Zachary G. Espericueta - Advisor

A clarification I find myself explaining often to educators is the difference between a 403(b) and 401(k).

A lot of teachers will say: “My spouse has a 401(k)…I want to have one as well” or “Does my school district match my 403(b)?”

They are similar retirement accounts, but a big difference is where you work:

🏢 401(k)s are commonly offered by private companies (HEB, Valero, Frost Bank, Walmart, etc.).

🧑‍🏫 Whereas 403(b)s are typically offered by public schools, universities, churches, and certain non-profits.

Another BIG difference: Most school districts do NOT match 403(b) contributions the same way many private companies match 401(k)s.

That’s why it’s important for educators to understand how their TRS pension + 403(b) work together for retirement planning purposes.

Honestly, a lot of the confusion is understandable because most people hear about 401(k)s far more often online, in commercials, or from family and friends.

San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and H-E-B will cover $100 per prescription, including refills, under its relaunched Diabetes Insulin Assistance Program to those who need financial assistance. 👇 Full story at the link in the comments.

Here’s a big Medicare misconception I come across: people thinking they have to enroll in Medicare at age 65, even if they’re still actively working and covered under their employer insurance.

A lot of that confusion comes from commercials, mailers, ads, and friends saying “you’ll be penalized if you don’t sign up right away!”

The reality is, if you’re still working and have creditable employer coverage through a large employer, you can often delay Medicare without penalty.

Every situation is different, which is why it’s important to compare your employer coverage alongside potential Medicare options before making a decision.

This is exactly why planning ahead matters! It can help you avoid unnecessary stress later on.

Many don’t realize how little $50K, $100K or even $150K actually is in retirement.

Don’t get me wrong…in lump-sum terms, that’s still a lot of money. And to clients, it represents years of hard work and saving.

👉 But income planning changes the math because your retirement account isn’t just a “pile of money” sitting there. It’s supposed to become an income stream that may need to last 20–30 years.

So people are usually surprised when I explain that a $100,000 account can only safely provide around $420–450/month without increasing the risk of running out before life expectancy.

This is exactly why I always stress starting early, incremental contribution increases (it works better psychologically!), & financial reviews every few years.

Small adjustments over time can make a massive difference later! 📈

Teacher Appreciation Week 🍎

I’ve worked with (and alongside) a lot of educators, and I see firsthand how much you pour into your students every single day.

What doesn’t always get talked about is making sure 𝘺𝘰𝘶 are taken care of too, especially when it comes to your future.

Just know your impact goes far beyond the classroom, and you deserve a retirement that reflects that.

🙏 Thank you for everything you do.

📣 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬: Your TRS pension can be a strong tool, but it’s not designed to replace your income once you retire.

TRS uses a simple formula: (Years of Service × 2.3%) × Salary Average**

So even an educator with 30 YEARS of service may only be replacing around 60–70% of their income in retirement.

👉 That leaves a gap. We call it the Retirement Income Gap.

Which is why many teachers I work with use:
→ 403(b) plans
→ IRAs
→ Other supplemental strategies

Not to replace TRS…but to help close their gap.

Go Spurs Go! 🏀🙌

It’s great to have our Spurs back in the playoffs. It makes Fiesta 10x better. 🎉

Round 1 is set ✅

See you Sunday Portland Trail Blazers!

H-E-B | Ledger

Tax Day. Another reminder why planning ahead matters!

Hope you got it done… or at least started 😅

Interesting to see two of San Antonio’s biggest districts open their boundaries for open enrollment the last few years.

In a district meeting on Monday, the NEISD board of trustees voted in favor of opening its boundaries to allow open enrollment. 👇 Full story at the link in the comments.

🏌️‍♂️ You don’t have to hit a hole-in-one with your retirement investments to win the game.

In golf, one bad slice can ruin your round. With retirement and insurance, it’s all about staying on the fairway & avoiding the traps.

Whether you're on the front nine of your career or approaching the 18th hole (retirement), I’m here to make sure your scorecard stays in the green! ⛳️