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Danny Kofke is currently a special education teacher in Georgia. He has also taught kindergarten, first grade and second grade.  Danny's love of teaching others led him to write the book "How To Survive (and perhaps thrive) On A Teacher's Salary."

Danny has been a teacher for almost ten years and is proud to say that passion for the craft keeps him in the classroom but smart savings and basic understanding of financial principles have kept his wife (willingly!) at home with their children. Many find it hard to believe that one teacher can support a family of four, but "How to Survive" explains the steps necessary for others to follow suit and save for life's journeys.

"How To Survive" has been featured in Instructor Magazine, Bottom Line Personal, on Yahoo Finance, on AOL.com and in various newspapers.  Danny has also been on numerous radio and on a few television shows.

A lot of people think that figuring out financial matters and investing are difficult and are intimidated by it. Danny wants to show others that if a 33 year-old school teacher can figure it out then they can too.

To learn more about Danny and his book, please visit dannykofke.blogspot.com

Thank you Danny for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about your latest project.

My book "How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher's Salary" is my latest project.  I have written guest posts on financial websites to help others get the most from their salaries.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, I do.  I am under contract with A+ Educators to give financial seminars for teachers.  With budget cuts affecting many teachers and school districts these seminars have not started yet but I hope they will in the future.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

My background and profession has helped me greatly in my writing career.  I was raised by frugal parents and learned a lot about finances from their examples.  In addition, being a teacher helps others relate to me better.  I am not a financial expert - I am just a school teacher.  I think this helps and shows others that if a special education teacher can do well financially then they can too.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Yes, I have gotten the opportunity to speak at schools to fellow teachers.

What will your next project be?

I would really love to write a financial book for children. Being in an elementary school, I see first-hand how little is taught about finances.  I would love to write a book to help students start to get a basic understanding of how to handle their finances so they do not make the same mistakes that many of their parents have made.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Dave Ramsey and Oprah Winfrey.  Dave Ramsey inspires me by empowering and helping so many people with their finances.  Oprah Winfrey inspires me by how much good she does and how she helps others.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Talking with and helping people get a better understanding of their finances.  It is so rewarding when you are able to teach someone how to do better with their money and know that you are helping them improve their life.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Market yourself - you are your biggest fan.  My publishing company does some marketing for me but I am my best promoter.  Keep pitching your ideas and don't get discouraged when someone tells you no or criticizes your work.  Whenever I hear something negative about my work I like to think of this quote, "To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing."

How did you get started as a writer?

I had some colleagues tell me that my wife, Tracy, and I did very well with our finances and that I should write a book telling how we had done so well.  I did not give much thought to this but one weekend the thought struck me and I sat down and started writing.  After 5 months my book was pretty much complete.  At the time I thought it was great to just have my words on paper for family and friends to read.  After reading it, someone suggested I get it published.  I didn't think it would hurt so I sent it off to a few publishing companies.  Tate Publishing Company accepted it and, a little over a year later, I became a published author.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I am usually up around 5:30 in the morning (before my daughters get up) and work answering email, on sending out various pitches and doing searches on appropriate avenues to spread my message and book.  I then shower and get ready to go to work. 

I teach special needs students from 7:30-2:30 and then have an hour of planning before I am able to leave school at 3:30.  Once I get home I usually check my email real quick to see if I need to respond to anyone.  I then try to squeeze in a workout - usually a run or lifting weights.  After this, I spend time with my family until it is bedtime for my girls at 7:00.  I then answer any emails I need to and usually read or watch tv for a little while before going to bed around 9:00.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang  out loud when you were by yourself?

Just A Friend by Biz Markie

Thank you Danny! Congratulations on your book How To Survive (and perhaps thrive) On A Teacher's Salary and we'd love to see a financial book for children!