Our Process:

01

Clarify Education Goals

We begin with a conversation about your child’s education path and what kind of support you want to provide.

02

Evaluate Your Options

We assess savings tools, tax benefits, and how education planning fits into your total plan.

03

Integrate and Adjust

We build an education funding strategy that evolves with your family and protects your long-term financial health.

Review College Costs Schedule Your Discovery

Who It’s For:

Parents, grandparents, and guardians who want to support a child’s education while staying on track with their own financial priorities.

Why It Matters:

The cost of higher education is rising faster than inflation and without a plan, families often face difficult tradeoffs or debt burdens that echo for decades. Cornerstone Financial helps you prepare for what’s ahead, with strategies that work within your means and goals.

As fiduciary advisors, we guide you through savings options, financial aid impacts, and tax considerations so you can support your child’s future without sacrificing your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save for multiple children at once?

We build in contingency plans and risk-management strategies to help your income plan remain resilient.

What’s the best way to save for college?

It depends on your goals, timeframe, and tax situation. We help you compare 529 plans, custodial accounts, and other savings vehicles.

Will saving affect my child’s financial aid?

Yes, saving can affect financial aid, but not as much as many people think. While savings might slightly reduce aid, having money set aside can help your child avoid debt and give you more options.

Schedule Your Discovery

Start building an education plan that works for your whole financial life.

Plan for Education Without Losing
Sight of Your Future

 

Cornerstone Financial provides fiduciary college planning services in Columbia, SC. Cornerstone Financial helps families fund education in a way that’s smart, sustainable, and aligned with their greater goals.

What Our Clients Say

“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