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Christopher Hensley, RICP®, CES™

Specializing in TRS, ORP, and state employee retirement planning.

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Houston First Financial Group Christopher Hensley, RICP®, CES™
Bellaire, TX

Serving Clients Nationwide

Specializing in TRS, ORP, and state employee retirement planning.

9 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

(713) 804-5886

Website

Areas of Focus

  • Caregiving for Parents
  • Direct/Personal Indexing
  • Employee Benefits
  • Estate Planning
  • Financial Life Planning
  • Health Care Planning
  • High Net Worth
  • Inherited Wealth
  • Investing
  • Investment Management
  • Loss of Spouse or Partner
  • Retirement Planning
  • Socially Responsible Investing
  • Tax-Smart Accumulation Planning
  • Tax-Smart Distribution Planning
  • Taxes

About Christopher Hensley, RICP®, CES™

For over two decades, I’ve helped Texans navigate the complex transition from saving for retirement to living in retirement—with confidence, clarity, and control.

As a Retirement Income Certified Professional® and Certified Estate and Trust Specialist™, I specialize in guiding state employees, healthcare professionals, and higher-ed faculty through key decisions involving TRS, ORP, Social Security, Medicare, and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Whether you're planning around a buyout, early retirement, or navigating tax-efficient drawdown strategies, I meet clients where they are and help them get where they want to be.

What sets me apart is my active management approach. Many of my clients are transitioning from passive “buy and hold” investing to a more responsive, total return or absolute return strategy—especially as market conditions and income needs shift. They no longer want to be agnostic to market risk in retirement. I help them develop smart, intentional portfolios and custom indexing solutions that adapt with them.

My practice also integrates estate planning, Medicare coordination, and multi-year tax planning into every Retirement Roadmap we build—because it's never “too late” to get organized and make meaningful improvements.

Outside of one-on-one client work, I’ve hosted over 330 episodes of the “Money Matters” podcast, contributed expert insights to Newsweek, Financial Planning Magazine, and The Houston Chronicle, served on the leadership team for Houston Money Week, and was the former president of the Houston Midtown chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness.

Professional Designations

  • Certified Estate and Trust Specialist (CES)
  • Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)

Primary Location

6300 West Loop South, Suite 406, Bellaire, TX 77401

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone
Book Intro Call

Compensation Methods

  • Commissions
  • Fee Based
  • One-time Financial Plan
  • Percentage of Assets Managed

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the ‘Book Intro Call’ button above to schedule your complimentary Virtual Financial Roadmap Meeting. In this 60-minute session, we’ll get to know each other, discuss your retirement goals, and explore how our Retirement Roadmap System might benefit you. After scheduling, you’ll receive a confirmation email with suggested documents to submit beforehand so we can make the most of our time together. I look forward to helping you take the next step with confidence.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Houston First Financial Group

At Houston First Financial Group, we specialize in helping educators, healthcare professionals, and public employees transition into retirement with confidence. We believe in active, responsive portfolio management—because today’s markets demand more than passive patience.

Our investment philosophy is simple: Preserve first, grow second — especially when the market turns.

When signs of market trouble appear, we don’t wait and hope for the best. We act quickly to shift your portfolio to more secure ground, reduce exposure to unnecessary risk, and keep you fully informed every step of the way.

We closely monitor market trends, economic developments, and global events with the goal of helping you make well-informed decisions about your retirement strategy. It’s not about chasing returns. It’s about being proactive, adjusting as needed, and aiming to reduce the kind of risks that can disrupt long-term financial plans.

Because most of our clients—especially those nearing or in retirement—can’t afford to wait years for the market to bounce back.

Retirement Has Changed — And So Have the Rules.

Planning for retirement is no longer just about saving enough—it's about making smart, informed decisions in a complex and changing environment.

For decades, many educators, healthcare workers, and government employees had to plan around harsh Social Security reductions due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). That’s now changed.

As of January 2025, WEP and GPO have been repealed—removing a major roadblock for thousands of public sector workers. But while that’s good news, it also means the rules around Social Security claiming, spousal benefits, and pension coordination just got more complicated.

Meanwhile, market volatility continues to threaten retirement savings. The steep declines since January—and the sharp downturn in April—are causing many to rethink their retirement timing. And with rising layoffs and early retirement buyouts at the state and federal level, the pressure to make the right decision is more intense than ever.

You shouldn’t have to navigate these high-stakes choices alone. At Houston First Financial Group, we help public sector professionals retire with clarity and control. Whether you're facing a TRS vs. ORP decision, planning around Medicare or IRMAA, or unsure how to coordinate Social Security with pension income, we’ll help simplify your retirement.

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Houston First Financial Group Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC to residents of CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, OHIO, TEXAS, and WISCONSIN. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Houston First Financial Group are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice. Fixed insurance services offered through Houston First Financial Group.

Education

University of Houston, Philosophy, English

Hobbies and Interests

  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Music
  • Reading
  • Writing

SEC Lookup

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FINRA Lookup

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Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Dual Income Family
  • Educators
  • Families
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Government Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Living in Retirement
  • Parents
  • Physicians
  • Widow

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


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This is who you want.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 24, 2026
Christopher really cares. At the previous firm I was made to feel like I didn't matter to them without a huge portfolio. With Christopher I feel like someone's got my back and his interest in the pursuit of a comfortable retirement for me gives me a sense of relief. He is incredibly patient, knowledgable, empathetic and this is the kind of service you won't get at a Fidelity or the others.... Your finance person should be a personal relationship. This is it.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 24, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for ML
ML

Chris helped me with my retirement plan and has given me good advice when I needed some.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: I found Chris while I was still employed and he had a meeting trying to gain more clients and I attended. I was very unhappy with my current financial advisor from another company and decided I wanted to change. I'm glad I did. Once I retired I moved it all over the HFFG and Chris and haven't looked back. I can trust him to be there when I need him and even if I don't need him he's behind the scenes working for me. I'm very pleased. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? Chris helped me with my retirement plan and has given me good advice when I needed some. Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? I have recommended several times but sometimes people are set in their ways and its scary to move money, so I guess they will just continue to not have the great customer service that I have.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Debra Davis
Debra Davis

I am much more at ease, knowing my retirement savings with professionals I trust. Especially this week!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: I had most of my IRA in a target fund and I was afraid to do much else because picking my own investments was overwhelming. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? I am much more at ease, knowing my retirement savings with professionals I trust. Especially this week! Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? Yes. I have active management with professionals who cared enough to take action quickly and then call me personally to tell me what they did to protect my nest egg.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Cynthia Tumiel
Cynthia Tumiel

We have retired and appreciate Chris’s experience

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: Had someone previously but was not comfortable with their decisions. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? We have retired and appreciate Chris’s experience and oversight in managing our portfolio to minimize loss. Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? Yes, in fact we already have. We feel Chris is honest, alert with current financial situations and aware of customers ‘ desire, needs, etc.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jeanette Podbielski
Jeanette Podbielski

It has really improved

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: We did not have someone helping us with our finances. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? It has really improved. We're paying more attention to our finances. It's great to have Chris and his staff to go to for advice. Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? Yes - you've got a great company!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lori Reddy
Lori Reddy

We feel that our retirement funds are in good hands.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: Losing money with my 401 funds. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? Yes. We feel that our retirement funds are in good hands. Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? To anybody who would listen.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Gary Podbielski
Gary Podbielski

Chris explains his strategy in an understandable way

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: We were still working and all our savings were in our 401(k) plans. We never really knew what was going on. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? I feel like Chris explains his strategy in an understandable way and makes us feel more comfortable with what is happening in our accounts. Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? Yes. We have been very happy with Chris and our accounts have performed well.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Linda Erdman
Linda Erdman

We were floundering

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: We were floundering in large part because we had a financial advisor that was not doing us justice. How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? We are now organized and know exactly our financial situation. Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? Absolutely, we would feel very comfortable recommending Chris. He is very consciencious and makes sure our money is well taken care of.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Diane and Manny Goldman
Diane and Manny Goldman

great job monitoring the financial climate

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 13, 2026
Situation Before Working With Us: had 403b accounts via work and a rollover IRA without active advisor How Has Your Financial Life Improved or Changed After Working With Us? feel confident that my retirement financial interests are being well monitored and adjusted with the times Would You Feel Comfortable Recommending Us to Others? If Yes, Why? yes, I feel that Chris and staff do a great job monitoring the financial climate and make adjustments as needed
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Annette Culberson
Annette Culberson
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Christopher Hensley, RICP®, CES™ View Disclosures

FAQs

Can you help Texas teachers with their TRS pension benefits?
Yes, I specialize in providing financial planning services to teachers in Texas, including advice and guidance on strategies to optimize their TRS pension benefits. Beyond individualized planning services, I also offer video-based education, including the recent Money Matters podcast episode linked below discussing what Texas educators need to know if you contribute to TRS and are navigating the complexities of pensions and Social Security. Understanding the Teacher Pension WEP GPO: What Every Texas Educator Needs to Know
How does TRS vs ORP impact retirement income for educators?
I help Texas higher-ed employees evaluate the differences between TRS & ORP, balancing lifetime pension income against portability and tax flexibility.
What is a Retirement Roadmap Meeting?
The Retirement Roadmap System is our 3-step process designed to simplify retirement planning. Step 1: Discovery—We learn about your goals and finances. Step 2: Design—We create a personalized, comprehensive plan. Step 3: Deploy—We implement and monitor the strategy together, adapting it as life evolves. It’s a clear path to help you retire with confidence. A structured session where I analyze your TRS or ORP options, coordinate pension with Social Security, and align your investments & tax strategy. Retirement Roadmap System
Should retirees consider total return or absolute return investing?
Yes. As you transition into retirement, we’ve found responsive active investment models can offer better stability than passive ‘buy and hold’ in a market downturn. Active vs. Passive Management
Can you help with custom indexing and tax-efficient portfolios?
Absolutely. I design custom-indexed investment strategies that align with your income needs while optimizing tax efficiency and risk exposure. Custom Indexing & ESG Solutions
How do you work with clients in remote states?
I serve clients across Texas, California, Ohio, Nevada, and Wisconsin currently via secure video calls—95% of our planning meetings are done virtually. I may still be able to work with you. For the right client relationship, I’m happy to explore adding additional licensing to ensure we're fully aligned and compliant.
What fees and compensation models do you follow?
We offer flexible fee structures. New clients start with a $1,000 financial planning fee. Our minimum investable asset requirement is $250,000 (some 403(b) plans may count). Clients pay a 1.00% AUM fee, with reduced fees for those over $1M (0.85%). Ongoing planning fees range from $1,500 to $4,000 based on asset level or project scope. We occasionally use commission-based products when they better align with your goals. Everything is transparent and tailored to fit your needs. How We Charge
Do you specialize in estate planning and legacy coordination?
Yes—through my CES™ credential, I integrate trust and estate planning strategies into the Retirement Roadmap process when appropriate. HFFG Legacy
Do you offer tax planning as part of your financial services?
Yes! Tax planning is a key part of our financial planning process. We review your past returns, coordinate with your CPA, and create personalized strategies to reduce tax liability—through tax-efficient investments, retirement income planning, and proactive withdrawal strategies. Our goal is to help you keep more of what you earn and avoid tax surprises. Tax Planning Services
Do you help clients with caregiving challenges and financial planning?
Yes—managing a loved one’s care is often deeply intertwined with a client's retirement planning and can potentially disrupt a well-laid financial plan. Our Caregiver Planning service provides practical guidance on overseeing care, funding support needs, legacy coordination, and minimizing emotional and financial stress on your family. We treat caregiving as a critical component of the Retirement Roadmap process. Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, or sibling, we help you plan ahead so your retirement goals stay on track—even when life throws you a curveball. Caregiver Planning
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