As record numbers of people struggle with the economic recession, they are looking for guidance and advice on how to make ends meet. If you’re in a career that you enjoy which pays only modest wages, the struggle may seem even greater. How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) On a Teacher’s Salary by Danny Kofke provides the information and inspiration needed to bring it all together. While the title may mislead you into thinking that the book is all about living on a teacher’s salary, it’s actually so much more.

How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) on a Teacher’s Salary takes the reader on a journey through significant career and financial milestones in Kofke’s past, present and future as he grows up and later starts a family. The book is set up to detail the various significant events. For example, do you remember when you bought your first car? In the chapter entitled “Laying the Foundation”, the author shares the story behind the purchase of his first car. Since, his grandfather was in the process of buying a new car, he allowed Kofke to purchase his truck. Even though his parents gave him the money to buy the car from his grandfather, he still had to work to earn it. This taught him two valuable lessons. First, that he had to work for what he wanted. Second, he learned to appreciate those items that he worked hard to buy.

How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) on a Teacher’s Salary provides practical financial advice on living. It’s not just a story about the author growing up. It helps readers to identify significant financial points in life and how to make it better. The book discusses how to save money to buy the items that you may want or need. Most people tend to cringe when they hear the word “budget”. As a result, they are often their own worst enemy when it comes to creating their financial situation. Kofke provides practical information and examples on how to “pay your self first” and set up a savings plan to pay the bills, take care of a family and make big ticket purchases. He doesn’t just stop in the present, he also talks about the future and saving for retirement.

What makes this book different from other financial planning and career books? First, the advice is offered in a real life financial and career biographical form which makes the “lesson” more personal. Most readers can identify with how much money it takes to start a family or purchase a car. Second, he provides achievable goals on how money can be saved. Finally, he explains it all based on the perspective of someone who is not wealthy, but earns a modest salary as a teacher, a career that he enjoys. So at the end of the book, what is the lesson Danny Kofke has taught us? That it is possible to financially survive life, while earning a modest salary working in a career that we love.