Frequently asked questions
We asked existing clients what they wanted to know on their first contact with us, or their first visit to the site. These are the answers.
What are your credentials?
Jeff graduated from Vanderbilt University and holds a Master’s from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is life and health insurance licensed in 20 states, long-term care licensed and Medicare licensed, and holds a Social Security professional certification.
Unrelated to any of that: he is a former U.S. Navy submarine officer and commander of his local VFW post. Also not a credential, but worth saying — Jeff is in the pre-retirement years himself, with children, grandchildren and retired parents, and is applying the same knowledge to the same questions you probably have.
How are you paid?
We are not fee-based, except in some instances of Social Security counseling. We remain a service practice, and we are paid by the companies whose products we recommend — but only where those products are a fit under the standards of suitability and best interest.
What are you not?
We are not a CPA, CFP, CLU or estate attorney. We stay in our lane, but we work with these professionals every day, and many of our clients come to us through their referrals.
Are you going to push a product on me?
We would be foolish to say yes, of course. But here is the honest version: we are busy enough that when a prospect is no longer a prospect, we move on rather than waste anyone’s time.
We do not push a product. We try to help you build a plan. Usually that plan includes advice and products we do not offer, alongside ones we do.
How do I contact you without wasting my time?
Two ways: book a call, or fill out one of the forms on this site. You can also text (540) 618-7071, which is what most of our clients do, or simply call it.
We do not waste time. We assume you are professional, and so are we.
Question we did not answer?
Goat Planning is an insurance and retirement income practice. Jeff Batson is a Registered Financial Consultant® licensed in life, health, annuities and Medicare; he is not an attorney, CPA, or securities-licensed advisor, and nothing here is legal, tax, or investment advice. Any guarantees discussed are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.