Tag: Retirement Planning
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 to Build Wealth Across Generations (Ep. 9)

How to Build Wealth Across Generations (Ep. 9)

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Are you saving for the future or stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle? 

This week on Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom, Marc Hernandez explores the evolution of saving behaviors across generations, revealing why Baby Boomers succeeded and how Millennials and Gen Z could follow suit.

This conversation, brimming with valuable strategies and clear guidance, lays out a clear path to financial stability and wealth creation. 

Tune in and learn how to master your budget, optimize retirement contributions, and leverage tax-saving strategies to construct your financial future—no matter where you’re starting! 

Key Highlights:

  • Generational Saving Trends: What Baby Boomers got right—and how younger generations can learn from their disciplined habits
  • Budgeting Essentials: Simplify your expenses by separating fixed and discretionary costs. Learn to track every dollar and uncover hidden savings
  • Maximizing Retirement Accounts: Unlock the power of employer 401(k) matches, Roth accounts, and catch-up contributions for tax-free retirement gains
  • Investment Alternatives: Discover smart options like IRAs, 403(b)s, and Thrift Savings Plans for those without 401(k) access
  • Tax-Saving Tips: Adjust withholdings and reposition investments to reduce tax liabilities and keep more of your hard-earned money
  • Saving Discipline: Small sacrifices today, massive rewards tomorrow—discover how to build wealth one habit at a time
  • And much more!

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Connect with Carlos Lopez: 

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How to Protect Your Loved Ones After a Partner’s Passing (Ep. 8)

How to Protect Your Loved Ones After a Partner’s Passing (Ep. 8)

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When the unimaginable happens, grief and financial chaos often collide. Preparing now could spare your loved ones from unnecessary hardship.

Marc Hernandez draws on decades of expertise to guide listeners through the intricate financial and legal challenges that arise after losing a spouse or partner.

Packed with actionable insights and real-life examples, this conversation delivers a clear roadmap for navigating difficult transitions and sidestepping costly mistakes. From notifying key agencies to safeguarding against identity theft, you’ll gain the tools needed to maintain your loved ones’ future while managing this complex time with confidence.

Tune in and learn how to update beneficiaries, prevent family disputes, and leverage professional advice to create a foundation of stability for yourself and your family!

Key Highlights:

  • Organize Legal Essentials: Create a valid will, obtain multiple certified death certificates, and document final wishes
  • Notify Key Agencies: Contact Social Security, veterans’ services, employers, and financial institutions to manage benefits and close accounts
  • Prevent Identity Theft: Notify credit bureaus to uncover hidden debts and accounts
  • Avoid Family Disputes: Foster open communication to prevent disagreements over assets and sentimental items
  • Seek Professional Guidance: Learn how financial advisors, CPAs, and attorneys simplify the process and protect assets
  • Safeguard the Future: Update beneficiaries, legal documents, and account ownership to avoid complications for future heirs
  • And much more!

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Connect with Carlos Lopez: 

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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!

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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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How MAH Financial is Serving the Underserved (Ep. 2)

How MAH Financial is Serving the Underserved (Ep. 2)

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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
  • And more!

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Connect with Carlos Lopez: 

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The Journey to Financial Freedom with MAH Financial (Ep. 1)

The Journey to Financial Freedom with MAH Financial (Ep. 1)

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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
  • And more!

Connect with Marc Hernandez: 

Connect with Carlos Lopez: 

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.

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