Cornerstone is primarily an investment management firm. However, investing is not done in a vacuum. It is usually done to achieve a goal such as financial independence at retirement, providing an income or funding a college education.
Proper investing must take into account the following factors:
- Objectives
- Time frame
- Risk tolerance/Investment Personality
- Liquidity & Income Needs
- Asset Allocation
- Diversification
- Other investments, if any
- Asset exclusions
- Economic and market climate
Personal Investment Policy Statement
To ascertain these, the first meeting with clients generally takes 1 – 2 hours. Then, I put my thoughts on paper about you specifically and address these factors. I ask you to look it over and comment to make sure we are on the same page. This is the process of putting together a personal investment policy statement for you that serves as the basis for investment management.
Goal Setting
I will work with you to help you determine how much you need to invest and what returns we need in order to meet your goals. On a regular basis we will talk or meet to make sure we stay on track.
Team Approach to Planning
I feel strongly that it is best for your professional advisors to work as a team – a CPA for taxes and tax planning, an attorney for legal issues and estate planning, an insurance specialist for risk coverage and an investment manager to manage your investments.