Cornerstone has been providing advisory services since 1995. Cornerstone is owned by
Nick Dionisos and Michael Kelley. Mr. Dionisos is the President, holding an ownership
position of 45%, and Mr. Kelley, as the Vice-President, holds an ownership position of 45%.
Mrs. Fanourakis and Mr. Kaplan each have 5% ownership positions.
As of December 31, 2023 Cornerstone managed $417,254,635 on a discretionary basis and
managed $3,738,425 on a nondiscretionary basis. Additionally, Cornerstone advises on
approximately $36,000,000 of held-away, client-directed brokerage accounts.
Investment Management Services
Our firm provides investment management services regarding the investment of client
assets. We manage assets and view our clients’ financial picture from a variety of different
perspectives, including, but not limited to, investment performance, tax efficiency, and
wealth preservation and transfer.
We construct client portfolios through the ongoing purchase and sale of stocks (including
exchange listed securities, securities traded over-the-counter and American Depository
Receipts), mutual funds, exchange traded funds, option contracts, certificates of deposit,
municipal and corporate debt securities, and U.S. government securities. The allocation of
assets may be made, with client approval, through independent investment managers
(“Independent Managers”).
To assist clients in the management of their financial affairs, we may also provide advice on
interests in partnerships investing in real estate or oil and gas, investments related to
private corporations and debt instruments, and other assets held by clients or in which
clients may be interested; however, we generally recommend or select only the former
group of securities within investment accounts that we manage.
We follow a similar investment policy with respect to most of our accounts, with
adjustment for the individual needs and circumstances of each account. Accounts are
reviewed at least quarterly by our portfolio managers, and securities positions receive
continuous management. As of December 31, 2023, we managed 920 accounts for 404
clients. Our portfolio managers consider the individual needs of each client in making
purchase and sale decisions within clients’ accounts. Clients may impose reasonable
restrictions on the investment authority provided to Cornerstone.
We use a third-party platform to facilitate management of held away assets such as defined
contribution plan participant accounts, with discretion. The platform allows us to avoid
being considered to have custody of Client funds since we do not have direct access to
Client log-in credentials to affect trades. We are not affiliated with the platform in any way
and receive no compensation from them for using their platform. A link will be provided to
the Client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform. Once Client account(s) is
connected to the platform, Cornerstone will rebalance the account considering client
investment goals and risk tolerance, and any change in allocations will consider current
economic and market trends. The goal is to improve account performance over time,
minimize loss during difficult markets, and manage internal fees that harm account
performance. Client account(s) will be reviewed at least quarterly and allocation changes
will be made as deemed necessary.
We may also provide additional financial advisory services as appropriate and agreed upon
with the client. Our services are broader than just the selection of investments on clients’
behalf and include personal advice to clients. We will consider your current income,
desired lifestyle, and current and future debt obligations to assist with retirement planning.
We may also coordinate, with other professionals, financial planning, estate planning, and
tax preparation.
Use of Independent Managers
As
mentioned above, Cornerstone recommends certain Independent Managers to actively
manage a portion of its clients’ assets, where appropriate. The specific terms and
conditions under which a client engages an Independent Manager may be set forth in a
separate written agreement with the designated Independent Manager. In addition to this
Brochure, clients receive applicable disclosure documents of the respective Independent
Managers engaged to manage their assets directly from the Independent Manager.
Cornerstone evaluates a variety of information about Independent Managers, which
include the Independent Managers’ public disclosure documents, materials supplied by the
Independent Managers themselves and other third-party analyses Cornerstone believes are
reputable. To the extent possible, Cornerstone seeks to assess the Independent Managers’
investment strategies, past performance and risk results in relation to its clients’ individual
portfolio allocations and risk exposure. Cornerstone also takes into consideration each
Independent Manager’s management style, returns, reputation, financial strength,
reporting, pricing and research capabilities, among other factors.
Cornerstone continues to provide services relative to the discretionary selection of the
Independent Managers. On an ongoing basis, Cornerstone monitors the performance of
those accounts being managed by Independent Managers. Cornerstone seeks to ensure the
Independent Managers’ strategies and target allocations remain aligned with its clients’
investment objectives and overall best interests.
Financial Planning Services
Cornerstone also offers advice in the form of Financial Planning. Clients utilizing this
service will receive financial planning advice. Various types of reports or financial analysis
may be provided to the client. The types of reports provided to clients will vary depending
upon the services requested by the client.
In general, the financial analysis or reporting will address one or more of the following
areas of concern:
- PERSONAL: Family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and
financial goals.
- TAX & CASH FLOW: Income tax and spending analysis and planning for past,
current, and future years. Cornerstone may illustrate the impact of various
investments on a client’s current income tax and future tax liability.
- INVESTMENTS: Analysis of investment alternatives and their effects on a client’s
portfolio.
- INSURANCE: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health,
disability, long-term care, liability, home, and automobile.
- RETIREMENT: Analysis of current strategies and investment plans to help the client
achieve his or her retirement goals.
- DEATH & DISABILITY: Cash needs at death, income needs of surviving dependents,
estate planning, and disability income analysis.
- EDUCATION: Education IRAs, financial aid, state savings plans, grants, and general
assistance in preparing to meet dependents’ continuing educational needs through
development of an education plan.
Financial planning advice may also include non-securities advice on topics that may include
tax and budgetary planning, estate planning, and business planning.
Cornerstone gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews.
Information gathered includes a client’s current financial status, future goals and attitudes
towards risk. Related documents supplied by the client are carefully reviewed and various
types of written reports may be prepared by Cornerstone. Should a client choose to
implement the recommendations in the report(s), Cornerstone suggests the client work
closely with his/her attorney, accountant, or insurance agent. Implementation of financial
plan recommendations is entirely at the client’s discretion and the client is under no
obligation to effect transactions through Cornerstone.