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Questions & Answers
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What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a company like yours?
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1. Look for a Relationship, Not Just a Quote
Anyone can sell you a policy. What you really want is a team that understands your goals, listens deeply, and tailors protection around your needs, not theirs.
Ask: “How will you help me make sure I’m not over- or under-insured?”
2. Seek Out Independent Brokers
Unlike agents tied to one company, independent brokers (like us) can shop multiple carriers and craft a truly custom-fit plan. That means better coverage, better rates and options that adapt as you grow.
Ask: “Which carriers do you work with and how will you choose the right one for me?”
3. Prioritize Education Over Pressure
You should never feel rushed or overwhelmed. A good advisor explains your options clearly, answers every question, and empowers you to make confident decisions.
Ask: “Will you take the time to walk me through the pros and cons of each option?”
4. Choose a Company That Thinks Long-Term
Financial and insurance needs evolve. Whether it’s adding a business partner, planning for retirement, or expanding your team, your advisor should be there through every phase.
Ask: “How do you stay in touch with clients after the initial sale?”
5. Make Sure They’re a Fit for You
You want someone you can call when things go sideways. Someone who knows your name, not just your policy number.
Ask: “What does your client service and follow-up look like?”
If you're considering us at Sentinels Financial Group, we’d love to show you how we combine heart, strategy, and clear communication to build plans that last. No hard sell, just smart, personalized support.
Here's a Checklist of Important Questions you can have on hand when shopping for Insurance & Financial Services:
Getting to Know the Advisor/Team
__Are you an independent broker or tied to a specific carrier?
__How long have you been helping clients like me?
__Do you specialize in any industries or life stages?
__How do you stay in touch with clients over time?
Understanding the Process
__Will yo
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What is the most common type of project or service your company provides?
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At Sentinels Financial Group, the most common type of project we provide is building comprehensive, customized insurance and financial protection plans for small business owners and their families.
What does that typically include?
Our most frequent services often fall into two tracks:
1- Business Owners:
We help protect their business, employees, and long-term vision. This often includes:
*Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs)
*Workers’ Compensation Insurance
*General Liability & Commercial Auto
*Group Health Plans & Employee Benefits
*401(k) and Retirement Plan Setup
*Key Person or Buy-Sell Life Insurance
*Succession & Exit Planning
2- Families:
We help households gain peace of mind and financial confidence with:
*Life Insurance (Term, Whole, or IUL)
*Health Insurance Options (Marketplace & Private)
*Medicare Planning for Seniors
*Income Protection (Disability, Critical Illness)
*Debt Elimination + Retirement Pairing Strategies
What makes us different is that we’re not just selling policies, we’re designing coordinated strategies that evolve with you. Whether you’re hiring your first employee, protecting your growing family, or planning for retirement, our most common “project” is making sure all the moving parts of your plan work together seamlessly.
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In what ways is your company environmentally friendly?
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At Sentinels Financial Group, we believe that protecting your future also means respecting the planet. While we're not a large manufacturing company with a huge carbon footprint, we’ve made intentional choices to be environmentally responsible in the ways that align with our business and values.
Here’s how we stay environmentally conscious:
Paperless by Default
We minimize printing by using secure digital tools for:
-Applications & e-signatures
-Policy delivery & annual reviews
-Client communications and billing
This reduces paper waste, mailing emissions, and clutter—while keeping your documents accessible and secure.
Remote & Local-First Operations
We use:
-Virtual meetings whenever possible to reduce unnecessary driving
-In-person visits focused on serving local businesses, minimizing long commutes
-Hybrid workspaces to reduce the energy footprint of large office buildings
Mindful Materials
When we do print, we use:
-Recycled materials when available
-Small-batch, locally sourced print partners to reduce shipping impact
-Digital brochures and QR-code materials at events instead of bulk flyers
Community Stewardship
We’re invested in local economies and support:
-Small, local businesses to reduce supply chain strain
-Financial literacy programs that include sustainability-conscious budgeting and planning
-Conversations with clients about socially responsible investing (where applicable and appropriate)
We’re always looking for small but meaningful ways to do better for our clients, our communities, and the planet.
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What would you like your customers to know about your company?
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Here’s what we’d love every customer to know about Sentinels Financial Group:
We’re not here to sell you something you don’t need.
We’re here to protect what matters most to you, your family, your business, your future.
We’re independent for a reason.
As an independent brokerage, we’re not tied to one carrier. That means we can shop around on your behalf, compare options, and design a custom-fit plan that actually makes sense for your life, not someone else’s bottom line.
We see the big picture:
Insurance is just one piece. Whether you're building a business, retiring soon, raising a family, or all of the above, we help you put together a complete strategy so nothing gets left to chance.
Relationships come first.
We're not transactional. We're part of your team before, during, and long after the paperwork is signed. We check in. We adjust your plan as you grow. We answer when you call.
Education is at the heart of everything we do.
We believe confident clients make the best decisions. That’s why we explain your options in plain language, answer every question, and make sure you feel empowered not overwhelmed.
If we had to sum it up in one sentence:
We combine deep expertise with genuine care helping you navigate insurance and financial choices with confidence, clarity, and trust.
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What is your company best known for?
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Sentinels Financial Group is best known for providing clear, compassionate guidance and custom-built protection plans for both families and small business owners.
We're especially recognized for:
-Business Insurance Made Simple-
We help tradespeople, service businesses, and local entrepreneurs understand and secure the exact coverage they need, without overpaying or getting lost in fine print. Whether it’s a solo operation or a team of 25, we specialize in making business insurance feel easy and personal.
-Medicare Without the Mayhem-
Seniors and caregivers turn to us because we take the stress out of Medicare. We're known for walking clients through their options clearly, patiently, and without pressure.
-Human-Centered Service-
People remember us for how we treat them with care, not quotas. We’re known for answering the phone, following up when it matters, and making clients feel like part of the team.
-Education First, Sales Second-
Our community workshops, custom guides, and one-on-one consults always prioritize understanding over urgency. Clients trust us because we lead with education, not hard sales.
If someone asked around, they’d probably say:
“They’re the people who actually explain things and make sure you’re protected. They care and they get it done.”
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What separates your company from the competition?
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What makes Sentinels Financial Group different?
We’re not here to push products, we’re here to protect what matters.
? We speak human, not jargon
? We’re independent, so you always come first
? We build custom-fit plans, not cookie-cutter bundles
? We follow up, check in, and actually answer the phone
? We lead with education, not pressure
Real protection. Real people. Real clarity.
Let’s build something that fits you.
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Does your company offer a warranty or guarantee?
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While Sentinels Financial Group doesn’t offer a traditional warranty like you might find with a product or appliance, we do offer what we call our Client Confidence Commitment:
Client Confidence Commitment:
You’ll never be left in the dark.
We promise clear communication, thoughtful recommendations, and ongoing support, even after the paperwork is signed.
Here’s what that means for you:
No-pressure consultations: We educate before we recommend.
Transparent policy reviews: You’ll always know what’s covered (and what’s not).
Proactive check-ins: We don’t set it and forget it. We revisit your plan as life or business evolves.
Advocacy when it counts: If something goes wrong, we’ll help you navigate claims and questions.
While the policies we recommend are backed by licensed carriers with their own terms and guarantees, our service, advocacy, and relationship always come with our personal commitment.
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What questions do customers most frequently ask you? What is your answer?
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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get at Sentinels Financial Group and how we answer them:
“What kind of insurance do I really *need*?”
Our Answer:
That depends on your life, your work, and your goals. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, parent, or nearing retirement, we start with a conversation to understand what actually needs protecting, and what doesn’t.
“Can you shop around for the best rate?”
Our Answer:
Yes! As an independent broker, we’re not tied to one carrier. We compare options across multiple reputable companies to find the best combination of coverage and value for you.
Do you help with Medicare?”
Our Answer:
Absolutely. We specialize in guiding people through the Medicare maze. Whether you're new to Medicare or reviewing your plan during Open Enrollment, we’ll walk you through your options in plain language, no pressure, no sales gimmicks.
“Do I need both life and disability insurance?”
Our Answer:
In many cases, yes, because they protect different risks. Life insurance takes care of your loved ones if you’re gone. Disability insurance protects you if you can’t work due to injury or illness. We’ll help you decide what makes the most sense based on your income, family, and financial plan.
“How often should I review my policies?”
Our Answer:
At least once a year, or any time something major changes (like buying a home, hiring staff, getting married, or launching a business). We offer complimentary reviews to make sure your plan evolves with your life.
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Does your company offer discounts to senior citizens or veterans?
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Sentinels Financial Group doesn’t directly provide discounts ourselves, because we’re not the insurance carrier. But here’s what we do offer:
We actively seek out senior and veteran discounts
As an independent broker, we shop across multiple top-rated carriers. Many of those carriers do offer discounts for:
? Seniors (typically 55+)
? Veterans and active-duty military
? Retirees, AARP members, and federal employees
Our job is to find and apply those savings wherever possible, and we do that with every quote.
Tailored Guidance for Seniors and Veterans
We also specialize in:
* Medicare planning with no-cost consultations
* Life insurance policies with senior-friendly underwriting
* Veteran-friendly financial planning options
* Low-cost final expense or burial insurance
* Coordinating with Tricare, VA benefits, or Social Security
Bottom line: While we don’t issue the discounts ourselves, we go out of our way to make sure you get every discount, advantage, and benefit you’ve earned.
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Describe a project or service that your company recently completed (include challenges, costs, and innovative solutions).
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PROJECT:
Custom Coverage & Benefits for a Growing HVAC Company
Client: Local HVAC business with 14 employees
Services Provided: Business insurance, workers’ comp, group health benefits, and retirement planning
Duration: 4 weeks from first consultation to full implementation
THE CHALLENGE:
The business owner had piecemeal coverage: a general liability policy from one carrier, workers’ comp from another, no group health, and no retirement plan in place.
+They were overpaying on premiums and still exposed to risk
+Employee turnover was rising due to lack of benefits
+The owner wasn’t sure how to compare options or stay compliant
OUR SOLUTION:
We conducted a full risk and benefit assessment and then:
+Bundled coverage with a single carrier to save ~$3,000/year
+Added workers’ comp through a pay-as-you-go plan to improve cash flow
+Launched a group health plan with 3 tiered options to give employees choice
+Set up a SIMPLE IRA plan for retirement with optional employer match
+Provided a clear annual review calendar with built-in checkpoints
COSTS & ROI:
+Policy premiums stayed flat or dropped despite added coverage
+Employee satisfaction improved (3 techs referred friends to apply)
+Business owner now has a succession and protection plan in place
+Time spent “dealing with insurance” dropped by over 80%
WHY IT WORKED:
+We offered clear, side-by-side comparisons
+We handled the carrier negotiations and compliance paperwork
+We acted as an advocate and advisor, not just a salesperson
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Is your company a member of any associations?
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Yes, Sentinels Financial Group is committed to staying current, compliant, and connected. We actively engage with organizations that support excellence in insurance, financial planning, and ethical business practices. We are proud to be associated with:
NAIFA – National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Promoting professional ethics, education, and advocacy across the insurance and financial planning industries.
National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) –
A trusted voice for health insurance professionals, helping us stay up to date on legislative changes, compliance, and best practices.
Chamber of Commerce / Local Business Associations –
We stay connected with our community through regional business alliances and local chambers, specially to support and protect small business owners.
AHIP – America’s Health Insurance Plans (member training & certification)
We maintain AHIP certification to provide compliant, up-to-date Medicare and health coverage advice.
These memberships allow us to stay at the forefront of industry changes and bring the most informed, ethical, and strategic guidance to every client we serve.
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Tell us a little about your company.
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About Sentinels Financial Group:
At Sentinels Financial Group, we help families and small business owners protect what matters most: their health, their livelihood, and their legacy.
We’re an independent insurance and financial services brokerage built on relationships, not quotas. That means we listen first, explain clearly, and tailor coverage to fit your real-life needs not someone else’s sales script.
Whether you're hiring your first employee, choosing a Medicare plan, protecting your business, or building a long-term strategy, our team is here to guide you with clarity and care every step of the way.
We believe the best financial plans aren’t just about money, they're about peace of mind, confidence, and protecting the people you love.
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Has your company received any awards?
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While Sentinels Financial Group doesn’t chase flashy awards, our founder and lead advisor Richard Cox has earned industry certifications and professional recognition for his commitment to ethical service, client education, and long-term financial guidance.
With over 22 years of experience, Richard has guided hundreds of families and business owners through life’s most important financial decisions. He’s completed rigorous training programs, earned respected credentials in retirement and investment planning, and been recognized by peers and clients alike for his personal, purpose-driven approach.
But at the heart of our company’s success is something deeper than certificates or accolades, it’s trust.
Our clients return year after year because:
We listen first, then tailor solutions
We speak plainly, not in sales jargon
We focus on what matters: your goals, your values & your future
What we’re most proud of is the growing community of individuals, families, and small business owners who trust us to walk with them through every season of life.
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What forms of payment do you accept? (cash, check, credit cards, etc.)
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We accept checks and credit cards, and most payments are made securely online for your convenience. Need another option? Just let us know, we’re flexible and happy to work something out that makes things easy for you.
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