Questions About Money?
We've Got Answers.

We answer the big questions about retirement, investing, and protecting the ones you love. Have a question? Ask Hobart.

QUESTION: What investments should I add to my portfolio?

Hobart Says: Everyone has different goals and life circumstances – and your investments should reflect those differences. Before making any specific recommendations, we spend time getting to know who you are and what you truly want from life. Then we find the right investments to fit you and your desired lifestyle. We’ll never recommend products that don’t fit your specific needs.

QUESTION: I’ve heard I’ll pay less in taxes in retirement. Is this true?

Hobart Says: Not always. Even though you’re not receiving a regular paycheck from an employer, after you retire you still have taxable income from a variety of sources, like retirement accounts and Social Security. You might even receive interest or investment income – both of which also count towards your total annual earnings. Also, you might not have as many credits or tax deductions. The good news is that there are strategies you can use to pay less in taxes during retirement. We use proactive tax planning to help you minimize your tax bill and keep more money in your pocket.

QUESTION: How do I know if I have enough money to retire?

Hobart Says: A retirement plan is the first step in determining whether or not you have enough income to live on during your retired years. That plan can show us if there’s a gap between how much you have and how much you need. Then we can start taking specific steps to close that gap. In some cases, we’ve even had clients discover they were closer than they realized to their goals. It all starts with a comprehensive plan.

QUESTION: I’ve got a list of things I want to accomplish in the future. How can you help me achieve them?

Hobart Says: We love working with people who have big dreams! And we know that the life you envision for yourself is different than anyone else’s vision. That’s why we take the time to really get to know you, uncovering who you are and what makes you tick. It’s our job to find out what you really want from life and then help you put a plan in place to make it a reality, both before and after retirement.

QUESTION: Will my spouse have enough to live on if I die first?

Hobart Says: Providing for a surviving spouse is a big concern for many of our clients, especially if one spouse has been the primary earner throughout the marriage. When we’re working with a client, we look at all the “what-ifs” and unknowns the future could bring. Then we address those potential scenarios using a variety of strategies, such as maximizing Social Security benefits or exploring life insurance options.

QUESTION: What should I look for when choosing a financial advisor?

Hobart Says: We urge every investor to look for three qualities in their advisor: Honesty, transparency, and open communication. You have a right to know how your money is invested, why it’s invested that way, and how much you’re paying in fees. 

QUESTION: How much should I have saved before retiring?

Hobart Says: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Your ideal retirement savings considers a variety of factors, including retirement lifestyle, where you live, your health, and more. Beware any advisor who throws out a specific number before taking the time to find out who you are and what you want from retirement.

QUESTION: How can I protect my money if the market goes down?

Hobart Says: There are two steps you can take to protect against a market downturn. First, be prepared. It’s essential to regularly review your investments to ensure you’re not taking on too much risk. Second, don’t make emotionally-based decisions when the market drops. Keep your eyes on the long-term picture and stick with your investment strategies.


We want to hear from you! Use the form below to send us your financial questions. We’ll contact you directly with our answer.

Investment advisory services offered through Hobart Private Capital, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance services offered separately through Hobart Insurance Services, LLC, an affiliated insurance agency. Securities offered through Cape Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Hobart Private Capital and Hobart Insurance Services are not affiliated with Cape Securities. We do not provide, and no statement contained herein shall constitute, tax or legal advice. You should consult a tax or legal professional on any such matters. This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide any investment advice or provide the basis for any investment decisions. You should consult your financial adviser prior to making any decision based on any specific information contained herein. By submitting your contact information, you consent to be contacted in the future regarding retirement income strategies that utilize insurance and investment products.