Tag: Personal Finance
Helping Educators Gain Financial Independence with Socorro Houghtaling (Ep. 10)

Helping Educators Gain Financial Independence with Socorro Houghtaling (Ep. 10)

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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])
  • And more!

Connect with Marc Hernandez: 

Connect with Carlos Lopez: 

Connect with Socorro Houghtaling: 

About Our Guest: 

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.

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How Healthcare Workers Can Achieve Financial Freedom with Anissa Castillo (Ep. 6)

How Healthcare Workers Can Achieve Financial Freedom with Anissa Castillo (Ep. 6)

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Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to saving others — but who’s helping them plan their future, more so their financial future? 

This week on Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom, Marc Hernandez explores this critical question with Anissa Castillo, Director of Surgical Services at Valley Regional Medical Center.

Anissa reveals her powerful story, from starting as a surgical technologist to becoming a leader in healthcare, and how she nearly fell victim to common financial missteps, like undervaluing her 401(k). 

But that’s not everything! She also breaks down the actionable steps healthcare professionals can take to break free from paycheck-to-paycheck living and build lasting wealth despite their demanding schedules.

Want to know how you can avoid costly mistakes and unlock the financial freedom you’ve worked so hard for? This conversation is packed with insights healthcare workers can’t afford to miss.

Key Highlights:

  • Anissa’s inspiring journey from surgical technologist to Director of Surgical Services and how her leadership role shaped her financial strategy
  • How starting her 401(k) at age 19 taught Anissa the importance of financial literacy and the common mistakes to avoid when managing retirement savings
  • Why financial education is critical for healthcare professionals but is often neglected, and how to bridge that gap
  • The role of financial advisors in helping healthcare workers maximize retirement savings and make smarter investment choices
  • How social media and flexible communication options can connect busy healthcare workers with financial professionals
  • Essential advice for new healthcare workers on how to leverage employer benefits
  • And much more!

Connect with Anissa Castillo:

Connect with Marc Hernandez: 

Connect with Carlos Lopez: 

About Our Guest: 

Anissa Castillo is the Director of Surgical Services at Valley Regional Medical Center and a seasoned healthcare professional. Starting her career as a surgical technologist, she later became a registered nurse and advanced into leadership roles. Her story underscores the importance of financial planning in the healthcare sector and the value of early investing for long-term success.

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