As the new school year begins, it’s a great time for educators to reassess their financial wellness and set meaningful goals for 2025.
Teachers face unique financial challenges, with casual relief teachers and sessional lecturers managing seasonal income fluctuations and many others balancing occasional personal contributions toward classroom needs. These factors, combined with the pressure of the current cost-of-living crisis many Australian households face can make it tough. But one financial expert has some tips to share and says that adopting a few proactive strategies can help boost long-term financial security
Trudy Jenkins is a Certified Financial Planner® with NGS Super. As a leading superannuation provider for education sector professionals, they offer regular webinars and events aimed at sharing insights and strategies that can help make a positive difference to superannuation savings.
Jenkins says that, from maximising tax benefits to planning for retirement, small changes can lead to significant longer-term rewards for Australian educators.

Jenkins has shared five actionable tips with EducationDaily to help educators optimise their financial planning for the year ahead.
By taking these proactive steps, she says that educators can navigate 2025 with confidence, establishing a strong financial foundation for the years ahead:
- Plan for seasonal income variations and term breaks
Educators, particularly those in casual or contract roles, often face income fluctuations due to school holidays and term breaks. Jenkins says that it’s important to plan for these variations to ensure your finances remain steady year-round.
Steps to consider include:
- Setting aside funds during term-time and creating a dedicated savings fund for school holidays to cover income gaps
- Building an emergency fund with between three and six-months’ worth of expenses to cover unexpected costs or lean periods
- If you take on casual or tutoring work, saving a portion of that income for long-term goals, superannuation contributions or paying down debt.
“Being mindful of the ebbs and flows in income and expenses can help you avoid financial stress and stay on track throughout the year,” says Jenkins.
2. Claim tax deductions and reimbursements
As a teacher, you may incur significant out-of-pocket expenses that are deductible at tax time.
“Keeping detailed records of your work-related expenses could save you money and help you maximise your returns,” says Jenkins.
You may be eligible to claim deductions for:
- Classroom supplies like stationery, teaching aids, and decorations
- Professional development courses and conferences
- Union fees and professional association memberships
- Travel expenses for attending off-site training or work-related activities.
With the tax savings, Jenkins recommends boosting your super contributions for investing in your future.
3. Plan for the cost of teaching
While schools often provide essential classroom supplies, there may still be occasional out-of-pocket expenses for teachers. Planning ahead for these incidental costs can help manage your budget effectively.
- Set a budget for any personal contributions you might choose to make, such as optional classroom decorations or supplementary teaching aids.
- Explore school reimbursements for work-related purchases, where applicable.
- Collaborate with colleagues to pool resources for shared classroom needs or projects.
4. Leverage salary sacrifice to build your super: Salary sacrifice is a tax-effective way to grow your superannuation while reducing your taxable income. Even small contributions can make a big difference over time, thanks to the power of compounding.
“For teachers, who may have limited opportunities for rapid salary growth, this strategy can significantly enhance retirement savings over the longer term,” says Jenkins.
Consider taking advantage of employer co-contributions if your income is within the eligibility threshold for the longer-term benefits of consistent contributions.
5. Maximise your investment choices
Jenkins says it’s important to remind educators that superannuation isn’t just a savings account; it’s an investment tool that can grow significantly over time. Teachers often have access to diversified options within their super fund, ranging from conservative to growth-focused portfolios.
“Consider reviewing your super investment options annually to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance,” says Jenkins.
“This proactive approach can help educators make the most of market conditions and stay on track for a comfortable retirement.”
Trudy Jenkins is authorised to provide financial advice in Australia and is an Authorised Representative (Number 1234906) of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd, ABN 46 156 498 538 AFSL Number 420367. Any advice given in this article is general and does not consider your financial situation, needs or objectives so consider whether it is appropriate for you. Be sure to read the relevant PDS and TMD before deciding whether a financial product is right for you.