Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, HFM advisor Catherine Allen-Carlozo sits down with Dr. Claudine De Dan, an MDVIP-affiliated physician whose personalized, preventative care model is reshaping how patients approach aging and long-term health. Dr. De Dan shares why building a trusting relationship with a primary care physician is critical, especially as we age, and how small, proactive steps can transform not only lifespan but healthspan. They explore the deeper value of investing in your health today for a better tomorrow, and why the quality of your care team can be just as important as financial planning when it comes to life satisfaction.

● Why traditional primary care often falls short—and what Dr. De Dan is doing differently.

● How personalized testing and ongoing tracking can reveal hidden health risks.

● The surprising connection between dental hygiene and cardiovascular health.

● Why investing early in your health is as vital as saving for retirement.

● [00:01:44] Catherine shares her personal experience discovering Dr. De Dan and the value of MDVIP care.

● [00:03:54] Dr. De Dan’s unconventional journey into medicine and the passion behind her practice.

● [00:07:02] Why standard 15-minute doctor visits aren’t enough—and how deeper patient relationships enable better prevention.

● [00:08:44] How trust and time allow doctors to make meaningful, personalized health plans.

● [00:10:47] Why dental health is a critical—yet often overlooked—indicator of heart health.

● [00:12:55] How Dr. De Dan structures her practice fees and what patients receive in return.

● [00:16:15] The value of accessible communication—how her team creates a caring, responsive environment.

● [00:19:21] How small health improvements, like increased movement, compound over time.

● [00:22:31] The case for early and consistent medical “investments,” mirroring financial planning.

● [00:27:16] What makes Dr. De Dan’s office unique—and how to connect if you're interested.

1. Building a relationship with a doctor who truly knows you can profoundly impact your long-term health outcomes.
2. Personalized, preventative care is about more than avoiding illness—it's about improving how you live every day.
3. Investing in your health early and consistently is just as important as saving for your financial future.

Connect with Catherine Allen-Carlozo callencarlozo@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

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HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your...

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Brett Herron, CFP® is joined by Valentina Lucchetti-Gallo, HFM’s Marketing & Events Coordinator, for a candid Q&A on one of the most frequently asked-about financial tools: the 401(k). Brett addresses common questions about contributions, taxes, investment options, retirement timelines, and employer matches. Whether you're just starting your career or eyeing retirement, this episode offers practical answers to help you better understand and manage your 401(k) plan.

● How Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) contributions impact your taxes

● The importance of risk tolerance and how it guides investment selection

● What actually happens to your 401(k) when you retire

● How employer matches and vesting schedules work

● [00:01:27] What a 401(k) is and why it’s a foundational retirement savings tool

● [00:02:17] How much you should contribute and how your goals affect that number

● [00:03:22] Can you access your 401(k) money before retirement—and should you?

● [00:05:25] Roth vs. Pre-tax contributions and their long-term tax implications

● [00:08:47] Choosing investments based on risk tolerance and age

● [00:12:14] What happens if the market crashes when you’re ready to retire

● [00:14:24] How to know if you have enough money to retire

● [00:17:14] What physically happens to your 401(k) when you retire

● [00:19:26] Rolling over an old 401(k) into a new plan or IRA

● [00:20:43] Understanding employer matches and vesting schedules

1. Your 401(k) is just one piece of your financial plan—contribution decisions should be based on your individual goals.
2. Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) contributions offer different tax advantages depending on when you pay taxes—know which is best for you.
3. Understand your employer’s vesting schedule to ensure you don’t leave potential retirement savings on the table.

Connect with Brett Herron: bherron@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Connect with Valentina Lucchetti-Gallo: vlucchetti@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

• Learn more about HFM HERE
• Schedule time to speak with us HERE

HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether...

Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Andrew Barnhardt and Brett Herron explore various strategies for saving for children’s futures — whether it's for education, retirement, or general financial support. They break down the pros and cons of different account types, including 529 plans, custodial Roth IRAs, UTMAs/UGMAs, and saving in a parent’s name. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how to align financial tools with their goals and ensure they’re setting up the next generation for success — without putting their own financial health at risk.

● The tax benefits and flexibility of 529 college savings plans.

● How custodial Roth IRAs can jumpstart retirement savings for teens with earned income.

● Why UTMAs and UGMAs offer flexibility — but come with tax and control trade-offs.

● When it may be better to save in your own name instead of your child’s.

● [00:00:00] Introduction

● [00:00:31] Why saving for kids must come after securing your own financial foundation.

● [00:02:35] Pros, cons, and new rules around 529 college savings plans.

● [00:06:55] How custodial Roth IRAs work — and why earned income is required.

● [00:11:04] The flexibility and limitations of UTMAs/UGMAs for broader financial goals.

● [00:14:59] Saving in your own name: flexibility, control, and important tax considerations.

● [00:20:07] Why segmenting investment “sleeves” can help avoid misusing funds.

● [00:22:07] A quick mention of upcoming TRUMP accounts and what to expect.

1. Saving for your children is important, but make sure your own financial house is in order first.
2. Each account — 529, custodial Roth, UTMA/UGMA, or personal savings — has unique pros and cons.
3. Teaching your child about money can be just as valuable as saving money for them.

Connect with Andrew Barnhardt: abarnhardt@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Connect with Brett Herron: bherron@hfmadvisors.com | LinkedIn

Like what you’ve heard…

• Learn more about HFM HERE
• Schedule time to speak with us HERE

102 WEST HIGH STREET, SUITE 200

GLASSBORO, NJ 08028

HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information...