In the heart of every community, teachers stand as pillars of knowledge and inspiration. Yet, a shocking reality looms over these dedicated professionals: three out of four teachers retire dead broke. This unsettling statistic is not just a number; it represents lives of hardship and dreams deferred. Paula Smith, President of ValuTeachers, has made it her life's mission to change this narrative.
"I was shocked. Again, I was horrified. In fact, I was mad," Paula recalls. With over 45 years of experience in education, Paula discovered a glaring gap in the financial literacy of her peers regarding their retirement plans. When she started her career, she was handed a book with no explanation, no guidance, and no understanding of how her state teacher retirement plan worked. This lack of information was not just her plight; it was a widespread issue among her colleagues.
"How can anyone live a life with dignity on $2,000 a month?" Paula asks, her voice filled with frustration. After 30 years of service, many teachers find themselves taking home only 40 to 60% of their full-time income. This meager amount is expected to cover mortgages, utilities, groceries, gas, medication, and other basic necessities. The dream of a comfortable retirement, filled with travel and family time, seems like a cruel joke.
The IRS provided a solution over 50 years ago in the form of the 403(b) plan, designed to supplement state teacher retirement plans. Yet, only 24% of eligible school employees are saving for this shortfall. This means that 76% of one of the most educated professions in America remains uninformed about a critical aspect of their financial future.
"Founding ValuTeachers came from my mission to launch a program that would educate every school employee in America," Paula explains. ValuTeachers was born out of her determination to right this wrong. The company's mission is to help every school employee retire with financial dignity by utilizing the tools and instruments available to supplement their retirement.
ValuTeachers is not just a company; it is a movement. A movement to empower educators with the knowledge and resources they need to secure their financial future. But this mission cannot be accomplished alone. "We can't deliver to 76% of this market. We need your help," Paula urges.
By joining ValuTeachers, you become part of a cause that goes beyond financial planning. You become part of a community dedicated to ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives to educating others can enjoy a dignified and fulfilling retirement. Your involvement can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless educators.
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