FAQs
Find answers to common questions about investing, retirement, financial planning, education planning, insurance, and working with an advisor.
Your questions, answered.
Financial planning can come with a lot of questions. Explore helpful answers to better understand your options and feel more prepared for what’s ahead.
Browse by topic, or scroll to find your answers.
Investing
It's a good idea to review your investment strategy regularly, especially after major life events like getting married, changing jobs, or retiring.
Diversification means spreading your money across different types of investments. This can help manage risk and the impact any one investment may have on your overall portfolio.
Everyone's comfort level with risk is different. Your age, financial goals, investment timeline, and personal preferences all play a role in determining an appropriate strategy.
The right investments depend on your financial goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. A diversified portfolio can often help balance risk and potential returns. A financial professional can help explain your different options.
Saving is generally for short-term goals or emergencies, while investing is designed to help your money grow over the long term for goals like retirement, education, or building wealth.
You don't need a large amount to get started. Choosing an amount that fits your budget and investing consistently over time will help you build towards your goals.
Getting started begins with understanding your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk. A financial professional can help you build a strategy that works for you.
If you're unsure where to begin, want help creating a plan, or simply want a second opinion, a financial professional can provide guidance based on your unique situation and goals.
Retirement Planning
If you have questions about your retirement and want to know if you're on track, meeting with a financial professional can be a helpful next step. A financial professional can help you build or adjust your plan based on your goals and timeline.
It's never too late. While starting early has advantages, beginning or increasing contributions and creating a financial plan at any time can still make a meaningful difference.
As retirement approaches, your investment strategy may change to better balance growth potential with preserving the savings you’ve worked hard to build. A financial advisor can help you review your portfolio and adjust as needed.
You may have options, including leaving your savings where they are, rolling them into an IRA, or transferring them to a new employer's retirement plan. Understanding your choices can help you avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties.
Depending on your situation, you may benefit from an employer-sponsored retirement plan, an IRA, a Roth IRA, or a combination of savings and investment accounts.
The best time to start is now. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, creating a plan today can help you feel more confident about the future.
College & Education
If you're unsure where to start or want to make the most of your savings strategy, a financial professional can help you create a personalized plan based on your family's goals.
Yes. Many education savings plans allow family and friends to contribute toward a child's future education.
Both can be important and the right balance depends on your finances, timeline and priorities. A financial professional can help you develop a plan based on your situation.
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to help pay for qualified education expenses. It can be used for many colleges, universities, trade schools, and certain K–12 education expenses.
There are several ways to save, including 529 education savings plans, investment accounts, and other savings strategies. A financial professional can help you determine which approach best fits your family's goals and situation.
Depending on the plan and current tax laws, funds may also be used for qualified trade schools, apprenticeships, and certain K–12 expenses.
You have options. You may be able to change the beneficiary to another qualifying family member or use the funds for other eligible education expenses. Your financial professional can help determine your options.
You can start planning for education costs at any time. The earlier you start, the more time you have to save and adjust the plan as needs and finances change.
Estate & Legacy
Including your beneficiaries or family members can help them better understand your wishes and know who to reach out to when the time comes. You decide what you’re comfortable discussing, and your personal financial information remains private unless you authorize it to be shared.
As life changes, your beneficiary designations may as well. Reviewing them regularly, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child or grandchild, can help make sure your assets are passed on as you intend.
A financial professional can help you understand how estate planning fits into your overall financial plan and work alongside your attorney or other professionals to help you prepare for the future.
Your investments and retirement accounts are an important part of your overall financial picture and can play a role in the legacy you leave behind. A financial advisor can help you review your accounts and beneficiary designations and consider how your investments fit with your broader estate planning goals.
Estate planning is the process of making decisions about how your assets will be managed and distributed, and who will make important financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
Insurance
If you're unsure what type or amount of coverage is right for you, a financial professional or insurance professional can help you understand your options and choose coverage that fits your goals.
Long-term care insurance may be worth considering if you want to help protect your retirement savings and reduce the financial burden on your loved ones should you need extended care in the future.
Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of services you may need if you're unable to care for yourself due to age, illness, or injury. This can include care provided at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, while permanent life insurance offers lifelong coverage and may build cash value. The best option depends on your goals and budget.
The right amount depends on your income, debts, financial goals, and the needs of your loved ones. A financial professional can help you determine the coverage that's right for your situation.
Life insurance can help provide financial security for the people who depend on you. It can help cover everyday living expenses, pay off debts, fund education, or replace lost income if you're no longer there to support your family.
General
Scheduling is easy. Simply request an appointment online or contact us, and we'll connect you with a financial professional who can help you take the next step toward your financial goals.
Depending on your preferences and availability, you may be able to meet with a financial professional in person or remotely. Contact us to learn about available appointment options.
Yes. Our financial advisors live and work in the Hudson Valley community and are committed to providing personalized guidance to help you reach your financial goals.
Think about your financial goals and any questions you'd like to ask. You may also want to gather information about your income, savings, investments, retirement accounts, etc that may be helpful in understanding where you are today.
Your first meeting is a conversation. We'll get to know you, discuss your financial goals, answer your questions, and help you understand your options—without pressure or obligation.
No. Financial planning isn't just for wealthy investors. Our financial advisors work with individuals and families at many stages of life and can help you create a plan based on your situation and goals.
Anyone with financial goals can benefit from professional guidance. Whether you're just getting started, preparing for retirement, or navigating a major life change, we're here to help.
Our financial advisors can help you look at your current financial picture and future goals to create a plan around what matters most to you. This includes investing, retirement, education savings, estate and legacy planning, insurance, and business needs.
*CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning.
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