Craig Watkins

Craig Watkins has been in the insurance and financial industry since 1980, striving to provide the finest service and retirement advice to his clients. His goal is to to change people’s lives. He combines professional dedication and personal commitment to offer creative financial planning in the context of a personal, caring relationship. He believes that successful client relationships are built upon trust and personalized services. Craig provides income distribution strategies and comprehensive investment advice.

After being mentored by the Cornerstone Financial Group (CFG) previous owner, Craig Watkins acquired CFG in the 1990s when the owner decided to retire. In 2002, Craig independently developed income distribution strategies for clients and worked at a field marketing organization in San Diego where he learned how to work toward protecting people’s money from volatility in the stock market. In addition, Craig became co-founder of an assisted care community. He sits on the board and participates in managing approximately 100 residents and 70 employees.

Craig Watkins' knowledge and experience has been featured as a contributing author in the book, You’re in Control: Planning the Most Important Retirement in the World – Yours. Thorough and innovative, Craig demonstrates a seasoned understanding in meeting the needs of high net worth individuals, successful professionals, corporations, and business owners. He focuses on tax-advantaged income distribution strategies, Social Security maximization and preservation strategies for legacy planning. His emphasis also includes investment asset allocation and designation, insurance protection, beneficiary planning, and qualified retirement plans.

Craig Watkins has created a platform within CFG to encourage professional and personal growth, creating a team- like atmosphere with his advisors and staff. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with others by presenting seminars on Social Security, income distribution strategies and asset allocation. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, on an athletic scholarship while studying business and accounting and is always continuing his career- related education studies. He is the Managing Partner of Cornerstone Financial Group in both Benicia and Shingle Springs, California.

In his leisure, Craig enjoys playing golf, riding his Harley Davidson, game hunting, fishing, and sports. He is happily married to Margaret Watkins, has raised three daughters, and resides in El Dorado, California.