Beacon Retirement Group is a registered investment advisor (RIA), which probably doesn't mean much to people outside the financial world. In plain English, a Registered Investment Advisor is registered with their state or the SEC to provide investment advice.
As an RIA, Beacon Retirement Group has a fiduciary responsibility to act in an investor's best interest. Unlike some "advisors," Beacon Retirement Group is held to a higher standard due to registration requirements. We find that this gives our investment clients additional peace of mind.
Charles Hackett, Investment Advisor Representative
Charles began his career in retirement planning in 2001 when he opened his own insurance brokerage. A succesful career in radio and television took him to various places around the country, and even overseas to London, where he lived for two years. But shortly after his move to Boston in 1999, he decided it was time for a career change.
"I had a great time in radio. I got to see and do some things that I still can't believe. I mean, how many people do you know that have spent 20 minutes alone with Paul McCartney drinking tea and eating cheese sandwiches?!"
An unfortunate turn of events for his grandmother in the late 90's gave Charles a first-hand look at what can happen when proper planning isn't done. "It was devistating for our family to see Grandma go through what she did. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. But unfortunately, too many people just don't know where to turn for assistance. I wanted to be that person, especially for retirees."
Charles sharpened his skills as an insurance professional with a focus on Safety Centered Retirement Planning. He still owns and operates Hackett Retirement Solutions & Insurance, Inc. where he offers life insurance, deferred fixed annuities, income annuities, and portfolio protection strategies for his clients who are retired and those who soon will be. "There are some very prudent, conservative insurance products for retirees who don't want any risk, but anyone can offer products. It's my goal to establish, 1. Can I help with a problem the person has?, and 2. Is this someone that I can build a solid working relationship with... do we like each other?"
That criteria transfers to Beacon Retirement Group as well. For younger clients, or those with a higher risk tolerance, BRG offers fee based services focusing on low cost options. "Paying a "load" on a mutual fund never sat well with me personally, so why would I expect a client to feel differently? What can I say, I'm frugal!"
Charles is active in a number of professional organizations including the National Association for Insurance and Financial Advisors. (NAIFA) He sat for five years as a member of his town's finance committe and as an alternate board member for the Council on Aging. He recieved commendations from the U.S. Congress and state House of Representatives for his community service work.
Mr. Hackett is a golf fanatic, former pilot, lover of good food and a world traveler. He lives in Merrimac with his wife, daughter and son.
Charles carries the designation, CLTC, which stands for certified in long term care. Not many financial advisors make the effort to become familiar with long term care planning. "I think that's just wrong," says Mr. Hackett. "Here you have what could be the most devastating thing that could happen to a retirement portfolio, much worse than inflation, a market correction, etc., and you have advisors that just want to talk about returns? I don't get it."
However, Mr. Hackett is quick to point out, "There is an alphabet soup of designations that people can get. Some are great, some aren't worth the ink it takes to write them. I always tell people not to do business with ANYONE simply because of the initials they have after their name. Most people know when the person they're sitting with knows their stuff... initials or not." Consumers must do their due dilligence. There are ways to verify credentials of any professionals. Your state securities regulator and division of insurance are good places to start.
