Welcome to Thinking Ahead, GoAhead Finance’s Newsletter that provides information to educators for all things financial. GionMatthias Schelbert has been a high school educator for over 15 years and has worked in real estate finance for over 30 years. The purpose of this newsletter is to bring financial insight that helps you, the educator, make the sound financial choices during your career in education so you can retire on your terms. Having helped hundreds of clients in his mortgage career and assisted dozens of educators in his district to financially plan, he wants to share his knowledge to help all educators like you. Using real estate, investment portfolios, insurance opportunities, and union programs to build a solid financial foundation for retirement, his insight allowed colleagues grow their net worth and be in command of their retirement. It’s never too early to begin saving, and whether you are a Tier I or Tier II educator, making the right choices today will pay off when it comes time to retire. We hope that this newsletter will help you better understand your financial situation and help make choices that gets you onto the path that meets your long term vision.

GionMatthias Schelbert, Owner 10/15/25 GionMatthias Schelbert, Owner 10/15/25

Turning Payroll into Power: How Educators Can Automate Their Way to Financial Success

Most of us in education get paid through direct deposit and never think twice about it. But what if that simple payroll feature could quietly organize your budget, make sure your bills are paid on time, and help you build real savings—all without lifting a finger? With a few small changes, your paycheck can start working smarter for you.

GionMatthias Schelbert, Owner 10/1/25 GionMatthias Schelbert, Owner 10/1/25

The Time Value of Money

Most people do not embark on their financial journey with substantial financial resources or the ability to accurately forecast significant market returns. However, one resource that we all possess is time. The concept of the time value of money effectively levels the playing field, as small, consistent savings in retirement accounts such as 403(b)s, 457(b)s, or even real estate can accumulate into substantial amounts if initiated early. The disparity between saving at the ages of 25, 30, or 40 is not merely a difference of five or ten years; it translates into hundreds of thousands of dollars at retirement.

GionMatthias Schelbert 9/15/25 GionMatthias Schelbert 9/15/25

Rate Are Coming Down...BUT...

While declining interest rates can be advantageous for first-time homebuyers, determining the appropriate time to refinance is a nuanced process that extends beyond simply comparing rates. This article makes clear the key factors that should be considered when contemplating refinancing.

GionMatthias Schelbert 9/14/25 GionMatthias Schelbert 9/14/25

Pension Basics Every Illinois School Employee Should Know

Whether you’re a teacher in TRS or a staff member in IMRF, your pension is likely the single most important part of your retirement. But do you know how it’s calculated, when you qualify, and what benefits your family could receive? This guide breaks down the essentials every Illinois school employee should understand about their pension.

GionMatthias Schelbert, Owner 9/1/25 GionMatthias Schelbert, Owner 9/1/25

Update Your Retirement Plan to Succeed

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! At the commencement of each academic year, we consistently endeavor to refine our curriculum, enhance our instructional methods, and explore avenues for fostering stronger connections with our students.

In the realm of financial planning, this is an opportune moment to reassess your strategies and establish long-term financial goals. This post elucidates several actionable strategies that you can implement promptly to secure substantial benefits in the years ahead.