I grew up in South Texas, the sixth of ten kids. My family worked as migrant workers, so we traveled from our hometown in South Texas to Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Illinois, and then we’d come back in mid-August. It was hard work and money was tight but we had each other and made great memories. Our family time was the best time.
My mom and dad were a great team. I hope my marriage exemplifies the same kind of teamwork. After the children grew up my dad had various jobs along with a photography business which he and my mom ran together. From middle school through high school I helped them by taking pictures, supporting my dad and selling at the photography shop. I enjoyed it, and I learned how to keep going when I made mistakes. My dad went back to school at age fifty and became a nurse. He said that was the best job he ever had. He loved helping others.
I’ve always been a math and tech guy. In high school I was involved in math competitions, and when video games first came out, Centipede was my game, and yes, I was good at it.
My career has bounced between teaching and financial planning. I’m a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and licensed insurance agent who has helped many families get ready for retirement, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the classroom too. Turns out they’re very much alike and require a good educator. In both fields, my job is to take something confusing and explain it so it makes sense.
That’s what I do now. If you’re getting close to retirement and wondering how to turn your savings into income, or what an annuity even is, I’ll walk you through it in plain English. No pressure.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Licensed insurance agent, Texas License #1190061.