How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) On a Teacher’s Salary Book Review

Danny contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in checking out his book “How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) on a Teacher’s Salary” – and I said of course I would! Not only is that the main theme of this blog, but I was very interested to see if there would be some new ideas to help our family out as we try to juggle living on my husband’s teaching salary.

To be extremely honest I have mixed feelings about this book and feel a little jaded reading it. Why do I say that? I enjoyed reading his family’s journey- and the smart ways to deal with your money, but for our family we make less than half of what he & his wife made as teachers in the beginning so it made it difficult for me to relate. He also talks about receiving large sums of family money which made life easier for him.

I will say that I enjoyed reading it initially to get a different perspective but just ended up frustrated. It was a very easy read, and simplistic to understand. I think that higher-paid teachers would be able to gleam a lot of information from this for sure. Those teachers on the lower end of the spectrum will have a harder time relating. He presented some great tips for different scenarios when it comes to saving money, credit cards, loans, and other budget-friendly ideas although I learned nothing new.

The book starts in the beginning with Danny as a working and goes all the way through the end of the book with his wife & children. Danny & his wife started out their teaching careers in Poland as overseas teachers- which I think would be really neat!

He tells of the ways that they were able to save their money, as well as traveling to ten different countries in the process! I will add, however, that in addition to their saving money there were many things that were a huge price difference for us such as housing & cars- so the amount they were able to save will greatly differ what you may be able to save. This is also taken from the perspective on living on two teacher’s salaries.

For those people with credit card debt, or are considering any type of loans or monthly payment plans, Danny has provided a nice amount of resources and ideas to help you out. He also lays out simple plans on how to save the cash you need during the year for whatever you may desire to purchase without a credit card. It is all about living within your means! If you DO have to use a loan, however, Danny shows you smart ways to do so.

I like that he also refers you to other outside resources to help you further learn how to save (and spend) your money more wisely! I certainly enjoyed the story and journey his family has made, and appreciated the simplicity in which he has shared it. For my family personally, I was not able to find new ideas, simply, because we are on such a low pay scale we do not have the ability to save (or spend) in the manner which he suggests.

That certainly doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t read his book. He shares a fabulous story about their family which is worth reading. This has some great financial ideas for anyone with debt, and any higher-paid teacher!

I am glad overall that I took the time to read his book. It has certainly given me some things to think about when it comes to saving and our budget!