In today’s America, we all know that it takes more than hard work to thrive. Success here requires courage, an innovative mindset, and sometimes, the right tools to reach our goals, especially when economic factors beyond our control threaten to push those goals further out of reach. In an era where many Americans have put off plans to buy a home, I managed to purchase not one, but two homes (on a teacher’s salary, no less) during one of the toughest housing markets in decades.
I’m a high school special education teacher in Chicago with over ten years of experience. Like many cities around the country, Chicago schools have struggled and changed a lot since the pandemic. Like many teachers, I’m often filling the gap in budget deficits, buying supplies and materials that my students need, particularly for students who require alternative learning solutions. I recently invested in element tables, new binders, and occasionally, ad-hoc food or supplies. This is the unspoken truth about being a teacher in America – not only do we dedicate so much of our time and our lives to our work, but it may be one of the few careers that involves an unofficial financial commitment as well.
Between my own student loans, occasional medical bills, and the rising cost of living in one of America’s biggest cities – daily expenses add up. I also need to provide for my five-year old daughter. Through all of this, I found myself living paycheck to paycheck just focused on living to work. Despite having three degrees and a successful career in education, I did want to achieve more.
Across America, millions of people like me are watching their goals drift out of reach, sidelined by rising economic pressures. I was determined not to be one of them, so I began exploring financial strategies that would enable me to advance my future. The reality is that the traditional financial system of today alone may not be enough to support the average working American trying to achieve their financial goals.
I found a solution in Earned Wage Access (EWA), which allows me to access a portion of pay as I earn it, rather than waiting on a typical paycycle, which for many teachers, can be monthly. By doing this, I have been able to preserve my savings, and eventually built the down payment for a home– even as Illinois experienced one of the highest increases in home prices in the country. EWA gave me the flexibility to manage economic headwinds with my own money and stay on track with my long-term financial goals.
Five years later, this approach has allowed me to invest in a second property. Now I can afford the family vacations we have dreamed of, and provide experiences for my daughter that she’ll never forget.
If you’re finding yourself held back by today’s economy, I encourage you to get savvy and explore new financial tools available. I used EarnIn[1] to get access to my earnings as I need them, but there are other options to explore as well. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect time” to achieve your dreams. Get savvy about your finances and find tools that work for you.
[1] EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details.
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