Know Who You’re Working With & What It Means for Your Plan

Before you build a financial plan, it’s worth understanding the role of the firm behind your accounts. LPL Financial is the custodian for many Cornerstone clients. They operate as both a broker-dealer and a registered investment adviser. Each role comes with different responsibilities, compensation models, and standards of care. This matters because it impacts the guidance you receive, how your investments are handled, and the fees you pay. That’s why we make it a priority to educate you on the relationship and ensure everything is aligned with your best interest.

Why It Matters:

LPL’s dual registration means they can serve clients in two distinct ways. As a broker-dealer, they execute trades and may offer product-specific advice, typically earning commissions. As a registered investment adviser, they provide ongoing management and fiduciary oversight, typically for a fee based on assets under management. Understanding this difference helps you make sense of how your accounts are managed, what to expect from your advisor, and how potential conflicts of interest are handled. Our role is to help you navigate these nuances so your strategy stays aligned with your goals, not someone else’s sales agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to retire comfortably?

It depends on your lifestyle goals, health care needs, and current assets. We help you calculate a realistic target and a sustainable withdrawal strategy.

What happens if the market drops?

If the market drops, we build in contingency plans and risk-management strategies to help your income plan remain resilient.

Can I still retire if I got a late start?

It’s possible, and we’ll help you assess your options honestly and create a plan that reflects where you are now.

One Plan. Your Retirement, On Your Terms.

Cornerstone Financial provides fiduciary retirement planning services in Columbia, SC for individuals and families seeking clarity and confidence about their financial future. Our retirement strategies align with your goals, values, and real-life needs.

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Planning That Makes a Difference

From retirement readiness to legacy planning, hear how lives have changed when clarity met strategy.

“Ken Calcutt with Cornerstone Financial Management has handled my company's Simple IRA's for many years and handles our Roth IRA Accounts. He is also a "Dave Ramsey" certified financial planner. I have worked with Ken for many years and my experience has been that he consistently provides solid advice that can be trusted. I enjoy working with him.”

- Jeff Stallings

“Our family has been working with Ken for the last 2 years and he is wonderful trust worthy advisor. He set up our kids accounts and answered all of our questions. Highly recommend!”

- Christie

“Ken Calcutt and his team are wonderful to work with. They are very friendly, professional and great listeners. My husband and I have enjoyed getting to know them and getting their help and advice throughout the years. We would highly recommend them to anyone.”

- Polly G

“The word Trustworthy is what comes to mind. Jay walked us through all of our investment options and is extremely knowledgeable. We have met many advisors in the past and Jay definitely stands out from the crowd.”

- Dr. Joe Messina

“Robert is the extremely thorough and knowledgeable with the ability to make complicated financial information easy to understand. He is able to understand businesses and refines their approach to best suit the company's needs. My husband and I both really enjoy learning from him.”

- Shantal

“I'm a local real estate broker, and Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider. I would refer any of my clients to Ken and Jay at Cornerstone Financial Management for the pure fact that they are educators at heart and not salesmen. They have your best interest with your investments and will be up front and honest. I know first hand since they manage my Mom's retirement, and if they did not, she would probably be living with me. Thank goodness! And of course they are also and Endorsed Local Provide from Dave Ramsey."

- Jesse Grote