Chris Heerlein

Chris Heerlein, a Texas native, is an Investment Adviser Representative and CEO at REAP Financial, servicing its private client group, helping private business owners, top-level executives and affluent individuals create, transition, preserve and grow their wealth over generations. REAP serves corporate and private clients, offering objective financial and investment advice, tax planning, business succession planning, access to webinars, and exceptional service that creates generational relationships built on trust. Affluent families and individuals look to Chris and his team of advisers to empower them by providing organization, accountability, objectivity, proactivity, education, and partnership. Chris is a multi-published author with his most recent release, “How to Retire Rich and Look Poor in Retirement: The Millionaire’s Tax Playbook” (2026), “Divorce With Dignity” (2019) and “Money Won’t Buy Happiness But Time To Find It” (2017).

In addition to his work with clients, Chris hosts Wealth Radio each Saturday at 11 a.m. on NewsRadio KLBJ and has been a featured speaker on other podcasts. He is also the host of Retire Ready TV on KXAN each Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m., as well as REAP Financial’s YouTube channel.

** This page contains hyperlinks to third-party websites. These links will take you away from our site. Please note that REAP Financial does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented on these sites.

In retirement, should You Downsize, Right-Size, or Stay Put?

Should You Downsize, Right-Size, or Stay Put?

One of the biggest decisions you will face in retirement is what to do with your home.

Should you stay where you are, downsize, or find something that better fits your lifestyle? This question comes up in nearly every retirement conversation because your home is often your largest asset and one of your biggest expenses.

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5 Things We Would Never Suggest to Our Clients

5 Things We Would Never Suggest to Our Clients

At REAP Financial, our team of fiduciary advisers gives guidance every day. Over time, we have seen what works and what can create problems in retirement.

Today, I want to walk you through five things we would never recommend as you approach retirement.

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Retirement Time Machine - How Your Future Self Thinks About Money

Retirement Time Machine – How Your Future Self Thinks About Money

Many decisions must be made as you walk into retirement and begin settling into that phase of life. Many of these decisions are irreversible, and one mistake can lead to long-term regret.

Let’s walk through how your future self should be thinking about money as you make these critical retirement decisions.

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Are You Emotionally Ready to Retire?

2026 Money Psychology – 5 Money Mindsets to Rewire Before Retirement

If you have spent your career saving consistently and building wealth, you have already done much of the heavy lifting. You paid yourself first, invested over time, and likely accumulated assets that can support you for many years. Yet as retirement approaches, many people discover that the financial shift is not only mathematical. It is psychological.
At REAP Financial, we often describe this transition as changing how you relate to money. Moving from accumulation to distribution requires a different mindset. Below are five money perspectives worth reexamining as you prepare for retirement.

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2026 Retirement Account To-Do List

2026 Retirement Account To-Do List

As the new year begins, it is a smart time to review your retirement accounts and confirm that everything is aligned before tax season arrives. Whether your goals include managing taxes, maximizing contributions, or updating beneficiaries, the months leading up to April 15 offer an important planning window.
At REAP Financial, we encourage families to stay ahead of deadlines and decisions that can influence long term outcomes. Below is a practical checklist to help you stay organized in 2026.

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The Wealth Defender Playbook

For more than 14 years on Wealth Radio, I’ve spoken with hardworking families who have done an incredible job saving and building their wealth. But once the mountain has been climbed, a new challenge begins. How to get down safely. Retirement is not just about accumulation. It is about preservation, protection, and distribution.

Today, we’ll explore key blind spots that can threaten your wealth and practical strategies that may help defend against them.

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Social Security Changes In 2026

2026 Social Security Cheat Sheet

Social Security remains one of the most important income sources in retirement, and annual updates can meaningfully affect how and when benefits are used. The 2026 changes are now in effect, and understanding them can help you make more informed, tax aware decisions.

At REAP Financial, we work with families navigating these decisions every day. Below is a clear overview of the 2026 Social Security updates and how they may factor into your broader retirement planning.

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59 Years Old, $900K Saved—Should I Retire Now?

Age 59 with $900K – Can You Retire in Style?

If you’re 59 years old and have saved $900,000 for retirement, the big question becomes: is it enough to retire comfortably?

$900,000 is a strong number, but the foundation of a successful retirement is not just how much you’ve saved. It is how long your money may last and how intentionally it is used.
In this article, we walk through a real world case study of a couple looking to retire at 59. You’ll learn how to evaluate your own readiness, identify potential blind spots, and create a plan that can support a confident retirement lifestyle.

Age 59 with $900K – Can You Retire in Style? Read More »

Ways to Divorce With Dignity

Ways to Divorce With Dignity

Divorce is never easy, but for couples in their late 50s or 60s it can feel especially complex. After decades of building wealth, raising a family, and preparing for retirement, separating finances can feel overwhelming. This growing trend, often called gray divorce, is on the rise among couples married 25 years or longer.

At REAP Financial, we have helped many families navigate this transition with care, respect, and financial clarity. Here is how to approach divorce with dignity and protect your long term financial security.

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