Blog

A little about me outside the office

chadley@sharpstonefinancial.com (Chadley Crull) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:29:22 GMT

Chadley is a proud father of three and a grandfather, and family plays a central role in his life. His wife, Genny, along with their children and grandchildren, are a constant source of motivation and a reminder of the importance of planning for the future—both for today and for generations to come.

Outside of work, Chadley enjoys staying active and connected. He and Genny appreciate the social side of life and spend as much time as possible near the water, whether boating, relaxing, or simply enjoying the view. Chadley also has a long-standing interest in cars and trucks and enjoys restoring, driving, and taking the occasional road trip.

Faith, family, and friendships are core values that guide Chadley’s life and work. These principles serve as his personal compass and influence the way he approaches relationships—with his family, his community, and the clients he is honored to serve.

What Clients Most Often Misunderstand About Life Insurance

chadley@sharpstonefinancial.com (Chadley Crull) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:28:01 GMT

1. “Life insurance is only for when I pass away.”

Many people are unaware that certain types of life insurance are designed with living benefits and planning features, not just death benefits. Understanding the differences between policy types is key.

2. “All life insurance works the same way.”

Term life, whole life, and cash-value policies serve very different purposes. Without education, people often compare them incorrectly or dismiss options that may fit their goals better.

3. “Life insurance is always expensive.”

Cost varies widely based on the type of policy, structure, and goals. In many cases, there are flexible options that fit different budgets and planning needs.

4. “Taxes aren’t part of the conversation.”

Tax treatment is often misunderstood or overlooked. While life insurance has unique tax considerations, it’s important for clients to understand how policies are treated, not assume outcomes.

5. “Once it’s set up, I never need to review it.”

Life changes, and policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure they still align with goals, family needs, and overall planning priorities.

What Clients Most Often Misunderstand About Annuities

chadley@sharpstonefinancial.com (Chadley Crull) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:24:21 GMT

1. “All annuities are the same.”

Annuities come in many forms and are designed for different purposes—income planning, accumulation, or risk management considerations. Understanding the intent of the product matters more than the name.

2. “Annuities are only for very wealthy people.”

Annuities are used by individuals across a wide range of financial situations. The key is whether the features align with a person’s goals—not their net worth.

3. “My money is locked up forever.”

Liquidity, access, and flexibility vary by product. While annuities are long-term tools, many offer structured access options, which should be clearly explained before any decision is made.

4. “Annuities are investments.”

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Annuities are insurance products, not securities, and are designed to address income planning and risk considerations rather than market speculation.

5. “I don’t need an annuity if I have other retirement accounts.”

Annuities are often misunderstood as replacements rather than complements. For some individuals, they may serve a specific role alongside other accounts, depending on goals and preferences.