Hi! I’m Dan. I launched Cornerstone Financial Planning, LLC to help people gain clarity on their highest priorities in life and create a financial plan to achieve them!
I was a product of the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) community before FI was even a thing! I read The Millionaire Next Door, The Total Money Makeover, and Rich Dad Poor Dad in college and never looked back!
So when I found the FIRE community back in ~2015, we were already in a great position, having been DINKs and investing probably over 30% of our income. But I always struggled with the emphasis on the “RE” aspect. Early retirement never resonated with me. But over time, I came to value the freedom to work under my terms.
That was good, because in January 2019 I found out that I couldn’t split my deployment in half like I had been planning. I was on a helicopter flying to a tiny outpost in Eastern Afghanistan worried about not making it home for the birth of our son when it hit me – THIS is why FI is so important! Not so that I can retire to a couch but rather so that I can be where I want to be, doing what I want to do with those I love the most. It was then that I decided to switch career paths to financial planning. Long story short, I made it home for our son’s birth, and it was one of the best days of my life.
My goal is for everyone to find their *why for FI* and then create their ideal life NOW to live it out. We only get one shot at this, and sadly, I’ve seen too many people’s journeys end too soon. So, my “RE” is real estate and recreational employment! If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place!
PS – Travel recommendations are included if you love to travel, as we’ve been to 37 countries! I hope you enjoy the pics!
