Financial Planning for North Carolina Teachers: What You Need to Know
By Kara Kunz, Wealth Advisor at Cornerstone Wealth
As a wealth advisor, some of the most rewarding relationships I’ve built are with teachers, here in North Carolina.
You pour your energy into your classrooms, students, and communities. But when it comes to planning for your own financial future, budgeting, setting financial goals, and establishing an emergency fund, it’s common to feel unsure where to begin.
That's where I come in to help you align your retirement plans with your financial goals.
Whether you’re just starting your teaching career, midway through, or beginning to think about retirement, having a financial plan tailored to your goals can make a big difference in your peace of mind and long-term financial security.
Understanding the NC Teachers' and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS)
If you are a public school educator in North Carolina, you are probably a member of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS). This pension offers a lifetime income after retirement, but it is only part of the picture when considering your overall financial goals and investments.
Many teachers we meet aren’t fully aware of:
How their TSERS pension benefits are calculated
The impact of unused sick leave on pension payouts
What happens if they retire early
The best time to start drawing Social Security
These critical questions deserve clear, personalized answers to help you meet your financial goals.
At Cornerstone Wealth, we guide you through how to make the most of your state retirement benefits while planning around them for greater financial freedom.
Supplementing Your Retirement with 403(b) and 457(b) Plans
While TSERS provides a solid base, most teachers need additional savings to meet their financial and retirement goals. That’s where 403(b) and 457(b) plans come in.
We help educators:
Decide between pre-tax or Roth contributions
Choose appropriate investment strategies based on your financial goals and explore different types of investments available in 403(b) and 457(b) plans
Understand employer match options (if available)
Avoid pitfalls like early withdrawal penalties and understand the implications of taxation on your retirement savings
Even small contributions to your supplemental retirement plans can add up over time, especially when aligned with your financial goals, pension strategy, and anticipated expenses.
Planning Beyond the Classroom
Financial planning for teachers goes far beyond retirement, including evaluating insurance needs, budgeting, and building an emergency fund.
We help educators prepare for healthcare costs, including insurance and Medicare planning.
Offer guidance on college savings plans for your children or grandchildren, and explore options like loan forgiveness to manage educational debt.
Strategize around student loan repayment and loan forgiveness
Build tax-smart investment portfolios through efficient taxation strategies and wise investments
Discuss estate planning, insurance needs, and legacy goals
If you’re earning additional income through tutoring, coaching, or summer jobs, we’ll also review self-employment taxes and how to optimize that income as part of your broader financial strategy.
Why North Carolina Teachers Need a Holistic Financial Plan
With changes in the economy, education budgets, and retirement systems, it’s never been more important for teachers to set and pursue their financial goals as part of actively planning their financial future.
Our approach is proactive, caring, and centered on you. We don’t just look at your numbers—we look at your expenses, insurance, your life, your financial goals, and what matters most to you and your family.
Let’s Build a Plan That Honors Your Hard Work
Whether you’re seeking clarity around your TSERS benefits, wondering if you’re saving enough, or preparing to retire from the classroom, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence.
📅 Schedule a conversation today with someone who understands the needs of North Carolina educators.
👉 Connect with Kara Kunz at Cornerstone Wealth
This is for informational purposes only and does not serve as personal advice. Please speak to a qualified representative regarding your unique circumstances. Links within this blog are not associated to Cornerstone Wealth and are subject to change. Hyperlinks will take you to a third-party website whose content Cornerstone Wealth does not control. Investment advisory services offered through Cornerstone Wealth Group, LLC dba Cornerstone Wealth, an SEC registered investment adviser.
