George Washington Masonic Temple in Alexandria, Virginia
Row of brick townhouses in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

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Cornerstone Private Wealth Planning

Adam Paffenroth, ChFC, CFP

Financial Advisor; Owner

I began my financial services career in 2016 and joined Stifel Independent Advisors in 2023. Prior to this, I worked at Morgan Stanley and Edward Jones. I believe financial planning is more than simply looking at the size of a client’s portfolio or rate of return, but rather understanding clients’ needs and goals and their individual definition of financial success. It is my obligation to thoughtfully understand their unique goals to provide unbiased financial guidance to navigate the ups and downs of life. I have always been guided by the following principles when working with my family of clients:  always be on time, do what you say you will do, and treat everyone with respect, regardless of their circumstances.

To better serve those clients with complex estate planning, tax planning, and financial issues, I graduated from the Georgetown University Center for Professional Development, where I earned an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning by successfully completing coursework in all aspects of financial planning. Having earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, I have met the experience requirements of the CFP® Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework, and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas:  the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning. In addition, I earned a Master of Arts in Global Security Studies from the Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. I hold Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. 

As a military veteran and former member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, I enjoy the opportunity to work with Federal employees and members of the United States military. I am a resident of Alexandria and enjoy community involvement and engaging in fellowship with the members of my local community whenever possible. Outside of the office, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and road biking with my wife, Sarah.

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