Michael LaMaina CFP®, ChFC® has been a financial advisor fore more than 30 years, providing both personal and corporate clients with in depth advice regarding one’s financial plan, investments, retirement, estate and insurance needs. His dedicated approach and attention to detail is well known and it is this reputation for unparalleled service that is the foundation of Cornerstone Financial Advisors, Inc. In addition to holding his Series 6, Series 7, Series 63 through LPL Financial and Series 65 through Cornerstone Financial Advisors, Michael was awarded his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in 1996 and his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from The American College in 2007.
Like many business owners, Michael had his sights set on building a large firm when he formed more than two decades ago — one with several professionals servicing individuals from walks of life and businesses of all sizes. However it didn’t take too long for him to realize his true strength was connecting with people on a personal level, which might be lost in a larger environment. Michael also recognized meeting one’s financial needs was only part of his vision; he wanted to educate clients as well. So after the first five years, Michael made the decision to develop a unconventional approach but provide all the firm’s services in a boutique setting.
When not solving financial matters and drawing personal implementation plans for clients, Michael has made time to share his knowledge and experience with the industry and community as the co-host of Talking Dollars & Sen$e. His broadcasting career, which began in 1991 on Talk Radio 1360, eventually expanded to include five additional radio stations and a television show. Also, Michael has been involved in the various professional organizations, including the Financial Planning Association and Philadelphia Estate Planning Council.
Michael’s client commitment is a natural extension of his belief in family and community. Born and raised in Oaklyn, New Jersey, this 4th generation father of three is very active in the town he calls home and served as Mayor from 2000-2012. Over the years, he has coached and continues to support Oaklyn Little League, Softball and the recreational programs plus spent four years as a volunteer assistant varsity lacrosse coach at Collingswood High School. But Michael enjoys more than sports. He is also a musician who has helped with the Oaklyn Elementary, Oaklyn Junior High School, and Collingswood music programs and occasionally can be found playing guitar in a local coffee shop or saxophone in local and big bands.
Like his father and brother before him, Michael is a “motorhead” and spends much of his spare time working in his garage or at the area’s SCCA Road Racing race track. He regularly volunteers as a race instructor at New Jersey Motorsports Park helping new and experienced racers hone their skills. Michael has become a mentor to many people over the years but he too has a couple of his own. Professionally, he sees Warren Buffett as someone who is the “whole package” — a brilliant financial mind with a strong philanthropic heart. Closer to home it was Michael’s father that instilled strong character and hard work — traits he and his wife Stephanie have shared with their daughters, Samantha, Shauna and Krista.
