Jalin Casares, Financial Advisor & Associate Vice President, Pennington Wealth Management

In an interview with Invest:, associate vice president of Pennington Wealth Management Jalin Casares cited market volatility from trade policy shifts as shaping client strategies. In Houston, the firm focuses on personalized planning, especially for laid-off professionals and newcomers. “It’s about flexibility and foresight,” with goals centered on trust, technology use, and proactive guidance, Casares emphasized.

What market developments over the past year have most impacted your clients’ investment strategies?

We’ve seen some big changes, especially on the legislative and political front. The transition to a new administration in the first quarter of the year brought a shift in direction, particularly regarding economic policy and trade. 

With changes being made to trade policy, there has been a lot of movement — and volatility — around tariffs. Some tariffs have rolled off, others have been paused or reintroduced, and the uncertainty around all of it has had ripple effects globally.

Because trade and tariffs impact not just the United States but economies worldwide, they’ve influenced investment markets, company performance, inflation expectations, interest rates, economic growth, and supply chains. Until we see more stability, we expect volatility to persist. That’s been the driving force behind a lot of our current investment strategy discussions with clients.

What recent milestones reflect Pennington’s momentum and market positioning, especially in Houston?

We’ve been uniquely positioned to assist employees from major companies in Houston who’ve experienced layoffs. Many of these individuals are leaving their roles far earlier than expected, and we’ve helped them understand the short- and long-term financial implications of that shift, whether it’s retirement planning or education funding.

Helping people through these transitions is something we’re proud of. We walk with them through that uncertainty, help them get reestablished, and plan for what’s next. That continued guidance has been a core focus and an area where we’ve delivered real value this past year.

Why is Houston a strategic location for your firm?

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country, and it’s incredibly diverse, both in population and industries. From energy to tech to finance, there are so many sectors thriving here. It makes Houston an ideal place to do business.

It’s also a business-friendly city within a business-friendly state. We’ve seen a lot of companies either relocating or expanding here, and that influx creates new opportunities for firms like ours to support incoming professionals and their families.

How would you describe the state of the financial advisory sector in Houston?

The financial planning and money management space is evolving, and Houston has a strong community of skilled professionals. But one thing that sets Pennington apart is how we go beyond asset management.

It’s not just about moving money around in response to market conditions. We’re helping clients manage liabilities, prepare for changing taxes, and position their finances with flexibility and foresight. As interest rates rise and the tax landscape shifts, this level of personalized service becomes more critical.

We’ve also doubled down on relationship-building. Understanding our clients and developing trust allows us to navigate change together. That’s something no AI or algorithm can replace.

How are you adapting to serve multigenerational families and legacy planning needs?

That’s hugely important. My partner and I have been in this business for decades, and we’ve seen the full life cycle with many clients. As they begin passing assets to children or grandchildren — or charities — we must understand their full family dynamic.

It starts with building a strong relationship with the client, then gradually developing that same trust with the next generation. Some of those kids we met when they were small are now adults with families of their own. That continuity helps ensure the family’s financial goals remain on track across generations.

How are you capitalizing on the influx of new residents and entrepreneurs in Houston?

We’ve built strong referral relationships with other professionals — CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and local companies. When new professionals move into Houston and start new roles, we often connect through those networks.

We also help newcomers adjust to life in Texas — cost of living, financial planning, taxes — so they feel supported from the start. It’s all about establishing a reliable network that supports clients holistically.

What role is technology and AI playing in your service delivery?

Technology is becoming more integrated into everything we do. Technology helps us access and share information faster, giving our clients timely insights. Whether it’s data reporting or communication tools, the goal is to make life easier for our team and our clients.

We’re also educating clients on how to use technology to their advantage. That means staying agile and prepared for what’s ahead, because the next few decades will bring rapid changes. But no matter how advanced the tools become, human connection will always matter.

How are you approaching talent acquisition and retention in such a competitive industry?

Attracting and retaining talent is one of the biggest challenges across our industry. Fortunately, the work we do is meaningful: helping families make progress on their most important goals. That mission-driven element resonates with people.

Our team members want to grow their knowledge and income, but they also want to make a difference. That combination is powerful. We’ve found that when team members feel connected to the impact they’re making, it helps create a fulfilling work environment that encourages loyalty and growth.

What role does community engagement play in your firm’s identity?

We’re big believers in giving back. Every quarter, our team volunteers together with organizations across Houston. It’s a chance to strengthen our internal culture while supporting causes we care about.

We’ve also started inviting clients to join us at these volunteer events. It deepens our relationships and builds community in a meaningful way while doing good.

What are your top goals for the next two to three years?

We’re open for business and looking to grow. We’ve added staff and want to keep our doors open to people who need guidance. There are plenty of online tools for financial planning, but nothing replaces the value of a trusted advisor. We want people to know that if they need help, we’re here to give them that support and make sure every detail is considered.

It’s also important to recognize how easy it can be to feel overwhelmed with everything going on in the world, whether it’s from news headlines, social media, or everyday conversations. But we work hard to help clients see clearly: a fulfilling life is still within reach.

It won’t be handed to anyone, but with planning and effort, it’s attainable. The key is to be proactive. Don’t wait for someone else to chart your course. Know where you want to go and take action. That’s where we come in —  to help guide that journey and turn goals into reality.