Market Volatility

Market swings can stir up emotions—but they don’t have to derail your financial future. In this episode, Matt Riesenweber explores how volatility creates opportunity, why it’s a normal part of investing, and how a solid financial plan can help you stay confident through the ups and downs. Learn how to ride out the bumps and keep your long-term goals on track.

Continue ReadingMarket Volatility

Capital Gains

Ever noticed your mutual fund drop in value at year-end and wondered why? In this quick video, Matt Wiser breaks down the often-confusing world of capital gain distributions—what they are, how they work, and why your investment might dip temporarily before bouncing back. Learn how to spot these changes and what they mean for your portfolio.

Continue ReadingCapital Gains

Stocks vs. Bonds

Curious about how stocks and bonds work—and which might be right for your portfolio? In this quick video, Matt Wiser breaks down the key differences between owning a piece of a company (stocks) and lending money to one (bonds). Learn how each investment type fits into your financial strategy, and how to balance risk and reward based on your goals and time horizon.

Continue ReadingStocks vs. Bonds

Active vs. Passive

Is active investing better than passive—or vice versa? In this quick video, Matt Riesenweber breaks down the key differences between these two popular investment strategies. Learn how active management aims to outperform the market, while passive investing tracks indexes like the S&P 500. Discover when each approach makes sense and how Cornerstone blends both to help clients reach their financial goals.

Continue ReadingActive vs. Passive

Mutual Funds

New to investing or looking to sharpen your financial knowledge? In this quick video, Cameron Burch breaks down what mutual funds are, how they work, and why they’re a powerful tool for building a diversified portfolio. Learn about the different types—equity, bond, index, and balanced funds—and how they can match your goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline.

Continue ReadingMutual Funds

Roth vs. Pretax

In this episode of Cornerstone Clips, Joel Ockey breaks down the key differences between pretax and Roth retirement contributions—and how to decide which one fits your financial goals. Learn how pretax contributions can reduce your taxable income today, while Roth contributions offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Whether you're planning for a lower tax bracket in the future or aiming for long-term tax-free growth, this quick guide will help you make a more informed decision.

Continue ReadingRoth vs. Pretax

Roth Conversions

In this episode of Cornerstone Clips, Joel Ockey breaks down the essentials of Roth conversions—what they are, how they work, and when they might make sense for your retirement strategy. Learn the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, how converting can lock in today’s tax rates, and why having cash on hand to cover taxes is crucial. If you're looking to reduce future tax burdens and grow your retirement savings tax-free, this strategy might be worth exploring.

Continue ReadingRoth Conversions

Remove Beneficiary Designations on Non-Retirement Accounts

Naming a beneficiary on your investment account might seem like a smart way to avoid probate—but it could actually disrupt your estate plan. In this video, Beau Ruff explains why removing transfer-on-death (TOD) designations from non-retirement accounts can improve estate liquidity, simplify asset distribution, and ensure your will works as intended. Learn how centralized control and thoughtful planning can better serve your heirs and your legacy.

Continue ReadingRemove Beneficiary Designations on Non-Retirement Accounts