Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to help you protect what matters most.
Your financial life is more than a collection of disconnected policies and documents... it’s a whole picture that deserves a thoughtful, coordinated strategy. That’s why we’ve created this FAQ resource.
Here, you’ll find straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often from individuals, families, and business owners. From protecting your loved ones to preparing your business for the unexpected, our goal is to help you make sense of what can sometimes feel like a “junk drawer” of financial documents.
These FAQs are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind... while showing how each piece of your financial world can work together in a dynamic, evolving process.
✨ If you don’t see your question here, reach out... chances are, you’re not the only one wondering.
🟦 General & Building Trust
Why should I work with Sharon Lusk & Associates instead of going directly to an insurance company?
Unlike insurance companies that can only offer their own products, we’re not tied to just one carrier. That independence allows us to design strategies around your needs... not theirs. But we go further than that. Through our 360° Strategies, we take a big-picture view of your entire financial life... coordinating how each piece works together. This means you don’t just get a policy (if needed); you get a coordinated plan that protects your family, your business, and your legacy from every angle.
How do I know your guidance is truly in my best interest?
Every recommendation begins with listening. We start by understanding your goals, concerns, and existing plans. From there, we explain your options in plain language and give you clear choices. You’ll always know why we’re suggesting something and how it fits into your bigger picture. Transparency is at the heart of what we do... and you’ll never feel pressured into a decision. Our goal is to give you the confidence to move forward with clarity.
Do you work with my existing financial advisor, CPA, or attorney?
Absolutely. We believe in The Power of Coordinated Thinking — making sure your financial life works together, not in pieces.
What makes your approach different?
Unlike companies that focus on selling products, we take a proactive and collaborative approach. We understand that behind every financial decision is something deeply personal: your security, your loved ones, your business, your legacy. That’s why we don’t just look at numbers — we look at your story. Using our 360° Strategies, we coordinate each piece of your financial life so your plan adapts with you instead of falling behind. The result is clarity, confidence, and protection at every stage of your financial journey.
🟨 For Families & Loved Ones
What type of life insurance do I really need, and how much is enough?
It depends on your family’s goals and budget. Together, we’ll review what you want to protect, your income, mortgage, or future and design the right coverage.
What happens to my family if something unexpected happens to me?
One of the greatest fears families face is, “What will happen to my loved ones if I’m no longer here?” Planning ahead ensures your family can remain financially stable, maintain their lifestyle, and avoid unnecessary hardship during an already difficult time. We help put protection in place so your loved ones are secure... giving you peace of mind that their future is safeguarded, no matter what life brings.
How can I make sure my retirement income lasts?
Retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying whether your money will run out. That’s why we create strategies designed to provide reliable, steady income for your lifetime. We look at your full financial picture, coordinate with your other resources, and adapt as your needs change. The goal is to give you peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard for.
What’s the difference between long-term care insurance and disability income protection?
Disability protection replaces income while you’re working. Long-term care covers daily living assistance later in life.
When is the right time to start estate or legacy planning?
The best time is now. Legacy planning isn’t just for the wealthy... it’s about ensuring your wishes are honored and your family is protected.
🟪 For Business Owners
What happens to my business if something happens to me or a key employee?
For many businesses, the sudden loss of an owner or key team member can create serious financial and operational challenges. Key person coverage and continuity planning help protect against these risks. By putting the right safeguards in place, we ensure your business can continue running, your employees remain secure, and your family is not left carrying the burden. Planning ahead means your business can weather the unexpected and stay on course.
How do I protect my business partner and my family with a buy-sell agreement?
A buy-sell agreement is like a blueprint for the future of your business. When properly funded, it ensures that if you or your partner can no longer continue, ownership transfers smoothly and fairly. This protects your family by guaranteeing they receive the true value of your share... without the stress of legal disputes or financial strain. At the same time, it protects your partner by giving them a clear path forward. The result is stability, fairness, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
What is business continuity planning, and why is it important?
Business continuity planning answers the “what ifs” that can keep owners up at night: illness, disability, retirement, or even death. Without a plan, these events can disrupt operations, hurt employee confidence, or even jeopardize the future of your company. With a continuity plan in place, your employees, customers, and family know exactly how the business will move forward. It’s about protecting the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build... and ensuring your company remains strong no matter what comes its way.
Can I offer benefits like retirement or supplemental executive plans without breaking the budget?
Absolutely. Employee benefits don’t have to be one-size-fits-all or cost-prohibitive. We design tailored benefit strategies that fit your financial capacity while still being attractive to employees and rewarding to key leaders. From retirement plans to supplemental executive perks, the right structure helps you retain top talent, stay competitive, and foster loyalty... all without stretching your business beyond what makes sense financially.
How do I prepare my business for sale, succession, or transition to family?
Preparing a business for transition is one of the most important... and often overlooked steps in ownership. Whether you plan to sell, pass the business to a partner, or transition it to family, the process should be intentional, not rushed. We help you design strategies that maximize business value, minimize tax consequences, and make the transition as smooth as possible. The goal is to preserve what you’ve built, honor your vision, and provide confidence to both you and your successors.
🟩 How It Works
What does a “complimentary policy/plan review” include?
Think of it as a financial check-up... but with a bigger purpose. We’ll review your current policies and strategies to ensure they still fit your life today. Along the way, we’ll identify any gaps, overlaps, or opportunities you may not see. Our role is to help you make sense of what often feels like a “junk drawer” of financial documents and show you how each piece can work together as part of a coordinated, evolving process. There’s no cost, no obligation, and no pressure... just clarity and peace of mind.
How do your services work — do I pay a fee or commission?
Transparency matters. Most of our compensation comes directly from the carriers we represent, not from your pocket. That means our focus is on finding the right solution for you, not selling a particular product. We explain everything upfront so you know exactly how we’re compensated and can feel confident there are no surprises.
Can you help me if I already have existing policies or plans?
Absolutely. In fact, reviewing what you already own is one of the most valuable things we do. We’ll assess whether your current policies are still aligned with your goals, highlight any gaps or overlaps, and only recommend updates if they make sense for you. Sometimes the best solution is simply organizing and coordinating what you already have.
Do you offer virtual meetings as well as in-person consultations?
Yes, we meet wherever you’re most comfortable.
What information do I need to bring to our first meeting?
.Just yourself and any questions you have. If you already have policies or accounts, bring them... we’ll sort through the details together.
How do I get started, and what’s the first step?
Schedule a consultation. Our first conversation is about your goals, concerns, and vision for the future.
Still have questions? You’re not alone... every individual, family, and business owner has unique concerns. That’s why we don’t just give answers; we create coordinated strategies designed around your life, your goals, and your future.
