The good news is that–in a really cruel world–I’m actually fortunate enough to be in a position where we can swing an unpaid leave at all. I’m especially fortunate that I’ll be able to take the full amount of … [Read more…]
In less than three months, it’s going to be 2020. I don’t actually care about the year, but based on Internet memes, I needed to point that out, right? Whether it’s 2020, 2021, 2022, or any other flip of the calendar year, I think there’s something really inspiring about the time of year leading up … [Read more…]
Summer is winding down as anyone who has recently set foot in a Target can attest. You can’t move your shopping cart three feet without being assaulted with back-to-school reminders, especially those towering shelves at the Dollar Spot. Just that sentence is enough to send new and veteran teachers alike deep into fantasies about cute … [Read more…]
Aging is not a death sentence. It is, in fact, the exact opposite. Each birthday is another opportunity to grow, and it’s not just about becoming long in the tooth. People travel forward on their journeys, even if especially if their journeys aren’t straight lines. Of course, our thoughts and views change. What doesn’t get … [Read more…]
It’s here! It’s here! My goal post for the quarter. You know the obligatory post that every blogger writes because readers are their bestest accountability buddies? Ok, OK. The post that every blogger writes because people love to snoop and we want to indulge you? OK, FINE. It’s the post that should, in theory, be … [Read more…]
Imagine your only option for a retirement plan option is terrible. I don’t mean something trivial like having to use Fidelity instead of Vanguard. I’m not even talking about having your preferred index fund or ETF. What would you do if your 403b option was truly terrible? Asking for a friend. Well, actually, I’m asking … [Read more…]
“Maybe we should just give up.” A blank stare greeted me. “OK. Not give up, but we could just push a really big pause button for the next five or ten years.” I got no reaction. Instead, silence hung in the air. Finally, something. “If that’s what you want. But I know that’s not what … [Read more…]
I contend there’s no better city in the world in the summertime than Chicago. Kanye put it in a song, so it must be true. Though summertime Chi does coincide with construction season (if you’re not familiar, that’s any season that there isn’t still snow on the ground), summer is a pretty magical time here. … [Read more…]
The state of Illinois is giving us $3,000. That’s right. The Land of Lincoln, otherwise known as the Land of No State Budget, is actually coughing up money. So put on your hats and let’s get this TRS pension party started, shall we?
I’ve made more money mistakes than I can count. There were $700 wedding shoes and a $26,000 new car. Then, there was the actual wedding that I still haven’t blogged about because I don’t even know what it cost. A lot. It cost a lot. But these mistakes actually don’t bother me. In fact, unlike … [Read more…]