Frequently Ask Questions

FAQs for Our Certified Financial Planner

Working with Oxford Planning Group

Who is your typical client?

Individuals, professionals, families, pre-retirees, retirees and business owners

Do I need to live in Maryland to work with Oxford Planning Group?

No, you do not. We are happy meet with clients locally or virtually depending on preferences and have secure measures in place for virtual meetings.

Are virtual meetings secure?

o Virtual meetings are secured using data encryption and in addition avoid sharing account numbers and other personal information in online and email transmissions.

The Financial Planning Process

What is financial planning?

Financial planning is a coordinated and ongoing process involving the review of retirement income, investments, insurance, estate concerns, education funding, and tax planning.

What does the financial planning process involve?

Your Certified Financial Planner at Oxford Planning Group will work closely with you to review your goals, based on your unique needs and situation. We’ll offer realistic recommendations to help you prioritize your goals and design an overall plan. Our process may include retirement planning, business succession planning, analysis of insurance needs, review of taxes, investment management, education planning, paying off student loans and other financial planning areas specific to your financial planning.

Can you review life and health policies I already own?

Yes, will review all current insurance holdings. Our process looks for any gaps in your current insurance holdings.  Oxford Planning does not sell insurance.  If additional information is needed, it can be requested from your insurance agent.   

Can you work with my tax preparer or attorney?

Oxford Planning is happy to coordinate with both your attorney and/or tax preparer. We do not offer accounting or legal services, but can help integrate these items with your financial planning.

Pre-Retirement, Retirement, Rollovers

Why do I need a financial planner after I’ve retired?

Life is constantly evolving and comes with many changes in direction and unexpected detours at any age. Oxford Planning Group helps clients navigate these changes seamlessly. Even if things are steady, keeping on track requires monitoring. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) practitioner will help you look at all of the financial aspects of your life: estate planning, insurance needs, selling a business, tax planning, and much more. We can also review your current plan to offer a second opinion.

How do I decide when to retire?

Our CFP® professionals evaluate spending, income, Social Security, investments, taxes, other expenses such as healthcare or long-term care, charitable giving and personal goals to determine the best time for you.

Can you help me rollover old 401ks?

A rollover isn’t the right choice for everyone. We compare your current plan with other options, looking at investments, fees, services, withdrawal rules, protections, and tax considerations before making a recommendation.

When appropriate, we can assist with the rollover from 401k’s and other plan rollovers

Why do I need an estate plan?

A properly prepared estate plan will help to ensure that your investments and property will be inherited according to your wishes. In addition, if you want to maintain a higher level of control, various trust options can be considered.

Business Owners

How do I set up a retirement plan for my small business?

We’ll guide you in selecting a plan in line with your expectations of cost, while meeting employees’ needs to make it a valuable benefit. Then we provide ongoing education to your employees to guide them in available options. Once the plan is in place, we monitor the performance and diversification of the plan’s investments, along with performing other tasks that can reduce your risk of fiduciary liability and lessen your workload.

As a business owner, how can I save money for retirement?

Certain retirement savings plans are available just for business owners, as well as retirement savings options available to anyone. We’ll talk about which combination of options may help to reduce income taxes and move you toward your goals.

What type of insurance do I need as a business owner?

Insurance for your business should be a part of your total financial plan. There are some insurances that are required by law and other types are required if you want to secure a loan, get a business license and meet other typical business needs.

Tax Planning

What is the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?

Tax preparation looks back at the previous year, while tax planning happens throughout the year to identify opportunities to potentially reduce your tax burden. Strategies may include managing investment gains and losses, maximizing retirement contributions, and taking advantage of eligible deductions. Oxford Planning Group can also coordinate with your accountant to help align your financial and tax strategies.

Knowledge center

Still have questions?