Are You a Teacher? How do You Save for Summer?
Dear Piggy Bank,
I’m an elementary school teacher and as June draws to a close I battle with two feelings. I can’t wait for the break after another busy year but I also feel guilty that I haven’t set aside the money. I know that I’ll have a big credit card bill by September. I don’t spend extravagantly but day to day life catches up after two months of no pay cheque. I’m paid over ten months of the year – September to June and still can’t get it together to be prepared for the summer pay cheque drought!
Trying to Graduate to the Next Grade in $
Dear Trying to Graduate to the Next Grade in $,
You’re not alone in the challenge of budgeting over the full year when you’re paid a full salary over ten months. There are two parts to this problem:
1. Basic Budgeting: Know the total amount of your monthly expenses (rent, food, transportation, entertainment, insurance, debt repayment and savings)
2. Cash Flow:
a) Convert your ten month net income to annual net income (take a typical month, multiple by 10 and divide by 12)
b) Ask your school if they have a payroll program to smooth your ten month income over twelve
c) If they don’t…set up a ten month forced savings (talk to your bank) so you have the money for July and August
It’s not as big of a problem as you imagine! Take control of your money and you can finish the summer with a smile.
Dear Piggy Bank
Posted: July 7th, 2012 under CEO of the House, Money & Lifestyle, Money Savvy Tips.
Tags: Budget, Cash Flow, Education, Money & Stress, Money Systems