ValuTeachers, Inc.

From Belief to Victory:?Why I Don’t Quit My teachers in high school had me believing and owning that? I could do anything. They had me believing that I was the smartest person in that school.? In my senior year of high school, the girls went to Home Economics and learned how to make a dress. The boys went to calculus - and I was pretty good at that. I told my family, "I want to study calculus."? We had to go to the Board of Education. Guess who won?? I won. And guess who was number one in that calculus class? Not because I was smart. Because those boys made fun of me all year long. They picked on me. They made fun of me. They laughed at me. And it made me tough. It made me stronger. It made me more determined that I was gonna outpace them, I was gonna outscore them. At the end of that year, I got the honor of going across the stage as the number one calculus student in America for that school. And, you see, that is the kind of experience that makes people develop character. It would have been easy for me to have gone home and crumbled and said "They're picking on me." It would have been easy for me to quit.? Quit! That's what most people do. They quit. And I don't understand it. I don't understand why when we hit a wall, we don't strengthen. We don't become eagles and figure out how to fly above it. I have never quit on anything. The tougher it gets, the more excited I get!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an incredible team meeting in Alabama on behalf of the ValuTeachers, Inc. home office. After a day of fellowship and team building, I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside this amazing group of individuals. What sets this team apart isn’t just their talent or hard work, but their ongoing commitment to each other’s success just as much as their own. Watching everyone come together, share ideas, and lift each other up reminds us that true success isn’t just about individual wins but how we grow and achieve together. Grateful for a team that leads with collaboration, integrity, and a shared vision. Excited for what’s ahead! Thank you to Jared Johnson and the team for the hospitality and full stomach!

From Chasing Kids to Chasing Travel Dreams:? How a Former PE Teacher Is Charting a Course? When Donald Lamb started his career as a PE teacher in Osceola County, he was chasing the "Remember the Titans" dream – aspiring to be that inspirational coach who makes a lasting impact. Like many young educators, he had visions of becoming the next Coach Boone, leading teams to victory and shaping young lives. Donald's journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered his true calling with elementary school students. As the saying goes, "little kids, little problems." The simplicity and joy of working with younger students taught him valuable lessons about connection and trust – principles that would later become the foundation of his work when he found his way to ValuTeachers. A Different Approach to Financial Advisory Donald's teaching background has shaped his entire approach to financial services. In place of holding formal presentations and rigid meetings, he believes in being present and accessible. You'll often find him at schools, bringing local food and creating casual, comfortable spaces for educators to discuss their financial futures. "The retirement guy's here" has become a welcome phrase in his local school hallways. This low-key, personal approach stands in stark contrast to traditional financial advisors, and it's become Donald's signature style. His deep connections in education, particularly with PE teachers and coaches from his days managing high school track events, have created a natural network of trust. More Than Just Financial Goals But there's more to life than retirement planning. Donald's mission includes visiting all 63 national parks (he's at 37 and counting) and hiking the entire Appalachian Trail before he turns 60. These aren't just bucket list items – they represent the freedom and flexibility he wants to help other educators achieve. The six-month commitment required for the Appalachian Trail wasn't possible during his teaching days. Now, Donald's building a practice that will allow him that freedom while ensuring his clients receive uninterrupted service. (LIke ValuTeachers overall, he’s looking to grow his team!) It's about creating a business model that serves both his client’s needs and his family’s aspirations. True to the Mission ValuTeachers isn't just a company name – it's a promise and a philosophy. When Donald says he values teachers, it comes from nearly two decades of standing in their shoes. He understands their challenges, their dreams, and their worth. For Donald, this isn't just about managing money – it's about honoring the profession that shaped who he is and helping fellow educators build the future they envision.

From Highway Rake to AC Failure: Why My Emergency Fund Was Worth Every Penny Last month, Kayla’s car troubles snowballed from a highway encounter with a rake (yes, really) to a completely failed AC compressor. Within two weeks, she was looking at $1,700 in unexpected repairs. This could have been a financial disaster. Instead, it was merely an inconvenience - all because she had established an emergency fund. Why Emergency Funds Matter When these car troubles hit, she didn't have to: * Put everything on credit cards and rack up interest * Skip paying rent or utilities * Borrow money from family or friends * Drive without AC in Florida summer (a true emergency!) Starting Small Works Many young professionals think emergency funds require massive contributions. They don't. You can start with just $50 per paycheck - about the cost of a few takeout meals or premium coffees each month. The approach is simple: 1. Open a separate savings account that earns interest 2. Set up automatic transfers each payday 3. Pretend that money doesn't exist until a true emergency The Mindset Shift In your 20s, it's easy to think "I'll earn more later" or "I have plenty of time." But financial security isn't just about retirement decades away - it's about handling life's unexpected turns right now. What small contribution could you start making to your emergency fund today?

A Perspective: Every Great Teacher is a Master Salesperson We often overlook something fascinating about teaching - it's one of the purest forms of sales and entrepreneurship. Think about it. In an era where endless entertainment is just a screen tap away, teachers face the daily challenge of "selling" their classroom experience to students. When students eagerly return to class each day, it's because the teacher has successfully sold them on the value of learning. The best teachers are natural entrepreneurs. They: ?Transform complex concepts into digestible knowledge ?Market the joy of learning to a tough audience ?Build trust and credibility with their "customers" daily ?Innovate their "product" (teaching methods) based on feedback Just as a business owner identifies and solves problems, teachers break down seemingly impossible challenges - helping a child learn to read, understand calculus, or master new skills. The main difference? Teachers don't see themselves as salespeople or entrepreneurs. They're too busy changing lives to notice they're running the most important business of all - the business of building futures. That's part of why people with education experience flourish at ValuTeachers, Inc. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Message us to set up a quick conversation with our talent team!

As a dedicated educator shaping future generations, you deserve a retirement that honors your service. This article unpacks the unique challenges single teachers face - from navigating Social Security gaps to healthcare planning - and offers practical strategies to build financial independence.

"Our founder's message remains clear: Your worth isn't defined by your current circumstances. You can change your story." (Are you looking for a change? Let's talk!)

After 25 years as a beloved teacher and assistant principal, Jonathan Price felt called to go in a new direction.?He joined ValuTeachers, discovered new ways to teach and serve others - and, along the way, he and his wife found themselves living out a beloved rom-com! #educators #dreams

Every single day, educators and school employees give us lessons in love: → They see and support students → They share their passion for subjects and sports → They build a strong school community → They demonstrate kindness and compassion This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate them. Write a note. Give a shout-out on social media. Send a gift card. Share your appreciation in person. As we've learned from them, every act of kindness counts.

Ever heard of 403 (b) and 457 (b) plans? Let’s break them down... → 403(b) plan This plan is for employees of public schools, non-profits, and some churches. It’s an extra retirement plan on top of any pension you might get. With a traditional 403(b), your contributions are tax-deferred. You pay taxes when you take the money out. With a Roth 403(b), you pay taxes upfront, but your money grows tax-free. → 457(b) plan This plan is for government and some non-government employers. It’s also tax-deferred, so you pay taxes when you take the money out. A 457(b) plan is flexible. You can save on a tax-deferred basis and still access your money through loans and emergency distributions if needed. → Maximize your savings If your employer offers both plans, you can contribute the maximum to both. This helps you save more for retirement. Understand your options. Invest wisely. And move in the direction of your retirement dreams. #Retirement #InvestInYourself #ValuTeachers #Hiring