Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom

Marc Hernandez and Carlos Lopez

Welcome to Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom with Marc Hernandez and Carlos Lopez from MAH Financial. In this podcast, we guide professionals of all generations, including GenX, Millennials, and Baby Boomers, to answer an array of questions ranging from building wealth in 401(k) plans to selecting life insurance policies, including questions about IRAs, dividends, and bond alternatives. So, tune in as South Texas’ own financial advisors and fiduciaries, Marc and Carlos, draw from years of expertise, interview clients, and share stories of financial wisdom to accelerate your path to achieving your financial goals.

  1. Aug 21

    The “I Don’t Know” Investment

    In this episode of Retire Rich: Finance Simplified, Carlos Lopez and host David Saldivar discuss one of the most common responses people give when asked how their retirement savings are invested: “I don’t know.” The conversation explores why understanding your workplace retirement plan is so important, especially for educators, government employees, and others with access to plans such as 403(b)s, 401(k)s, 457 plans, and TSPs. Carlos explains how starting payroll deductions early, reviewing investment options, and making consistent contributions may help create an additional source of income in retirement. Topics Covered: Why many employees do not know how their retirement savings are invested Understanding the options available within workplace retirement plans The importance of beginning payroll deductions early in your career How time and compound growth can affect long-term savings Supplementing a pension to help give yourself a “raise” in retirement Traditional and Roth retirement-plan contributions Using catch-up contributions later in your career Managing lifestyle inflation and directing a portion of raises toward retirement How monitoring tools and regular reviews can help keep an investment strategy aligned with your goals This episode is designed to encourage employees to take a more active role in their retirement planning, understand where their money is invested, and begin building supplemental savings before retirement is right around the corner. Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167/ Website: https://www.mahfinancial.biz Phone: (956) 994-0407 Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-man-marc/ Email: Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz Website: https://www.mahfinancial.biz Phone: (956) 994-0407

  2. Aug 14

    The 4% Rule (and Its Flaws)

    In this episode of Retire Rich: Finance Simplified, the MAH Financial team examines one of the most important questions facing retirees and pre-retirees: How much can you withdraw each year without outliving your savings? The conversation explores the gap between retirement expectations and actual savings, how expenses may change throughout retirement, and the traditional 4% withdrawal rule. The team also explains why this rule should be treated as a starting point—not a guarantee—and discusses strategies that may help create a more adaptable retirement income plan. Topics Covered: Estimating future expenses using the 80% retirement-income guideline How spending may change during the early, middle, and later stages of retirement Understanding the traditional 4% withdrawal rule and its limitations How inflation, market downturns, and changing expenses can affect portfolio longevity Combining Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts, and personal savings The potential benefits of increasing savings or delaying retirement Adjusting lifestyle expenses to help protect retirement assets Preparing for healthcare costs and other unexpected expenses This episode is designed to help retirees and pre-retirees better understand the factors that can affect retirement income and the importance of regularly reviewing their withdrawal strategy as their needs and market conditions change. Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-man-marc/ Email: Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz Website: https://www.mahfinancial.biz Phone: (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167/ Website: https://www.mahfinancial.biz Phone: (956) 994-0407

  3. May 15

    Living Longer: Will Your Retirement Income Last?

    In this episode of Retire Rich: Finance Simplified, the MAH Financial team discusses one of the biggest challenges retirees face: making sure their money lasts throughout retirement. With people living longer than ever before, retirement planning is no longer just about reaching retirement—it’s about creating a strategy that can support your lifestyle for decades. The conversation explores longevity, retirement income planning, the 4% rule, and options that may help provide additional income certainty during retirement. Topics Covered: How increasing life expectancy impacts retirement planning Why longevity risk is an important retirement consideration Understanding the 4% withdrawal rule The relationship between withdrawals, market performance, and portfolio longevity Why retirement income strategies may need to evolve over time The role of guaranteed income options in retirement planning Considerations for creating reliable income throughout retirement This episode is designed to help retirees and pre-retirees better understand the challenges of funding a longer retirement and the importance of developing an income strategy that aligns with their goals and needs. Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: Marc Hernandez:   / money-man-marc   Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: Carlos Lopez:   / carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167   http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407

  4. Mar 20

    Geopolitical Concerns and Your Retirement Accounts

    In this episode of Retire Rich: Finance Simplified, the MAH Financial team discusses how global events can create uncertainty in the financial markets and why it’s important to stay engaged with your retirement strategy. From war and tariffs to inflation and oil prices, the conversation explores how geopolitical concerns may impact investors and why reviewing your risk tolerance, account allocations, and income strategy can be especially important during volatile times. Topics Covered: How geopolitical events may affect financial markets Why inflation, tariffs, and oil prices matter for investors The importance of reviewing your risk tolerance during uncertain times Considerations for 401(k)s, brokerage accounts, and retirement income How tools like AssetLock and 401(k) Optimizer may help monitor accounts The role annuities may play as part of a broader retirement income strategy Why working with a financial professional can help you evaluate your options This episode is designed to help investors better understand how current events can influence financial decisions and why having a clear, flexible strategy matters when markets are uncertain. Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: Marc Hernandez:   / money-man-marc   Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: Carlos Lopez:   / carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167   http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407

  5. Mar 13

    Consolidating Old 401(k)s: What to Know When Changing Jobs

    In this episode of Retire Rich: Finance Simplified, the team discusses a common challenge many workers face: keeping track of retirement accounts after changing jobs. As careers evolve, it's not unusual to accumulate multiple retirement accounts from previous employers. The conversation explores some of the considerations involved in managing old 401(k)s, understanding available options, and staying organized as you work toward your long-term financial goals. Topics Covered: Why workers may accumulate multiple retirement accounts over time Common challenges of keeping track of old 401(k)s Considerations when evaluating your retirement account options after leaving an employer The differences between employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs The importance of understanding your investments and account fees Vesting schedules and employer matching contributions Real-world examples of retirement account organization and planning Whether you've changed jobs once or several times throughout your career, this episode highlights the value of staying informed about your retirement savings and maintaining a clear picture of your overall financial situation. Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: Marc Hernandez:   / money-man-marc   Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: Carlos Lopez:   / carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167   http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407

  6. Feb 20

    Know Where You’re Invested

    In this episode, we take a more open, conversational approach, covering real questions, common challenges, and what we’re currently seeing with clients when it comes to investments and financial planning. From understanding how your retirement accounts are structured to rethinking how your money is invested, this discussion highlights the importance of staying informed and involved in your financial decisions. Key Topics Covered: Why it’s important to know where your retirement money is invested The difference between pre-tax and Roth accounts, and how each affects your future Why target date funds may not always be enough on their own How diversification plays a role in long-term investment strategy Real-life conversations and trends we’re seeing with clients Staying engaged with your accounts through regular updates and communication This episode is designed to bring clarity to everyday financial questions and help you feel more confident navigating your investment decisions. Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: Marc Hernandez:   / money-man-marc   Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: Carlos Lopez:   / carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167   http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407

  7. Jan 16

    Staying Safe

    In this Season 3 premiere, we kick off the new year by focusing on financial organization and protecting yourself in an increasingly digital world. As you move past the holidays and start thinking about your finances, it’s important to review the previous year and stay ahead of potential risks. From understanding your tax documents to recognizing modern scams, this episode is designed to help you start the year informed, organized, and protected. Key Topics Covered: Why the new year is the perfect time to revisit your financial plan What to expect from 1099 forms and how to review last year’s distributions Creating a clear list of your accounts and financial activity How scammers are becoming more sophisticated—and what to watch for Common red flags to help you avoid fraud The importance of verifying unexpected emails, links, and requests Adding a trusted contact to your financial accounts for extra protection This episode is designed to help you stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your financial future as you head into the new year.   Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: Marc Hernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-man-marc/ Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: Carlos Lopez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167/ http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407

  8. 12/19/2025

    Cover Your Retirement Bases

    In this episode, we cover key retirement planning strategies to help you strengthen your financial future heading into 2025. From maximizing Social Security and retirement contributions to reducing taxes and avoiding costly mistakes, these insights can help keep your plan on track. Key Topics Covered: When to claim Social Security to maximize lifetime income 2025 IRA and 401(k) contribution limits and catch-up opportunities Using Roth conversions for long-term tax efficiency Planning for healthcare costs and eliminating debt before retirement Managing required minimum distributions (RMDs) to avoid penalties Tax-saving strategies like tax-loss harvesting and charitable giving The importance of updating beneficiaries and estate documents This episode is designed to help you finish the year strong and move into the new year with clarity and confidence in your retirement plan. Connect with Marc Hernandez: LinkedIn: Marc Hernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-man-marc/ Marc@MAHFinancial.Biz http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407 Connect with Carlos Lopez: LinkedIn: Carlos Lopez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-omar-lopez-9b4734167/ http://www.mahfinancial.biz (956) 994-0407

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About

Welcome to Retire Rich: Tales of Financial Freedom with Marc Hernandez and Carlos Lopez from MAH Financial. In this podcast, we guide professionals of all generations, including GenX, Millennials, and Baby Boomers, to answer an array of questions ranging from building wealth in 401(k) plans to selecting life insurance policies, including questions about IRAs, dividends, and bond alternatives. So, tune in as South Texas’ own financial advisors and fiduciaries, Marc and Carlos, draw from years of expertise, interview clients, and share stories of financial wisdom to accelerate your path to achieving your financial goals.

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