FAQs

How do I know if I am on the right track for retirement?

Determining retirement readiness involves a thorough evaluation of your current assets, projected expenses, and long-term lifestyle objectives. We help you analyze these factors to provide a clear picture of your financial trajectory as you approach or navigate your post-career years. 

Our team focuses on building a strategy that aims to support your goals while considering variables such as inflation, healthcare costs, and market shifts. By reviewing your situation regularly, we can help you make adjustments designed to keep your strategy aligned with your evolving needs.

When is the best time to start Social Security benefits?

The timing of your Social Security benefits can significantly impact your total lifetime income. There is no single "correct" age for everyone, as the decision depends on various factors including your health, financial requirements, and other available income sources.

We provide guidance on how different filing ages—ranging from 62 to 70—may affect your overall retirement strategy. Our goal is to help you understand the trade-offs so you can make an informed choice that supports your long-term cash flow needs.

How do you manage investment risk for those already in retirement?

Risk management for retirees involves aligning your portfolio with your specific risk tolerance and immediate income requirements. We utilize asset allocation strategies designed to mitigate the impact of market volatility on your essential retirement funds.

Our approach focuses on building a diversified portfolio that seeks to pursue growth opportunities while prioritizing the preservation of the capital you have worked hard to build. We monitor market conditions and your personal situation to help manage the "bumps in the road" that often occur during retirement.

What should I consider when planning my estate or legacy?

Estate management is an essential part of a comprehensive financial plan, ensuring that your assets are transferred according to your wishes. We help you explore strategies intended to protect your loved ones and manage potential tax issues for future generations.

This process goes beyond simply drafting a will; it involves coordinating your beneficiary designations, trusts, and charitable giving goals. We work with you to build a legacy strategy designed to provide clarity for your family and support the causes you value.

What can I expect during our first introductory call?

Our first conversation is designed to be a low-pressure opportunity for us to get to know each other. We act as professional listeners, focusing on your primary concerns, your retirement timeline, and what you hope to achieve with a financial professional at your side.

This initial meeting allows us to determine if our approach and services are a good fit for your needs. There is no cost or obligation, as our priority is building a relationship based on integrity and a mutual understanding of your goals.

Are You A Financial Advisor?

A fiduciary has a responsibility to act in your best interest and is held to a higher standard of care. Surprisingly, this is not the industry standard. From selecting investments, to looking out for you and your family’s long-term financial situation, a fiduciary advisor is an advocate for your best interests.

As investment advisor representative, Brookstone and its IARs act as fiduciaries for all of our investment management clients.This means that we have an obligation to act in the best interests of our clients and to provide investment advice in the clients’ best interests. We avoid engaging in any activity that could create a conflict of interest with any client; however, if a conflict of interest does arise, full disclosure of that conflict will be made to the client. Reasonable care must be employed to avoid misleading clients and full and fair disclosure of all material facts (including fees) to clients and prospective clients will be made. We fulfill our fiduciary obligations by collecting information about you and your investment goals so that our recommendations are customized to be in your best interests. We disclose all fees, and conflicts, in this brochure and in the client agreement (Investment Policy Statement parts A and B) which are acknowledged by your signature.