FINANCIAL PLANNING

We believe our approach is different:

We focus on six areas to help you get your financial house in order. We go beyond the numbers to bring value to your life through financial planning.

Organization

Are you a bit overwhelmed with understanding how your financial picture looks as you plan for your future? We help you pull all the pieces together and come up with an action plan so you know both where you are today as well as where you can be in the future.

Accountability

Some of us use exercise “buddies” or fitness coaches to keep us on track with our health. We can be your financial “coach” and regularly review your progress towards meeting your goals and encouraging you to follow through.

Objectivity

Sometimes we may give you advice that you don’t want to hear; we’ll tell you when we think you are on the right path but also when we think you are not. We’ll help you to take the emotion out of your decisions.

Proactivity

It usually pays to be prepared rather than reactive. We’ve helped countless families navigate all life transitions. We leverage those experiences to help you anticipate transitions so you are financially prepared for them rather than being surprised.

Education

We strive to learn more each year with the shifting financial landscape we work in. Likewise, we want our clients to be well informed. We help you understand not only “what” we recommend, but also the “why,” so that you are empowered to make an informed decision.

Partnership

Our success is predicated on your success. We are in this together. We take the time to understand your circumstances, needs, and objectives and will work collaboratively with you. We’re transparent about our fee so you always know what services you are receiving and what our compensation is.

Financial planning is a significant focus of our service offering.

We believe having a CFP® to help you navigate the complex financial world is crucial. Financial planning covers a broad spectrum of topics. Below are some of the questions we can help clients with:

Will I be able to retire when I want to? When should I start planning for this?
  • Do I have enough saved in the right places?
  • Can I still retire if my home is not paid off?
  • Pension Analysis: My employer offers a pension with many options. Which option do I choose?
  • Social Security: When should I begin collecting? Would I benefit from a social security strategy being utilized?
  • I don’t know how it works with taking an income from my retirement accounts. Can I have money deposited each month?
  • Can I make a withdrawal for a large purchase?
Budget and Cash flow planning: I could use some advice.
  • Where should I invest my savings each month? (checking, savings, certificates of deposit, health savings accounts, a retirement account, a regular investment account?)
  • How much should I set aside in an emergency fund?
  • Can you help me with distribution planning from my retirement savings?
Debt Analysis: I don’t know if my loans that I have are the best for my situation.
  • What debt should I pay off first or pay down sooner?
  • Should I consider a consolidation loan?
  • Should I borrow against my 401k?
  • Should I save more or focus on paying down debt?
What things should I consider when getting a new vehicle?
  • Should I buy or lease a car?
  • Should I use my home equity loan to buy a car?
  • Should I buy new or used? Can I afford it?
  • Should I borrow or pay cash for my vehicle?
I want to buy a home or investment property. What things should I consider?
  • Should I get a fixed rate or variable rate? Should I pay points? Can I afford it?
  • I don’t have the down payment right now. How can I plan for it?
How should I save for retirement?
  • What are the differences between 401k, 403b, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA?
  • If I have a monthly surplus of income, where should I save it?
  • What are my options for my retirement account if I leave my employer?
  • What are the pros and cons of leaving my retirement account with my previous employer versus rolling it out?
Do I have the right insurance plans with the right coverage?
  • How much life insurance should I have?
  • Should I consider long term care insurance?
  • Can you help me understand my health insurance plans with my employer? Should I consider a health savings account?
I don’t know when I should start estate planning. What are some things I should consider now?
  • When should I have a will?
  • How often should I look at my beneficiaries?
  • Should I have more life insurance?
  • Should I have my accounts titled with Transfer on Death?
Are there strategies for tax planning that I should consider?
Employee Benefit options: Can you help me understand the options?

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

We begin every client relationship with a conversation – complimentary, casual, and pressure-free. We take time upfront to get to know you, your unique goals, and outline how Cornerstone may be able to help you.  Fill out this form to schedule yours today.

Thinking about retirement?

  • Understand your retirement readiness with our free RETIREMENT PLANNING CHECKLIST.
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