Retire Ready is a free educational course designed to equip pre-retirees and those in retirement with the knowledge they need to be ready to retire with confidence. Retire Ready is a free educational course designed to equip pre-retirees and those in retirement with the knowledge they need to be ready to retire with confidence.Retire Ready
Retire Ready
Licensed Agent & Medicare Specialist
As a seasoned Medicare specialist, I have dedicated years to helping beneficiaries navigate the complexities of healthcare. I combine a proactive, transparent approach with a genuine passion for ensuring clients fully understand their benefits. My mission is to blend expert knowledge with compassionate, reliable guidance, ensuring every client can make confident choices and secure the care they deserve.
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Kyle Bergacker joined Gradient Investments in 2025 and has more than 15 years of financial services experience. He began his career as a financial advisor for Thrivent Financial. His background also includes roles in investment research and portfolio management of multi-billion-dollar portfolios with large institutional asset management firms.
Kyle earned a degree in applied economics from the University of Minnesota. He’s also a CFA® charter holder, has been awarded the CFA Institute’s Sustainable Investing Certificate, and holds his Series 7 and 66.
Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Keith joined Gradient Investments in 2018 and has more than 25 years of industry experience. Prior roles include asset management for a multi-billion dollar portfolio with a large institutional asset management firm. Keith is a CFA® charterholder, managed a Lipper Award winning mutual fund, and has been featured in media outlets such as Investor’s Business Daily, Nasdaq, Reuters, and Bloomberg.
President of Gradient Investments, LLC
As President, Michael is the leader of Gradient Investments and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings more than 30 years of industry experience including prior roles managing multi-billion dollar portfolios for an institutional asset manager. Michael is a CFA® charterholder and is a frequent contributor on CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.
Tax Expert, Enrolled Agent
Estate Planning Attorney at Law
Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.
To help you with your legacy plan, we partnered with a well-established estate planning law firm, Perkins & Zayed, The Estate & Trust Law Group (www.trust-lawgroup.com). With over 50 years of combined estate planning experience, they have helped more than 2500 families across the U.S., and currently hold licenses in 22 U.S. jurisdictions. Their concentration is in advanced Estate Planning Strategies, Asset Protection, Trust & Estate Administration, Medicaid/Long-Term Care Planning, and Special Needs Planning.
Perkins & Zayed, P.C. and American Benefits Advisor are independent of each other and maintain separate offices.
Mark Perkins is licensed to practice in Illinois and several other jurisdictions, and has extensive training in advanced and highly personalized estate planning techniques that include living trusts, dynasty trusts for asset protection and legacy planning, irrevocable life insurance trusts, minor’s trusts, family limited partnerships, qualified retirement asset planning, business planning services, and planning for beneficiaries with special needs.
Licensed Agent & Medicare Specialist
A long time Houstonian who is a dedicated mother of a son and three granddaughters who are the love of her life. She attended the University of Houston where she majored in Communication and Speech. She is skilled in Medicare, life insurance products, market analysis and business development. With over 30 years of experience as a Real Estate Broker, Insurance Agent and Business Manager. Jacqueline is passionate about helping clients meet their financial goals, she always looks out for their best interest. Here belief is that no matter what age you are it is never too late to start your financial planning goals even if it means leaving a legacy for your family. Let her help you with your financial goals today so that you will have the security you desire for the future.
Licensed Agent
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Richard Luna has found his home in El Paso, Texas, where he resides with his loving family. Richard has dedicated himself to assisting federal employees in navigating their complex federal benefits system, ensuring a secure and prosperous retirement for them.
Richard’s passion for helping others extends beyond the office. A sports enthusiast, he finds joy in playing basketball and baseball, immersing himself in the thrill of the game. Married and a proud parent, Richard takes great pleasure in cheering on his kids as they showcase their talents on the sports field.
Known for his unwavering commitment to integrity and honor, Richard has earned the trust of his clients and colleagues alike. His positive outlook on life and genuine desire to make a difference set him apart in his field. Federal employees seeking guidance on retirement benefits can rely on Richard Luna for not just expertise but also a supportive and empathetic approach to their unique situations.
Richard Luna – a man dedicated to his family, his community, and ensuring a brighter future for those he serves.
Licensed Agent
For over 22 years Glenn has been involved in Retirement Planning for both the Government and Private Sectors.
Since 2010 his focus has been in the Federal and State retirement field. He is part of a national network of advisors who work with the employees of these agencies to bring cutting edge technology tools and advice to help prepare for a well-planned and successful retirement.
“I finally felt I had a purpose in my career.” “It’s a great feeling to help people gain visual clarity about what matters most to them so they can live the retirement lifestyle they want and deserve. I enjoy educating people about their finances, so they can make better informed financial decisions.
Glenn also works with pre and post retired clients helping them with TSP, 401K, 403B etc., rollovers and other retirement account options.
He specializes with helping his clients “Divorce the IRS”
Glenn values integrity and excellence in business, honesty and sincerity in people.
When he is not working, Glenn enjoys spending time with his wife, Josephine and 3 sons, Connor, Justin, Garrett and their dog, Louie. Enjoys traveling, competition BBQing and attending his son’s lacrosse games.
Chicago Marathon Finisher in 2001 & 2022.
My Oath is:
“I shall, in light of all conditions surrounding those I serve, which I shall make every conscientious effort to ascertain and understand, render that service which, in the same circumstances, I would apply to myself.”
I look forward to helping you reach your retirement goals.
Licensed Agent
With over 35 years of experience in retirement planning. Bob Goldberg specializes in guiding federal and state employees toward a secure financial future. His passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of retirement is evident in his commitment to providing educational support and comprehensive roadmaps tailored to each client’s unique needs.
A proud graduate of New York City schools and City College of New York, Bob also served in the military, which he deepened his understanding of the unique retirement challenges faced by service members and government employees.
Bob and his wife Norma reside in Rye Brook, New York. They are proud parents of two adult children and four amazing grandchildren. In his leisure time, Bob enjoys playing golf and is an avid supporter of the Knicks, Mets, and Jets.
Bob understands that planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, which is why he collaborates with a dedicated team of experienced professionals. Together, they offer expert advice and guidance, ensuring that clients feel supported throughout the entire planning process.
Licensed Agent
As a dedicated Benefit Advisor with nearly five years of experience, I specialize in helping federal employees navigate their retirement options. At American Benefits Advisor, my mission is to educate government, federal, and state employees about their retirement benefits, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
I specialize in Retirement Income, equipped with strategies for tax-free retirement. Using our advanced software, I analyze your FERS benefits, addressing any questions you may have and identifying potential red flags that could impact your retirement plans. My goal is to create a customized retirement strategy that aligns with your financial needs, whether you are just starting your federal career, are somewhere in the middle, or are nearing retirement.
I take pride in making the retirement process as smooth and surprise-free as possible. It has been a pleasure working with federal employees, and I look forward to helping you achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to connect with you soon!
Benefits Advisor
Renee Chamberlain, Certified Federal Retirement Consultant, proudly works with federal employees around the country. Renee has been celebrated and widely recognized for her expertise in federal benefits and advising on how to maximize all options. Whether you’re ten years or ten weeks out from retirement, she will uncover any gaps and help you take control of your future.
Renee grew up in a rural town in southwest Wisconsin, surrounded by farms and blue-collar families. Those roots and solid values from her small-town upbringing are what Renee brings to the office each day and instilled the trustworthiness that her clients value. Growing up with parents who were hard-working entrepreneurs, Renee was inspired by their work ethic and demonstrates the same drive and dedication.
There are many reasons why happy clients love to refer Renee for her services. Her fun sense of humor and graciousness are only part of the picture. She also understands that everyone doesn’t fit in the same box and that making major financial decisions can be stressful. Her down-to-earth nature puts clients at ease and makes the process painless, and she really gets to know them as if they were family. Her clients value this and thank her repeatedly for her help throughout the process.
Renee received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she was very active in campus activities. She has also served on the executive board of Women In Management, and spent a significant amount of time volunteering for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and enjoyed connecting with her “adopted family” while being away from her own.
You can find Renee cheering for her kids on the football, basketball, and baseball fields throughout the year. In her free time, she’s boating on the water in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She loves the outdoors, exploring rural Wisconsin, walking in the woods, grilling with friends, and bonfires. She “fills her cup” by experiencing all that life has to offer, including traveling to other countries, as she is fascinated by how different cultures live. When asked about the three must-haves, she immediately responds with chocolate, dogs, and the Green Bay Packers.
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
Jimmy Hernandez is a financial expert from San Antonio, Texas. Raised in the area, he excelled in his studies and was named valedictorian of his class. After the 2008 market drop, Jimmy realized the importance of financial education and investment strategies to secure his retirement. This realization led him to pursue a career in the financial industry, where he has been since 2010.
Jimmy’s career in finance began with an internship at a Broker Dealer before becoming licensed himself. He furthered his education by working for a large CPA and Law firm, where he gained expertise in tax strategies, financial planning, and estate planning.
Jimmy’s exceptional abilities in the finance industry have led him to become an instructor at the Retirement Wealth Academy, where he shares his knowledge and experience with others seeking to learn about financial planning and investments. Jimmy has received national recognition and has been invited to speak at conferences around the country. Additionally, Jimmy has hosted webinars on tax planning, investment strategies, and charitable giving. Jimmy has also found a passion for working with federal employees, helping them maximize their benefits and plan for their retirement. He recently Co-authored a book titled “MAXIMIZE YOUR FEDERAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS” currently being published.
Despite his busy career, Jimmy makes time for his family and hobbies. He enjoys traveling with his wife and their four children and playing golf in his free time.
With his vast knowledge and experience in finance, Jimmy Hernandez has become a respected and sought-after financial expert. His dedication to education and helping others plan for their financial futures has made him an asset to his clients and the finance industry.