Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our process and services, and if you would like more information, reach out to start a conversation.
These answers are meant to provide general education and clarity around common financial planning questions. Every family’s situation is unique, and decisions should be made within the context of a personalized financial plan. Our advisors help clients evaluate these questions based on their goals, resources, and long-term priorities.
About Working with SageGuard
What makes SageGuard different from other financial advisors?
SageGuard is an SEC-registered, fiduciary RIA that specializes in retirement and family-focused planning. Our clients receive high-touch, relationship-centered service supported by a deep operational team, in-house trading and research, and a disciplined, military-rooted culture of integrity. We provide advice that is transparent, personalized, and aligned with your long-term goals, never product-driven.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. As an SEC-registered RIA, SageGuard has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest at all times. This means transparent fees, objective advice, and recommendations based solely on what helps you achieve your financial and retirement goals.
Who does SageGuard typically work with?
Many of our clients are retirees, near-retirees, or multi-generational families who value trust, long-term relationships, and hands-on planning. We also work with business owners, widows/widowers, and families navigating major transitions.
How do your advisors get paid?
SageGuard operates as a fee-based firm. For investment management, clients pay a transparent annual advisory fee, typically deducted from their account, through our custodian Charles Schwab. For insurance products (such as annuities or life insurance), compensation is paid by the issuing insurance company, not by the client directly. All fees and compensation are fully disclosed and reviewed prior to implementation.
What services are included when I become a SageGuard client?
Your relationship includes retirement planning, investment management, tax-efficient investment strategies, income planning, long-term care analysis, estate planning coordination, beneficiary distribution planning, legacy planning, social security benefits guidance, and ongoing reviews with your advisor team. Our in-house operations and trading teams support every step of the process.
Retirement & Tax Planning
How much money do I need to retire?
The answer depends on your lifestyle, spending needs, healthcare costs, taxes, legacy goals, charitable giving and goals, and expected longevity. Our advisors help you build a retirement income plan that shows how long your assets are projected to last, how much you can safely withdraw, and how to adjust your plan over time.
When should I start planning for retirement?
Ideally 10–15 years before retirement, but it’s never too early, or too late, to start. The earlier you plan, the more flexibility and tax-efficient strategies you have.
How do you help clients generate income in retirement?
We design income strategies using diversified portfolios, structured notes, guaranteed income products (when appropriate), social security timing, and tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing. The goal is a predictable income stream that lasts your entire lifetime.
When should I take social security?
Most people benefit from personalized analysis. Factors like longevity, marital status, work history, health, and tax considerations all affect the ideal timing. Because this decision is permanent, we evaluate multiple scenarios before making a recommendation.
How do taxes impact my retirement plan?
Taxes determine how much of your retirement income you actually keep. We help clients evaluate the order of withdrawals from taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts, evaluate Roth conversions, and coordinate strategies with your CPA to reduce unnecessary tax exposure over time.
Investments & Markets
How does SageGuard manage investments?
Our investment team follows a disciplined, research-driven approach using diversified portfolios, tactical allocations, structured notes, and risk-managed strategies. Your portfolio is tailored to your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.
What happens during market volatility?
We maintain diversified portfolios designed to weather uncertainty. During volatile periods, we review allocations, rebalance when appropriate, and monitor opportunities or risks. Emotional decisions often hurt long-term results, so we help clients stay focused on their plan.
Do you time the market?
No. We follow disciplined, evidence-based investment principles. While we adjust portfolios when appropriate, we do not attempt to predict short-term market movements.
Long-Term Care, Insurance, & Protection
Do I need long-term care insurance?
Possbily. Long-term care planning is highly personal, depending on health, family support, financial resources, and goals. We help clients evaluate insurance, self-funding, or hybrid strategies within the context of their broader retirement plan.
How do annuities work in retirement planning?
Annuities can offer guaranteed income or protection during market downturns. They are not right for everyone, but for some retirees, they help stabilize cash flow and reduce risk in a portion of the portfolio. We evaluate annuities within the broader context of your overall plan.
Estate, Beneficiaries, & Leaving a Legacy
Do I need a will or trust?
Most families need a will, and many benefit from a trust—especially retirees, blended families, or those wanting to avoid probate. We coordinate with attorneys and help you understand which documents fit your goals.
How do you help clients leave a legacy to their beneficiaries?
We help structure beneficiary designations, charitable strategies, tax-efficient gifting, and estate planning coordination. Our goal is to ensure your wealth passes smoothly and meaningfully to the next generation.
Can you work with my attorney or CPA?
Absolutely. Collaboration is essential in estate and tax planning. We regularly coordinate with professionals on your behalf.
Onboarding & Expectations
What happens during the first meeting?
Your advisor will review your current investment and income strategies, assess risk and performance, and discuss ways to strengthen your retirement plan. The meeting is educational and personalized, not a sales presentation.
What happens after the first meeting?
There’s no charge nor obligation. You can choose to implement recommendations with us, discuss them with your current advisor, or simply keep your plan as is.
Fees & Transparency
How does SageGuard charge for financial planning and investments?
We use a fee-based structure: a percentage of assets under management for ongoing planning and portfolio management. Insurance recommendations may include commissions when applicable.
Do you have account minimums?
No, SageGuard does not have account minimums. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy financial guidance, and we are committed to serving entire families across generations. Whether you’re just getting started or managing significant wealth, our team meets you where you are and helps you build a personalized plan for your future.
Are there hidden fees?
No. Costs are fully disclosed. Any additional fees (if applicable) are always reviewed before you make decisions. Transparency is a core part of our fiduciary duty
