Mark Hand
Retire With Confidence
Let's create your tailored comprehensive plan
Invest in Your
Creating a Better Financial Future for You and Your Family
As an independent financial advisor, my mission is to provide my clients with the highest level of personalized service and guidance to help them pursue their financial objectives.
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to helping individuals and small businesses navigate the complex world of retirement planning. I understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, and I take a personalized approach to developing comprehensive retirement strategies that meet each client’s specific needs and goals.
As an independent advisor, I have the freedom and flexibility to select the best investment products and services available in the marketplace. I am not beholden to any particular company or product, which means my clients can trust that my advice is always in their best interest.
My ultimate goal is to help my clients pursue financial security and financial confidence, so they can focus on the things that matter most in their lives. I take great pride in building long-term relationships with my clients, and I am committed to being a trusted partner as they navigate the many financial challenges they may face throughout their lives.
When you work with me, you can expect a personalized, attentive, and responsive experience. I am always available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you stay on track towards pursuing your financial objectives. Let me be your partner on the road to financial success.
Our Services
Financial Services
Medicare Services
To provide the most appropriate choices in relation to your current situation, I commit substantial time to staying updated on regulations and plan designs as the Medicare insurance marketplace continues to experience significant changes.
Selecting the optimal Medicare insurance plan can be a complex and daunting task. If you’re eligible or approaching Medicare eligibility, I’m here to guide you through the application process and assess your potential eligibility for the Connecticut Medicare Savings Program. To make things easier, I’m available to meet with most clients in the comfort of their own homes.
Before our consultation, I carefully gather and analyze all pertinent information related to your unique circumstances. This allows me to identify suitable plans available in your area. During our meeting, we’ll go over the details of each plan and assist you in making an informed decision.
As part of our ongoing service, I can also arrange annual meetings to discuss any plan alterations and changes in your personal situation. Keep in mind that a plan that works well one year might not be the best fit the following year, and I’m here to help you stay on the right path.
Basics of Medicare
Enrollment Periods
Most people who are on Medicare are 65 or older. There are some people who are under 65 who qualify for Medicare because they have certain disabilities. Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). It usually covers about 80 percent of medical costs. What can you do to cover the rest? Take a look at these ABC’s of Medicare to learn more:
Medicare Part A — Hospital Insurance
- Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals
- Helps cover skilled nursing facility, hospice and home health care
Medicare Part B — Medical Insurance
- Helps cover doctors’ services, hospital outpatient care and home health care
- Helps cover preventive services
- You usually pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage
Medicare Part C — Medicare Advantage
- Combines Medicare Part A, Part B and usually Part D coverage in one convenient plan (you continue paying your Part B premium)
- Can cover extra coverage that goes beyond Original Medicare
- Medicare plans managed by private insurance companies
Medicare Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
- Medicare plan provided by private insurance companies
The enrollment period for Medicare can vary depending on the type of Medicare coverage you’re looking to enroll in.
Initial Enrollment Period
This is the period when you are first eligible to enroll in Medicare. It typically starts three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month, for a total of seven months.
Other Enrollment Periods
If you didn’t enroll during the initial enrollment period, other times you can enroll and/or make changes are:
- General enrollment period: January 1st through March 31st each year. Enrollment takes effect July 1st.
- Annual enrollment period: October 15th through December 7th each year. Enrollment take effect January 1st.
- Medicare Advantage disenrollment period: January 1st through February 14th.
Special Enrollment Periods
Sometimes situations change, and you might be eligible to enroll in Medicare (if you haven’t already) under the following circumstances:
- Loss of employer health coverage
- Move out of your provider’ service area
- Have Medicaid
- Quality for “Extra Help”
- Live in an institution / health care facility
Late Enrollment Penalties
Late enrollment in Medicare can cause penalties to be incurred. The following are the penalties.
Part-B: 1% of the current premium for each month you are late, up to a maximum of 10%/year.
Part-D: 1% of the average national premium for each month you are late, rounded to the nearest $0.10.
Enrolling on time is important. Contact me to get enrolled. Remember, there is no charge or obligation when you meet with me.
More Than a Financial Advisor
Mark Hand
LPL Financial Advisor
About Mark
“Above all, live with integrity; all else falls into place if this is your guide.”
As a financial advisor, I believe that integrity is the cornerstone of any successful financial plan. With this guiding principle, I have been helping individuals and small businesses pursue their retirement goals since 2013.
Prior to joining Gateway, I had a successful career in technology finance and built a thriving business-to-business marketing services firm. My specialties in these fields allows me to provide comprehensive financial advice to my clients.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in business & professional management from Nova Southeastern University, where I graduated with distinction. I am a Connecticut native living in Old Saybrook with my wife and two daughters.
I believe in giving back to the community through mentorship and service. I have been involved in the Lantern Mentoring Program, where I worked with elementary-aged children, helping them with their homework, keeping them active through open gym sessions, and serving as a positive role model.
I am also actively involved in church-related service work. I have led mission trips to build and repair homes in Missouri, Louisiana, Virginia and West Virginia, and I have assisted in resettling refugee families from Syria by helping them find jobs and schools.
When I’m not helping my clients, I enjoy spending time with my family, sailing, cycling, cooking, reading, and music. With a commitment to integrity and community, I strive to help my clients work toward their financial goals while also making a positive impact in the world around us. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you plan for your financial future.
Do Our Values Align?
Our Ideal Client
As a financial advisor, my area of specialization lies in offering comprehensive financial planning services, which include developing tailor-made retirement strategies for affluent individuals and families. I cater to the specific needs of clients who are relocating to the CT shoreline; those in need of retirement and investment strategies or Medicare planning, and individuals seeking assistance with setting up retirement, personal investment accounts, or rollovers. With my qualifications and experience in the field, I am equipped to provide my clients with the guidance they need as they seek to preserve their financial future.
My holistic approach to financial planning means that I consider all aspects of my clients’ financial life, including their retirement plans, investments, insurance coverage, estate planning, tax strategy, and more. I believe that a comprehensive plan is the best way to ensure that my clients are well-prepared for their retirement years and any unexpected events that may arise.
When it comes to retirement planning, I work closely with my clients to develop a tailored strategy that takes into account their desired retirement lifestyle, income needs, risk tolerance, and other factors. My goal is to help my clients pursue their retirement goals and maintain their desired standard of living throughout their retirement years.
At my firm, I am committed to providing my clients with the knowledge, guidance, and resources they need to make informed financial decisions and work toward their long-term goals. If you’re relocating to the CT shoreline and looking for a holistic financial planning approach and retirement strategy that works for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me today.
Insights & Market Commentary
FAQ's
What is an independent financial advisor and what do they do?
A financial advisor is a professional who helps clients manage their finances, investments, and wealth. They offer personalized advice and guidance based on their clients' financial goals and needs. Financial advisors can provide services such as retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning, estate planning, and more.
Why should I hire a financial advisor?
Hiring a financial advisor can be beneficial for those who need help managing their finances, planning for the future, or making investment decisions. Financial advisors can provide expert advice and guidance to help clients achieve their financial goals and make informed financial decisions.
How can I determine whether my advisor is a qualified professional?
When looking for a financial advisor, using BrokerCheck can provide valuable information about the advisor's background, including their employment history, registration status, and any disciplinary actions or customer complaints. By using BrokerCheck, investors can make informed decisions about which financial advisor to work with and avoid potential fraud or misconduct.
What services do financial advisors typically offer?
Financial advisors can offer a wide range of services, including retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning, estate planning, risk management, and more. The specific services offered may vary depending on the advisor's experience and qualifications.
What is your approach to helping clients navigate market volatility?
As an independent financial advisor, we believe in developing a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with clients' long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. We review and rebalance portfolios regularly and provide education to help clients understand their investment strategy. During times of market volatility, we stay in close communication with our clients to provide guidance and support. By taking a strategic, long-term approach, we help our clients pursue their financial goals despite market fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that managing your finances can be a daunting task, and that’s why we’re here to help. As experienced professionals in the financial industry, we are committed to providing our clients with personalized advice and guidance to help them work toward their financial goals. In this section, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand what a financial advisor is, how we can help you, and what to expect when working with us. We hope this resource will provide you with valuable information and help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Invest in Your Future Today
Contact Me to Learn More
Take control of your financial future today! Contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how my comprehensive financial planning services can help you work toward your retirement goals. Whether you’re relocating to the CT shoreline, in need of rolling over your 401(k), or simply looking to set up retirement or personal investment accounts, I’m here to help. With my qualifications in retirement planning and holistic approach to financial management, I’m confident that together we can build a customized plan that meets your unique needs and helps you maintain the lifestyle you desire. Don’t wait, contact me today to take the first step towards seeking your financial future.
Our Location
Gateway Financial Partners
929 Boston Post Rd. Ste 10
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
860.943.4122
mhand@mygfpartner.com