Our approach
Wealth management as a long-term partnership
We don’t pitch products. We don’t time markets. We build comprehensive plans, implement them with discipline, and adjust as life changes.
The foundation
Independence + fiduciary
Cornerstone is independent. We don’t sell products, don’t earn commissions, don’t have proprietary funds, don’t take referral fees from outside firms.
We’re a fee-only fiduciary. Our advice is held to the highest legal standard at all times, on all decisions. The Form ADV that governs us is publicly available; we’ll point you to it during introduction.
This independence shapes everything. The investments we recommend, the tax strategies we propose, the products we don’t use — all flow from being free of conflicts.
The approach
Six principles
Plan first, products second
Most wealth managers lead with portfolio construction. We lead with: "What does your life require?" The portfolio comes from the plan, not the other way around.
Tax planning is part of investing
Tax-aware portfolio construction, location strategy across taxable + retirement accounts, Roth conversion timing, charitable giving structure.
Behavior is the biggest risk
Markets aren’t the threat — emotional reactions to markets are. Most of our value is helping clients not make the wrong move at the wrong time.
Diversified, low-cost, indexed where appropriate
Most of our portfolios are indexed. We use active management where it has demonstrated edge (small caps, EM, tax-managed credit). We’re skeptical of expensive funds.
Coordinate with your team
CPA, estate attorney, insurance broker, business advisor — we coordinate. We’re the financial-planning hub, not a silo.
Long-term relationships
Average client tenure: 14 years. The right relationship deepens over time as we know your family + your situation evolves.