Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
About
Stone Steps Financial, LLC (dba NewLeaf Financial Guidance LLC) provides fee‑only financial planning and discretionary investment management to individual and high‑net‑worth clients, and also offers consulting services for employer‑sponsored retirement plans. The firm reports approximately $146.6 million in discretionary assets under management and states it adheres to a fiduciary standard and does not accept commissions.
The firm typically implements passive investment strategies by building portfolios of index mutual funds and ETFs and constructs client‑specific asset allocation targets through an Investment Policy Statement, with regular client meetings and quarterly reporting. Stone Steps manages accounts on a discretionary basis, allows client‑imposed restrictions, and may engage subadvisers or third‑party managers when a particular strategy or manager is appropriate.
Compared with many peers, Stone Steps maintains an unusually large physical footprint given its staffing level, operating multiple offices despite listing a single advisor for advisory oversight, which may reflect an emphasis on multiple client access points or service channels. The firm also offers multiple engagement formats (including hourly planning and comprehensive ongoing management), recommends Charles Schwab as its primary custodian, and discloses it may be deemed to have custody because it can access client login credentials.
Client services
Expertise
Occupation focus
Fee options
$0 - $1,000,000: 0.75% $1,000,001 - $5,000,000: 0.50% $5,000,001 - $10,000,000: 0.40% $10,000,001 - $20,000,000: 0.30% $20,000,001+: 0.20%
Financial planning hourly fee of $500.00, negotiable in certain cases.
Minimum fee: Minimum fee for combined investment management and financial planning services is $10,000 annually. Fee-only: Fee-only financial planning and investment advisory services; no commissions or sales charges accepted.
Main office
See office533 Second Street, Suite 207
Encinitas CA 92024
Advisors at this office
1
Offices (4)
Most active in
California · Minnesota · South Dakota · Texas
Also doing business as
New Leaf Financial Guidance · Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is not active or affiliated with:
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Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
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Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
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Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
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Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
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Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
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Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
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Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
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Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Quick links
Advisors at this firm
Guo L
CFP®, Series 65
Alhambra, CA
Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Guo Liu is a CFP® and holds a Series 65 license, currently serving as a financial advisor at Stone Steps Financial, LLC with three years of industry experience. Prior to joining Stone Steps Financial in 2022, Guo worked for Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. for ten years. Stone Steps Financial is a fee-only advisory firm that provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management primarily to individuals and high-net-worth clients. The firm employs a passive, asset-class-based investment approach using index mutual funds and ETFs to build tax-efficient, low-turnover portfolios tailored to client goals and risk tolerance.
Mary B
CFP®, Series 65
Palm Springs, CA
Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Mary Brennan is a CFP® with nine years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at Stone Steps Financial, LLC since 2019. Prior to that, she worked at Dowling & Yanke, LLC from 2015 to 2019. Outside of her advisory role, she operates a bookkeeping business as a sole proprietor. Stone Steps Financial is a fee-only advisory firm serving primarily individuals and high-net-worth clients, offering comprehensive financial planning and investment management. The firm employs a passive, asset-class-based approach using index mutual funds and ETFs to create tax-efficient, low-turnover portfolios tailored to client goals and risk tolerance.
Anton M
CFP®, Series 63
Redwood Falls, MN
Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Anton Madsen is a CFP® with 12 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at Stone Steps Financial, LLC. He previously worked at XY Investment Solutions, NewLeaf Financial Guidance, and Ameriprise. Outside of his advisory role, Madsen is the founder and owner of AdviserCo, Inc. Stone Steps Financial, LLC provides fee-only financial planning and discretionary investment management primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, as well as consulting for employer-sponsored retirement plans. The firm follows a fiduciary standard, typically implementing passive investment strategies using index funds and ETFs, and manages approximately $146.6 million in discretionary assets.
Scott F
CFP®, CFA®, Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Stone Steps Financial, LLC
Scott Frank is a CFP®, CFA®, and Series 65 credentialed financial advisor with 18 years of industry experience. He has been with Stone Steps Financial, LLC since 2015, a fee-only advisory firm based in Encinitas, CA. Stone Steps Financial provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management primarily to individuals and high-net-worth clients, employing a passive, asset-class-based investment approach using index mutual funds and ETFs. The firm manages over $105 million in discretionary assets and offers additional services including retirement plan consulting and small-business advisory.
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