
John Riley, AIF
Chief Strategist, Cornerstone Investment Services
In 1999, John Riley established Cornerstone Investment Services to offer investors an alternative to Wall Street. He is unique among financial advisers for having passed the Series 86 and 87 exams to become a registered Research Analyst. Since breaking free of the crowd, John has been able to manage clients' money in a way that prepares them for the trends he sees in the markets and the surprises Wall Street misses.
A Better Way to Tell a Correction from a Bear Market?

Markets
A Better Way to Tell a Correction from a Bear Market?
You could go by the usual definition, but dive a little deeper into the market and you might get a better indication of what's going on before making …
December 18, 2018
Fiduciary Rule Struck Down But Plan Sponsors Not Off the Hook

retirement
Fiduciary Rule Struck Down But Plan Sponsors Not Off the Hook
Despite a circuit court ruling that essentially (at least for now) nullifies the Department of Labor's consumer protections, retirement plan sponsors …
April 23, 2018
5 Things to Do in a Bear Market

investing
5 Things to Do in a Bear Market
No one knows when we're headed for an official bear market (you can only learn that in hindsight, unfortunately), so here's what investors should do t…
February 20, 2018
Extreme Loss Aversion is Not a Retirement Strategy

Financial Planning
Extreme Loss Aversion is Not a Retirement Strategy
If you quake at the thought of losing money in the stock market, you might not be thinking about investing in the right way, and left unchecked, the f…
October 18, 2017
Be Honest With Yourself About Your Retirement Savings

retirement
Be Honest With Yourself About Your Retirement Savings
You can’t make your money last unless you are truthful about how much you are going to spend.
June 22, 2017
When Two Policies Collide — What Should 401(k) Plan Sponsors Do About Retirees?

retirement
When Two Policies Collide — What Should 401(k) Plan Sponsors Do About Retirees?
When retirees leave their money in their old company’s 401(k), it can increase costs and liabilities for the plan. So what should be done? Education o…
April 25, 2017
5 Things Every 401(k) Plan Sponsor Should Do to Avoid Litigation

business
5 Things Every 401(k) Plan Sponsor Should Do to Avoid Litigation
Business owners are the ones ultimately held responsible for their plans. Their top two allies: preparation and documentation.
February 17, 2017
Don't Expect the Fed to Protect Your Portfolio

Markets
Don't Expect the Fed to Protect Your Portfolio
Near-zero interest rates, high market valuations and monetary policy could make for an explosive brew. I'm counseling my clients to be prepared.
November 23, 2016
My Real World Rules for Investing

Investor Psychology
My Real World Rules for Investing
After 30 years of industry experience, this financial adviser has seen eight issues consistently plague investors.
September 7, 2016
4 Election Year Myths About Investing

Politics
4 Election Year Myths About Investing
Instead of paying attention to all the campaign hoopla, focus on protecting your portfolio in these uncertain times.
August 16, 2016
4 Simple Charts that Make Me Worry About the Market

Markets
4 Simple Charts that Make Me Worry About the Market
Plus, four steps you can take to protect your portfolio.
June 9, 2016
6 Reasons I'm Worried Derivatives Could Take Down the Economy Again

investing
6 Reasons I'm Worried Derivatives Could Take Down the Economy Again
Savers and investors should be concerned that another round of bank failures could happen anew.
April 8, 2016
What the U.S. Dollar Can Tell Investors About Oil Prices

investing
What the U.S. Dollar Can Tell Investors About Oil Prices
Watch the Fed and U.S. dollar to figure out if and when oil may bottom and start to recover.
March 30, 2016
What Trump and the Other Presidential Candidates Are Not Talking About

Politics
What Trump and the Other Presidential Candidates Are Not Talking About
While our politicians ignore our huge economic problems, investors should brace themselves for the fallout.
March 28, 2016
Do Not Expect the Stock Growth of Recent Years to Continue

investing
Do Not Expect the Stock Growth of Recent Years to Continue
What drove the incredible returns that stocks posted from the end of 2008 through September 2015? Nothing real.
March 21, 2016
How to Prepare Your Bond Portfolio for Rising Rates

investing
How to Prepare Your Bond Portfolio for Rising Rates
The Fed has held rates artificially low for years. Bond investors need to prepare for their inevitable rise.
March 15, 2016
8 Strategies to Survive a Bear Market

Markets
8 Strategies to Survive a Bear Market
Seven of these strategies are worth considering. The eighth is risky if you really think we are headed into a long-term swoon.
February 19, 2016
I See a Major Stock Market Decline Ahead

Markets
I See a Major Stock Market Decline Ahead
Do not buy the hype that the market is fairly valued or undervalued. You can see for yourself in the charts below.
February 12, 2016
5 Questions to Get You Through the Market Decline

Markets
5 Questions to Get You Through the Market Decline
Right now, the best thing you can do is re-examine why you are investing, and be patient.
January 25, 2016