The Confidence to Say Yes

May 7, 2026 | #Cornerstone Community

You’ve built something. Now you want to use it.

Travel more. Be generous with your kids and grandkids. Say yes to the experiences you’ve been putting off. Enjoy what you’ve worked for, without hesitation. Make decisions with clarity instead of second-guessing.

But there’s a question underneath it all: Can I do this without getting it wrong?

Because this stage feels different. You’re no longer just building. You’re deciding how to use what you’ve built. What’s possible. What’s smart. What might have consequences you can’t easily undo.

And it’s not always the big decisions that create that tension. It’s the smaller things that quietly add up over time.

A tax strategy that hasn’t been revisited in years.
An estate plan that no longer reflects how assets are actually titled.
Accounts held in different places that may not be fully aligned with the rest of the plan.

On their own, each may seem manageable. Together, they can create gaps, inefficiencies, or tradeoffs that aren’t always obvious.

What most people want at this point is simple.

To know what’s possible.
To act on it with clarity.
To enjoy what they’ve built without hesitation or regret.

That kind of clarity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through disciplined, consistent work. The kind of work that gets recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list and Gordon Wollman’s inclusion on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors lists.

Not because recognition is the goal. But because the way we work — the attention to detail, the refusal to let things slip — is what creates the confidence you need to say yes.

So when you say yes to the trip, the gift, the life you’ve earned — you’re not second-guessing. You’re not wondering if something was missed. You know it’s handled.

If this stage sounds familiar, there’s a good chance someone you care about is there too and may be wondering if everything is truly working together. We’d be honored to help them get the same clarity and confidence.

Just let us know their name, we’ll take it from there.

Sioux Falls: 605-357-8553

Huron: 605-352-9490

cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com

Introduce a Friend

CSP #1073263. Exp. 5.1.26

Cornerstone Financial Solutions Named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams

Mar 9, 2026 | #Cornerstone Community

“The work doesn’t change. Our drive to keep raising the bar does.” Michelle Stahl, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, CFS, Office Manager, RJFS

When you work with people through life’s biggest decisions, you learn something quickly: the moments that matter most rarely arrive on a schedule. A spouse’s health changes. A parent needs help sooner than expected. A job transition shows up at the same time you’re trying to decide when to claim Social Security. Retirement goes from “someday” to “it’s time.”

Behind the scenes, those moments often look like dozens of small details—forms, beneficiaries, distributions, tax questions, timelines—each one important, each one easy to overlook when life is moving fast.

That’s why the Cornerstone team obsesses over the basics: returning calls, preparing for meetings, coordinating the moving parts, double-checking details, and making sure you leave with clear next steps rather than a new pile of paper.

And recently, the team was recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list.

For many people Cornerstone serves, this recognition simply confirms what they already experience: a team built around careful planning and consistent follow-through. Not reactive headlines. Not complicated explanations. Just a coordinated approach designed to simplify the complex and keep your plan aligned with the life you’re building.

Recognition is not the goal, of course. The work is. A world-class experience is created in small ways: the warm welcome when you arrive, the preparation done before you ever walk in the door, the meeting notes that don’t get lost, and the consistent follow-up.

Extraordinary relationships are built much the same way, through consistency, honesty, and clear communication that respects your time and your priorities. It’s about a team taking the responsibility of coordination seriously, so you’re not left trying to connect every dot on your own. You want help understanding what matters, what to do next, and how today’s choices connect to the future you’re planning for. You want someone to help you see around corners without overwhelming you.

Awards can serve as a useful reminder: it’s worth working with a team that takes clarity, follow-through, and long-term alignment seriously. Recognition may come and go, but the goal stays the same: simplify what feels complex, keep your plan coordinated, and deliver lasting value through consistent, client-first service.

Not a Cornerstone Client?

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation strategic review of your financial plan with the Cornerstone Advisor Team.

Sioux Falls:  605-357-8553

Huron: 605-352-9490

Email cfsteam@mycfsgroup.com

Awards Page

Any opinions are those of the professionals at Cornerstone Financial Solutions and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

The 2026 Forbes ranking of America’s BestInState Wealth Management Teams, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and inperson due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 3/31/2024 to 3/31/2025 and was released on 01/07/2026. Advisor teams that are considered must have one advisor with a minimum of seven years of experience, have been in existence as a team for at least one year, have at least 5 team members, and have been nominated by their firm. The algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 12,787 team nominations, 6,149 advisor teams received the award based on thresholds. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Compensation provided for using the rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealthmanagementteamsbestinstate for more info.

CSP #1004323, exp. 2.5.27.

We Invest in People – World Hope International

Jan 24, 2025 | #Cornerstone Community, We Invest In People

In a world filled with challenges, we firmly believe in the power of taking action and making a transformative difference. One guiding principle remains close to our hearts: “Invest in People.” This belief isn’t merely a sentiment but a driving force that inspires us to establish deep connections and foster a positive impact.

Our collaboration with World Hope and our involvement with the Enable the Children program in Sierra Leone stands as a testament to this belief. Investing in people, especially those in vulnerable situations, can genuinely change lives. World Hope’s mission to alleviate poverty, deliver healthcare, and empower communities aligns perfectly with our core values. It’s not just about financial aid but joining hands to help create a better tomorrow.

Discover how “Invest in People” and our collaboration with World Hope International transforms lives through physical and occupational therapy for children with disabilities in Sierra Leone. 

Sierra Leone grapples with enormous challenges, especially in providing healthcare and support for children with disabilities. Recognizing this, we chose to step in. We are privileged and honored to fund physical and occupational therapy services for these children. Such services not only amplify their physical well-being but also enhance their overall quality of life. With proper support, they can become active community members, gain independence, and chase their aspirations.

But the ripple effect of our collaboration goes further. When children with disabilities receive the tools and assistance they require, they defy odds and redefine potentials. They become beacons of hope, challenging preconceived notions, and demonstrating that abilities are not constrained by disabilities.

Our work with World Hope and Enable the Children underlines the profound belief that uplifting individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations, paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. By dedicating our resources and expertise to children with disabilities in Sierra Leone, we are sowing the seeds of enduring change.

In these challenging times, our alliance with World Hope, Enable the Children, and the wider community shines brightly, illustrating the remarkable outcomes achieved when like-minded entities unite with shared values. Our dedication to uplifting others goes beyond mere words; it’s a relentless pursuit to make the world better, one individual at a time.

As we progress in our mission to empower children with disabilities in Sierra Leone, we hope to motivate others to discover ways to uplift and inspire. Our work serves as a reminder of hope’s potency and the transformative power of collective action. We believe that by investing in people, we can shape a future filled with light, hope, and endless possibilities.

Raymond James is not affiliated with the above charitable organizations.

CSP #338792 exp 11.24.26. Video CSP #548784 exp 7.23.25

Strength, Faith, and Family: My Mother’s Battle with Alzheimer’s

Sep 12, 2024 | #Cornerstone Community, We Invest In People

A Personal Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a cruel thief. It robs memories, erodes personalities, and leaves families grappling with loss long before the final goodbye. It is a journey that countless families face, but each experience is unique and deeply personal. For me, the story of Alzheimer’s is not just a statistic or a medical diagnosis; it is the story of my mother, a vibrant and loving woman who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 59, and my grandmother, who also battled this devastating disease for several years.

The Devastating Diagnosis: Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

The changes in my mother were sudden and disorienting. She had always been an active, involved, and deeply caring person, someone who threw herself into everything her children and grandchildren did. But then, almost overnight, her demeanor began to shift. We feared the worst—a stroke, perhaps. We embarked on a journey through the maze of neurology, seeking answers, hoping against hope that it would be something—anything—else. But several months later, at the Mayo Clinic, we received the diagnosis we had dreaded: early-onset Alzheimer’s.

I remember that day with a clarity that cuts through the fog of time. My dad, my mom, and I were driving home from the clinic, the car heavy with silence. For the first hour, none of us spoke. We were each lost in our thoughts, trying to process the reality that had just been handed to us. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I asked my mom if there was anything in particular she wanted to do with the time she had left. Her answer was simple, yet profound: “The only thing I want is to be with my family.”

Coping with Alzheimer’s as a Family

And that’s exactly what she did. My mother lived out the rest of her days surrounded by the people she loved most. Despite the relentless progression of the disease, she remained active and involved in our lives until the very end. Her faith in God, which had always been the bedrock of her life, never wavered. In fact, it was during that silent car ride home that she turned to me and said, “I’m not worried about this. You don’t be worried about this either.” It was a powerful statement, one that spoke volumes about her strength, her faith, and her determination to live life on her terms.

A Mother’s Strength: Cherishing Every Moment

Just ten days before she passed away at the age of 61, my mother did something extraordinary. Despite her declining health, she walked the entire route of the Sioux Falls Alzheimer’s Walk, a mile-long journey that seemed impossible for someone in her condition. I had brought a wheelchair, thinking she would need it, but she refused. “I’m here for a reason, and I’m going to walk,” she said. And walk she did. The wheelchair, as it turned out, was more for my four-year-old twins, Kayleigh and Kenleigh, who rode in it as my mother completed the walk with a determination that still takes my breath away.

A few days later, she attended my niece’s volleyball game, another testament to her unwavering commitment to being present for her family. And then, one night, she went to sleep and never woke up. She had always feared the prospect of a nursing home, and I am grateful that we never had to face that reality. I always wanted her to know who we were, her children and grandchildren, and by God’s grace, she did until the very end.

Coping with the Impact of Alzheimer’s

Living without my mom has been incredibly difficult. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t look to her for guidance. But perhaps the hardest part about losing her is knowing how much she is missing out on as my kids are growing up. She was so involved in our lives that her absence is felt deeply every day. My oldest daughter, Kaitlyn, was just eight years old when she passed, and while she has some beautiful memories of her grandma, there is so much more I wish they could have shared together. My twins, Kayleigh and Kenleigh, who were just four years old at the time, have only fleeting memories. But the most painful reality is that my youngest daughter, Karsyn, never got to know her at all. I often think about how much my mom would have loved to see them grow, to cheer them on at their games, to share in their achievements, and to simply be there as they navigate life. It’s a loss that cuts deeply because I know how much she would have cherished every moment with them.

Supporting the Alzheimer’s Association: A Personal Mission

Because of my family’s experience, I am a strong supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association. I participate in local walks and contribute to the cause because I have seen firsthand the devastating effects this horrible disease has on loved ones. My grandmother’s long battle and death with Alzheimer’s, followed by my mother’s diagnosis and eventual passing after just two years, has deeply impacted me. I am committed to fighting this disease, not just for my mother and grandmother, but for everyone who has been touched by Alzheimer’s. It is a disease that I hope never to face myself, and one that I don’t want my children to endure watching me go through.

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease, and there is still so much we don’t understand about it. But what I do know is this: my mother lived her life fully, even in the face of this terrible diagnosis. She taught me that even when life takes an unexpected and heartbreaking turn, we can still choose to live with purpose, love, and faith. And for that, I will always be grateful.

~Michelle