Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Way at Cornerstone Financial Solutions

Mar 9, 2025 | #Cornerstone Community

Pictured L-R

Jill Mollner, MBA, CFP®

Branch Operations Manager

Wealth Advisor, RJFS

Michelle Stahl

Partner, Chief Operating Officer, CFS

Office Manager, RJFS

Shelli Carlson

Chief Experience Officer, CFS

Branch Associate, RJFS

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, is a global celebration of the achievements of women and a call to action for gender equality. In 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action” urges organizations and individuals to push forward in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in all fields.

In the traditionally male-dominated financial services industry, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles. As of 2024, women hold only 18.4% of C-suite positions globally, with projections estimating an increase to 21.8% by 2031.*

However, at Cornerstone Financial Solutions, the narrative is refreshingly different. The practice has always prioritized expertise, skills, and leadership ability over anything else, and as a result, its history is filled with women in leadership roles. Today, three out of four members of the organization’s leadership team are women—an achievement that reflects both ongoing dedication to excellence and a remarkable success story in an industry where women remain underrepresented in leadership. Their success is not a product of quotas or trends but of hard-earned expertise, commitment to the practice’s core values, and relentless drive to serve clients at the highest level.

Jill Mollner: Financial Planning with Heart

Jill Mollner, a Certified Financial Planner® professional and MBA graduate, combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the profound impact financial choices have on people’s lives. Raised in Sioux Falls, her parents instilled a strong work ethic and appreciation for financial responsibility in Jill and her sister.

Jill’s approach to financial planning is personal. For her, success is about more than numbers; it’s about helping her clients realize their dreams. Jill is passionate about mentoring and showing her two daughters that women can lead and thrive in any industry.

Michelle Stahl: The Engine Behind Excellence

Celebrating her 25th anniversary with Cornerstone this year, Michelle Stahl is a cornerstone of the practice—both in name and in action. As Chief Operating Officer, she ensures that every aspect of the operations reflects a commitment to putting clients first. A Huron area native, Michelle has spent her entire career at Cornerstone, starting the day she interviewed after graduating from Southeast Technical Institute.

A mother of four daughters, Michelle is deeply invested in fostering a culture where women can thrive in leadership roles, both professionally and personally. Beyond the office, she is active in the community, focusing much of her efforts in Huron and the surrounding communities.

Shelli Carlson: Crafting Exceptional Client Experiences

With more than 25 years in the financial industry, Chief Experience Officer Shelli Carlson is a natural leader with a passion for mentoring the next generation of professionals. She leads marketing, business development, and client engagement at Cornerstone, fostering meaningful relationships and ensuring clients feel the depth of expertise and care Cornerstone offers. 

Outside of work, Shelli loves photography and travelling with her husband. As a new grandmother, she is also focused on leaving a legacy that empowers future generations of women to step into leadership roles.

A Model for the Future

The leadership of these three dynamic women at Cornerstone Financial is a powerful reflection of the “Accelerate Action” theme for International Women’s Day 2025. Their success is not just an internal triumph—it serves as an inspiring example of progress in financial services. By fostering a culture of excellence, value, and commitment, Cornerstone Financial is proving that breaking barriers isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.

As the financial industry continues to evolve, companies like Cornerstone Financial demonstrate that when women lead, industries transform. This International Women’s Day, let their journey inspire others to champion female leadership, ensuring that talent and dedication continue to drive the industry forward.

*Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1322160/share-of-women-financial-services-leadership-worldwide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Cornerstone Financial Solutions, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. CSP #737250 Exp. 2026.03.05.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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

Gita Hendricks | Thank You Message

Dec 31, 2024 | #Cornerstone Community

A message from Gita following the December 12th Open House celebrating Christmas and her Retirement from Cornerstone after seven years. Gita’s last official day with Cornerstone was December 20, 2024.

As I sit down to reflect on the past few weeks and years, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported and attended my retirement reception. Your presence, hugs, kind words, and well-wishes meant more to me than I can possibly express. It was an incredibly special day, and I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.

This isn’t the first time I’ve “retired,” but it has undoubtedly been the most memorable one. The joy and warmth I’ve experienced during this transition are beyond anything I could have imagined.

I’m excited about the opportunities that retirement will bring. For the first time in a long while I have the freedom to choose exactly what I want to do. Getting my house cleaned is at the top of my list…we’ll see if that happens!  I’m looking forward to traveling with Mike, both within the U.S. and beyond. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures has always been a dream of mine, and I’m thrilled to have the time to make it a reality. And, of course, enjoying entertaining my friends and relatives often – stop by anytime, I’ll whip up a batch of guacamole and chips.

In addition to traveling and entertaining, I plan to dive deeper into my love for crafts and art. I recently discovered the joy of using crushed and cut glass, joining it with jewelry, dried flowers, leaves, seashells, or rocks. Each piece is a unique artistic vision, arranged on canvas, wood, or sculpture. I can’t wait to see where my creativity takes me. Retirement feels like the perfect time to nurture these passions and see how they evolve. Come to think of it, this may go to the top of my list…the house can wait!

Thank you all for being a part of my journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I’ll carry your kindness with me into this new chapter. I’ll always hold the memories we’ve created close to my heart.

Here’s to the next adventure!

 

With love and gratitude,

Gita

CSP# 680883 Exp. 12.23.25

Secure Passwords

Oct 22, 2024 | #Cornerstone Community

Strong passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your financial data by hackers with sophisticated tools to easily defeat weak ones.

Read more about creating an ironclad password.

Tips for an unthwartable password:

  • Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. This includes variants of the same password.
  • Consider using a reputable password manager to store and generate strong passwords (LastPass or Dashlane are two examples.)
  • Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second piece of information to authenticate.

Passwords and phishing attacks:

  • Double-check the URL before clicking links and entering passwords.
  • Set up secure account recovery methods like using a mobile number or alternate password.
  • Avoid entering passwords on public computers, which may contain malware.
  • Regularly rotate your passwords to reduce risk and avoid using the same password for extended periods.

Raymond James is not affiliated and does not endorse LastPass or Dashlane.

CSP #605343 Exp. 9.24.25

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

Fraud Alert

Sep 5, 2024 | #Cornerstone Community

Who can place a fraud alert?

Anyone who suspects you have been, or are about to be, a victim of identity theft or fraud can place a fraud alert on their credit report. Appropriate if your wallet has been stolen or if you’ve been taken in by a phishing scam.

What does a fraud alert do?

A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. Potential creditors must use what the law refers to as “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. Basically, a business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. The steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you.

When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.

Duration: A fraud alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days and up to one year. After a year, you can renew it.

Cost: Free

How to place a fraud alert: Contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You will need to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which includes your Social Security number, name, address and other personal information that the credit bureau requests. You don’t have to contact all three. The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

Extended Fraud Alert

Who can place an extended fraud alert?

An extended fraud alert is only available to people who have had their identity stolen and completed an FTC identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov or filed a police report.

What does an extended fraud alert do?

Like a fraud alert, an extended fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. A business must contact you before it issues new credit in your name.

When you place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus twice within one year from when you place the alert, which means you could review your credit report six times in a year.

In addition, the credit bureaus will take you off their marketing lists for unsolicited credit and insurance offers for five years, unless you ask them not to.

Duration: An extended fraud alert lasts seven years.

Cost: Free

How to place an extended fraud alert: Contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You will need to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which includes your Social Security number, name, address and other personal information that the credit bureau requests. You don’t have to contact all three. The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.

What Doesn’t A Fraud Alert Do?

While a fraud alert can help keep an identity thief from opening new accounts in your name, it will not:

  • Protect you from an identity thief using your existing credit cards or other accounts.
  • Protect you from an identity thief opening new accounts in your name that do not require a credit check – such as a telephone, wireless or bank account.

And, the fraud alert alone won’t stop any identity theft that is already under way.

Sources:

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts#alerts

https://www.raymondjames.com/privacy-security-and-account-protection/credit-report-fraud-alerts

 

CSP #576097 Exp. 8.20.25