What hidden treasures might be tucked away in your closet?
In this episode of Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom, Marc Hernandez explores the fascinating world of collectibles and how they might be a hidden asset in your financial portfolio. Join him as he explores the potential of collectible investments, from rare sports cards to autographed memorabilia.
In this episode, Marc discusses his personal experiences with collectibles:
Exploring how art, coins, and sports memorabilia can be part of your wealth strategy
Understanding the tax advantages of investing in collectibles
Insights on determining the value of your collectibles
Tips on authenticity and finding trustworthy auction houses
What makes life insurance more than just a death benefit?
In this episode of “Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom,” host Carlos Lopez sits down with Steve Loving, a life insurance expert from Simplicity, to unravel the evolving world of life insurance. Whether you’re wondering about the differences between term and universal policies, curious about how life insurance can be a tax-free income stream, or exploring options for securing your children’s financial future, this episode is packed with insights.
Carlos and Steve discuss:
The evolution of life insurance options over the years
How policies can supplement retirement income
Adding long-term care riders to existing policies
Strategies for ensuring children and building early wealth
Flexible features of Index Universal Life Insurance
Turning 73 could change your financial game plan. Using what tool though?
Marc Hernandez unpacks the mystery behind Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). You’ll learn why these rules exist and how they might impact your 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement plans.
With personal anecdotes and clear guidance, Marc helps take the anxiety out of financial planning, ensuring you won’t be caught by surprise.
Marc discusses:
RMD Basics: Understand what RMDs are and how they work
Age Milestones: Discover the “magic numbers” in retirement finance
Penalty Precautions: Avoid common mistakes that could cost you
Tax Considerations: Plan smart when accessing your savings
What hurdles do educators face when planning for retirement?
Marc Hernandez chats with retired educator Socorro Houghtaling to uncover the financial challenges teachers face. They dive into the secrets of achieving financial freedom and share tips for navigating the complex world of investments and retirement planning.
This conversation is packed with insights and appealing stories that resonate with educators and anyone planning for the future. Whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, this episode offers valuable advice for your financial journey.
Episode highlights include:
Financial Challenges for Educators: Common obstacles teachers face when saving for the future. (Starts at [00:02:22])
How educators often sign up for financial products without adequate guidance (Starts at [00:05:33])
Why having a personal financial advisor can be a game-changer (Starts at [00:13:10])
Advice for Upcoming Retirees: Insightful tips for educators approaching retirement on optimizing their savings (Starts at [00:24:16])
Socorro Houghtaling brings 30 years of dedicated service to Brownsville ISD. Holding a degree in Mid-Management, she has served as an Elementary School Principal for 13 years and held various administrative roles for 10 years. Her journey began with 7 years of classroom teaching. Before education, she had 10 years of HR experience with JCPenney and 8 years in retail. Socorro also holds life and health insurance licenses. Active in the community, she is a Pro affiliate with BARSE and serves on the St. Joseph Church finance committee.
Lucy Lopez’s journey from a small town in Mexico to a successful life in the United States is a testament to determination and resilience.
How did she overcome the challenges of immigration, education, and financial management?
What lessons can we learn from her experiences?
In this episode of Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom, Carlos Lopez is joined by his inspiring mother, Lucia “Lucy” Lopez, who shares her journey from a small town in Mexico to becoming a successful educator and investor in the United States.
Get ready to gain unique insights into how Lucy navigated major life transitions and financial decisions, highlighting the importance of determination, education, and careful investing.
Carlos and Lucy discuss:
Lucy’s story of immigrating from Mexico and starting her education in the U.S. at age 11
Lucy’s time in the military and her transition into a successful teaching career
The financial lessons and investment strategies Lucy applied to achieve financial stability
How Carlos was inspired by his mother’s journey and the pivotal role it played in shaping his approach to financial advising
Carlos Lopez’s mom, Lucy Lopez, originally from Mexico, has led an inspiring life marked by determination and resilience. She moved to the United States at age 11, starting first grade despite her advanced age. Overcoming numerous challenges, she graduated high school and joined the military, serving in Germany. After her service, she pursued higher education, eventually earning a master’s degree and becoming a dedicated educator for 27 years. Lucy’s financial acumen, developed through careful investments and savings, has ensured her financial stability. Her story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the importance of education and financial literacy.
Market volatility can be nerve-wracking, but it also presents unique opportunities for investors.
How do you stay calm and make informed decisions during market fluctuations? How do you ensure your financial strategy aligns with your goals and risk tolerance?
In this episode, Marc Hernandez dives into the importance of being prepared for market fluctuations while unveiling MAH Financial’s approach to providing comprehensive client support.
By listening, you’ll gain insights into handling market downturns, the value of proactive communication with your financial advisor, and the strategies for maintaining a balanced portfolio even in unpredictable times.
Marc discusses:
How to handle client calls and concerns during market downturns
The importance of understanding risk tolerance and timeline in financial planning
Strategies for making opportunistic investments during market dips
Proactive measures and tools for managing 401(k) and other investment accounts
Financial freedom often begins with overcoming personal challenges and making informed decisions.
This week, Marc Hernandez sits down with special guest Renee Armstrong, an esteemed colleague from his team, to delve into her personal journey through financial planning and overcoming challenges.
As Renee shares her experiences, you’ll gain insights into the importance of having a financial advisor and how personalized financial planning can make a significant difference in achieving long-term goals.
Marc and Renee discuss:
Renee’s financial journey at the age of 28, when she sought financial advice after losing her husband
The importance of establishing a relationship with a financial advisor to meet future financial goals
Insights into the benefits and financial planning strategies for employees in government and public service roles
How Renee transitioned from her government job to a career in financial services, exemplifying the continuous learning and adaptability in financial planning
How to build a solid financial future even if we don’t have half a million to invest?
This week, Marc Hernandez and Carlos Lopez talk about their new initiative, ‘Serving the Underserved,’ focused on helping individuals who may not have substantial assets but are eager to learn how to achieve financial independence.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to better understand your financial options, this episode is packed with insights designed to set you on a path to economic stability.
Talking points include:
The importance of early financial planning and budgeting for young professionals
Carlos and Marc’s motivation for creating a financial program aimed at helping individuals who don’t have substantial assets to invest
How to utilize financial programs like 401(k)s, IRAs, and 403(b)s to build long-term wealth
Implementing proactive strategies to manage emotions related to market fluctuations
The value of staying in touch with financial advisors for ongoing support
The Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom Podcast is out now!
Embark on a journey to financial freedom with Marc Hernandez and Carlos Lopez as they share their personal stories and insights in the financial advisory world.
In this debut episode, Marc and Carlos unveil their paths to becoming financial advisors, the influence of family and past experiences, and their mission to educate and empower clients toward achieving their financial goals.
Marc and Carlos discuss:
Marc’s Inspiration: How his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and social interactions influenced his career choice
Carlos’ Unexpected Path: His transition from academia to financial advising after a serendipitous fender bender
Client Relationships: The importance of building long-term, caring relationships with clients
Educational Approach: Carlos’ use of his teaching background to simplify financial concepts for clients
Podcast Goals: Reaching new audiences and sharing financial wisdom through their show
About Your Hosts: MARC A. HERNANDEZ BBA, RFC, LUTCF®
Marc Hernandez is an investment advisory representative, a registered Financial Consultant, and a life underwriter training council fellow. Marc has been servicing the public in the financial services industry since 1986. Marc has been a credit union member for over 40 years, and he has been the investment advisor at several credit unions for over 20 years. Marc helps credit union members with all types of financial planning, including investment planning, retirement planning, and various forms of insurance.
Equally important is Marc’s affiliation with Simplicity Wealth LLC. They provide access to these products as well as a technology platform that helps him be efficient in day-to-day activities. Most importantly, they also provide a support network of education and experience, which helps sharpen his skills and ultimately benefits our members.
CARLOS O. LOPEZ BA, MA, IAR
Carlos Lopez is an investment advisory representative presently servicing the Rio Grande Valley and beyond with various types of financial planning. These services include investment planning, 401k, TSP, 403(b) and 457 optimization, wealth management and retirement planning.
