Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site have had. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please email us Info@LodestoneFinancial.com

Why should I consult a Financial Planner?

Many people decide to consult a financial planner when something significant happens in their life - they receive an inheritance, they're newly widowed, they just got divorced, they're expecting twins. We can help sort through all the implications of that one transforming event and help plan a course to move forward. For example, a new widow may need help dealing with life insurance issues, estate and income taxes, social security survivor benefits, and investing her investments more conservatively.

Some people are looking for reassurance that the financial steps they have taken are appropriate. We can look at your whole financial picture and not just confirm that the steps you have taken are fine, or redirect some of your efforts, but we can also look at issues you may not have considered.  For example, we might help you choose the best employee benefit options, reduce your mortgage, and decide if you need long term care insurance.

Other people want help making plans to meet specific goals. They might ask for help deciding how much they need to retire, determining how best to save for college education, or whether to move to a retirement community.

And some people would just like the comfort of having an expert 'on call' who is knowledgeable about their financial situation, and is handling their investments for them. For example, in the same way that you might have an accountant to handle tax returns, and a lawyer to handle real estate purchases, we provide a similar service to handle financial issues such as whether to exercise stock options, and to recommend how to invest your year-end bonus and to implement that recommendation for you.