My Story: A Soldier Comes Full Circle
Retired U.S. Army officer Justino Sosa of Chicago has a new career teaching personal finance at a community college like the one that put him on the road to success.
So your new job brings you back to your roots?
Yes. I went to Olive–Harvey Junior College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, before enlisting in the U.S. Army in January 1973.
What did you do in the army? I started as a combat medic in Germany. Eventually, I ran humanitarian and medical operations in remote areas of Latin America. I retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2001.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Why get into teaching after your military career?I wanted to give back to society and be a mentor. I taught Junior ROTC for a time, but sometimes teaching high school kids is like herding cats.
How did you qualify for teaching at the college level? I had a bachelor’s degree in history from Loyola University Chicago, but I needed a graduate degree. I completed an MBA in 2009 and also a course in teaching from the City Colleges of Chicago last year. Earlier this year I became an adjunct instructor in the department of business at Harold Washington College.
What are your students like?They’re an interesting mix from various countries and cultures. Many come from disadvantaged family backgrounds.
And how do they take to personal finance? A handful of them are eager, but some are intimidated by the markets and the daily bombardment of financial news. I tell them not to get frustrated, and that once they master the basics of stocks, bonds and other investments, finance isn’t so daunting. Also, I tell them that while they may have trouble scraping together bus fare right now, once they have a little savings the things they learn about finance will be important.
What’s their motivation for learning?Some want to start a business; some want to make money. I tell them that understanding finance will help them whether they manage their own investments or use an adviser.
Is your teaching salary important income for you?Because of my military benefits, I don’t need to work. Given the state of pensions, I may be a member of the last generation to say that.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Take a Sabbatical Over Early Retirement for a Cheaper Reset
A sabbatical can help you get over burnout, explore a new career or hobby and won't break your retirement if done right.
By Jacob Schroeder Published
-
Seven Retirement Moves to Make Before 2025
From applying for Social Security and donating to charity to maximizing your savings accounts, ere are retirement moves to make before 2025.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
How to Find Foreclosed Homes: Best Foreclosure Listings Sites
Making Your Money Last Find foreclosed homes for sale on these foreclosure listing websites. Search for properties on these free, paid or government sites.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Need
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the Details
Amazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
By Daniel Bortz Last updated