If you are a business owner that: (1) is looking towards succession planning and the option of selling your interest in a business; (2) has inclinations towards charitable giving; and…
At death, there is a little-known tax benefit that the federal government provides. It is an adjustment to tax basis and it can have a profound effect on the taxation…
Above all else, two issues impact the complexity and time and cost of the administration of a person’s estate more than the rest: the assets and the heirs. One of…
At this time of year when high school students apply to the colleges of their dreams and matriculates return to their studies, it is important to consider your own situation…
Let’s assume that the patriarch of a local manufacturing business is ready to determine the best way to transition ownership of the business to his daughter. The patriarch, John, and…
The concept of gifting is simply that you give something to someone or something for no value in return. That is, the donor gives something worth value to the donee…
Few words evoke such strong negative imagery as the term “probate.” For most people, they are not sure exactly what probate entails, but they know they want to avoid it…
Times can get financially rough. People go through difficult periods in life and might be strapped for cash and need an additional source of funds. Perhaps the cash is needed…
Business owners are particularly sensitive to cash flow and liquidity needs. This can be especially true of the business owner’s estate after death. The estate needs cash to continue business…
As this issue is devoted, in part, to the issue of philanthropy, I thought it prudent to review some basic charitable gifting techniques and how those techniques can be employed…
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Cornerstone Wealth Strategies is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.
* Beau Ruff, J.D., LL.M in Taxation, is a licensed, not practicing, lawyer
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Shea provides clients with clear, practical guidance in estate planning and business planning. Before joining Cornerstone in 2026, he spent 20 years as a respected attorney serving individuals, families, and businesses. His extensive experience helps clients understand their financial situation, see their current circumstances more clearly, and explore thoughtful options for the future. Rather than telling people what their plan should be, Shea focuses on collaboration—offering insight, education, and strategic information that empower clients to make confident decisions.
Education: Shea earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Idaho College of Law while concurrently completing a Master of Science focused on environmental policy and regulation. During law school, he served as Executive Editor of the Idaho Law Review, where his scholarship examined emerging issues at the intersection of law, technology, and contracting.
Prior to attending law school, Shea’s academic work focused on labor systems and military politics. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Political Science, also from the University of Idaho.
Interests: Shea has spent his entire life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and lived 19 years in the Tri-Cities. His first exposure to business came early, working for Meehan Industries—his father’s automotive supply and locksmithing company. He loves being active on his two feet (from sauntering or perambulating to hiking and backpacking) and has lifelong interest in geology, geography, and landscape.
Shea is married to Brenda, has two grown children and is actively engaged in the lives of his four grandchildren.
Monica has been in the financial industry since 2010 and has served as a financial advisor since 2013. She is passionate about supporting others and views this career as a meaningful opportunity to guide clients through many different chapters of their lives. Monica enjoys developing and implementing financial planning strategies designed with a goal to enhance clients’ overall financial well-being and help them work toward their goals.
Education: Monica attended Whitworth University before choosing to begin her career in the financial industry, accepting a position as a Client Service Associate following a successful internship experience.
Interests: An avid sports enthusiast, Monica played collegiate softball and continues to stay involved in the softball community through coaching. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Chris, and their four children. Monica also loves outdoor activities including camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Marina joined the Pullman team in 2024, bringing a background in financial planning and a strong focus on client support. In her role, she assists advisors with building financial plans, preparing for client meetings, and supporting clients both in person and over the phone.
Education: Marina earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Economics from Whitworth University and her master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University.
Interests: Outside of work, Marina enjoys spending time with her dog, Dolly, going on long walks, and exploring local trails. She also loves cooking, visiting coffee shops, and exploring museums and historical sites.
Tami has been leading the Pullman team since 2022, bringing strong experience in team management and organizational leadership. In her role, she oversees client services and operations, supports advisors and team members, and helps ensure the practice runs smoothly while fostering a positive, collaborative environment.
Education: Tami earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science–International Relations from Western Washington University and her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Interests: Outside of work, Tami enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and their family. She loves coffee, being outdoors, and dogs, and enjoys connecting with college students through her campus church.
Wanda became part of the Pullman team in 2018, bringing extensive experience in client care and bookkeeping. She works diligently behind the scenes to ensure our advisors are set up for success and assists clients with their paperwork needs.
Education: Wanda attended Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, as well as WSU.
Interests: Wanda enjoys spending time with her husband Bud and her family. She has twin sister, is a devoted animal lover, she shares her home with 4 cats and 12 chickens. In her free time, Wanda can be found reading, baking, traveling, gardening, kayaking, or woodworking.
Emily joined the Pullman team full-time in 2017 after completing an internship with the office and graduating from college. She works behind the scenes to make sure client’s needs are met with care and attention. She’s our go-to expert on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and annuities, providing valuable support to both clients and advisors.
Education: Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, both from Washington State University.
Interests: Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. As a family, they enjoy spending time outside, skiing, hiking, and exploring new places.
Jason has been in the financial services industry since 2001, bringing experience in both banking and financial advising to the team. In his role, he focuses on financial planning and is passionate about helping clients align their financial decisions with their values through thoughtful, purpose‑driven guidance.
Education: Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kansas State University.
Interests: Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife, Anna, and their three children. He and his family love outdoor activities including bicycling, hiking, camping, and paddle boarding.
Bill has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, bringing a practical and approachable perspective to the team. In his role, he helps individuals and businesses clarify their goals through financial planning and business services, including valuation and succession planning.
Education: Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Washington State University.
Interests: Outside of work, Bill enjoys spending time with his wife, Susie, and their four sons. He is also actively involved in the Pullman community, serving as Board Treasurer for the Community Action Center.
Jeff has been in the financial industry for nearly four decades, bringing experience and thoughtful guidance to the team. In his role as a financial advisor, he provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management, helping clients make confident decisions and reach long‑term goals.
Education: Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Washington State University and holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation.
Interests: Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Angie, their children, and grandchildren. He loves being outdoors, especially biking, water skiing, and traveling, and stays involved in the Pullman community through mentoring and local charitable efforts.
Cameron has been in the finance industry since 2008 and an advisor since 2012, and is dedicated to working with individuals, families, and small business owners to help them pursue financial freedom through individualized financial planning. As a trader, he supports the team with investment analysis, portfolio construction, and the processing of trades and money transactions for our clients. Cameron also enjoys connecting with our Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring they receive the same high level of service.
Education: Cameron earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Utah in 2008 and worked in the banking field until he became a licensed financial advisor in 2012.
Interests: Cameron was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. He is married to Jamie, and they have four wonderful children, Evelyn, Cassidy, Caleb, and Clara. Cameron is an active member in his community and his church. He enjoys being outdoors as much as possible with his kids, whether he is skiing, mountain biking, taking pictures with his drone, or motorcycle camping.
