Ep 12 - Andy Schneider - The Educator’s Guide to Money, College, and Real-World Finance

Apr 21, 2025

Andy Schneider, a career educator and current CFO at an independent school, shares his insightful journey from teacher to financial leader. He discusses the misconceptions about money in education and stresses the need for financial literacy. Andy reveals the driving factors behind soaring college costs and advocates for a hands-on approach to learning. He challenges the myth of the 'money expert' and highlights the importance of mentorship. Plus, he shares why 'The Psychology of Money' could be a game-changer for anyone navigating finances.

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ANECDOTE

From English Teacher to CFO

Andy Schneider started teaching 11th grade English right after college but grew tired of it by his fourth year.
His experience in a boarding school’s admissions office demystified business and sparked his interest in finance.

INSIGHT

Teaching Beyond Classrooms

Good teaching exists outside traditional classrooms and is critical in business settings.
Teaching and coaching colleagues is a key skill for success at PwC and in leadership roles.

ADVICE

CFOs as Financial Educators

Use tools like a whiteboard to clearly explain complicated financial topics.
CFOs often become informal educators for faculty about benefits and budgeting details.

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What happens when a former English teacher becomes a CFO—and decides to teach everyone around him how money actually works?

In this episode, Tyler sits down with longtime friend and campmate Andy Schneider, a career educator and current CFO at an independent school, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about what we teach (and don’t teach) about money.

Andy has worn a lot of hats—boarding school English teacher, PWC consultant, MBA grad, educational administrator—and he brings a rare combo of humility, humor, and clarity to the messy overlap between education, money, and life purpose.

You’ll hear:

Why Andy left the classroom—and why he came back
How business was “demystified” for him in the least expected way
What actually drives the cost of college (and why some schools won’t survive)
The myth of the “money expert”—and how to choose who you trust
What a CFO wishes more teachers asked him (but never do)

🎙️ Plus:

The uncomfortable truth about health insurance, school budgeting, and stock-picking competitions in high schools
Why college needs a Julliard-style reset for the modern world
And why Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel just might be the most important book you’ll ever read

This one’s for anyone navigating careers, family, and the growing pressure of financial decision-making in a world that feels increasingly complex and expensive. Whether you're saving for college or trying to explain your 401(k) to your teenager, this episode helps add clarity, confidence, and maybe even some joy to the process.

📚 Education, meet real-world finance.

🐶 Also: Tyler’s dogs make a guest appearance with some strong opinions on college tuition.

🔍 Highlights & Resources:

Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Concept: Education vs. College (yes, there’s a difference)
Tool: Why every good CFO keeps a whiteboard in their office
Framework: You don’t need to be a teacher to teach

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