Steven P McCormick

Retirement Advisor - Financial services

Steven P. McCormick has developed a career that blends law, financial planning, and disciplined study. His office in Simi Valley reflects this unique path. His law degree from St. Thomas University is displayed alongside his Master’s diploma in Piano Performance from Boise State University. These two achievements represent different areas of study, yet both require structure, patience, and attention to detail. Throughout his professional life, he has focused on estate and retirement planning and on helping individuals make informed financial decisions.

Early Life and Academic Background

Steven P McCormick was born in Miami, Florida. He began his academic journey at the University of Florida, earning a degree in English in 1992. His education strengthened his writing and analytical skills, which later became important in legal drafting and client communication.

After completing his undergraduate studies, he attended St. Thomas University School of Law. In 1995, he earned his Juris Doctor and established his own law practice. His early work centered on bankruptcy law, wills, trusts, and estate planning. For seven years, he worked with clients who were often facing financial pressure. He helped them understand their legal options and prepare estate planning documents that provided protection and clarity.

While building his law practice, he continued pursuing advanced music education. Steven earned a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Boise State University. His focus included classical composers such as Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. Learning complex piano compositions required steady practice and careful technique. These habits later influenced his methodical approach to retirement planning and estate planning.

Commercial Litigation and New Perspective

In 2003, McCormick transitioned into commercial litigation in Costa Mesa. He represented clients from Newport Beach in business and investment disputes. Through this experience, he observed that many legal conflicts could have been prevented with stronger financial planning and clearer agreements.

This realization shaped his professional direction. He began to see the value of preventive planning. Rather than resolving disputes after they arose, he became interested in helping clients create financial strategies that reduced long-term risk.

Move into Financial Advisory Services

In 2005, he joined Citicorp Investment Services in San Mateo as a financial advisor. His background in estate planning gave him a strong advantage. He already understood wealth transfer trusts, special needs trusts, and probate law. This knowledge allowed him to provide integrated financial planning services.

Steven worked with Silicon Valley clients, including individuals with concentrated technology stock holdings. These clients needed guidance that combined financial insight with legal understanding. His ability to communicate clearly helped clients grasp complex retirement planning strategies. By 2006, his partnership ranked as the top performing at Citicorp.

From 2007 to 2009, he worked at JP Morgan Chase & Co. in Burbank. During this period, he earned membership on the firm’s Top Producer Committee for two consecutive years. He advised media professionals and small business owners whose income levels could fluctuate significantly. His process remained consistent. He gathered detailed information, listened carefully, and then structured financial plans tailored to each client.

Experience in the Oil and Gas Business

In 2013, McCormick expanded his experience into the energy sector. He partnered with two petroleum engineers to form Applied Gas Lift, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana. The company focused on restoring abandoned oil and gas wells to production. He oversaw the operation until 2017.

Managing this business required attention to regulation, operational efficiency, and capital management. This experience reinforced his understanding of risk assessment and strategic planning. It also strengthened his appreciation for careful financial oversight.

Service at a Credit Union

From 2010 to 2016, he worked at a credit union in Sherman Oaks, California, serving telecommunications employees. During these six years, Steven became the top-producing credit union advisor nationally in total revenue. Beyond production results, he gained valuable insight into the retirement concerns of working families.

He observed that many clients needed help understanding Social Security timing, Medicare enrollment, and IRMAA surcharges that affect retirement income. These issues became central to his retirement planning approach. He recognized that investment performance alone does not define financial security.

Independent Financial Advisor and Estate Planning Attorney

In 2016, McCormick became an independent financial advisor with Advisor Group. His focus included retirement planning, Social Security optimization, and estate planning. Clients frequently sought guidance on when to claim Social Security benefits and how to coordinate spousal benefits. He helped them evaluate long-term income outcomes and tax implications.

Commitment to Financial Education

His dedication to education extends beyond private client work. In 2025, Steven began offering free public seminars through the Foundation for Financial Independence. These seminars focus on Social Security, income planning, and retirement strategies. He believes financial education helps individuals make thoughtful decisions about retirement.

He holds certifications from the National Social Security Advisors in Social Security, IRMAA, and Medicare planning. These credentials support his focus on detailed retirement income planning.

Launching His Own Firm

In January 2025, he launched McCormick Capital in Simi Valley. This step enabled him to structure his retirement and estate planning practice based on his experience in both law and financial services. He emphasizes that effective retirement planning involves understanding tax regulations, Medicare rules, and Social Security timing strategies.

Professional Philosophy

His approach centers on preparation and trust. Many people seek financial planning focused only on investments. He views retirement planning as a comprehensive process. He begins by listening to each client’s goals, income structure, and family priorities. He then builds a strategy that integrates estate planning, Social Security optimization, and Medicare cost awareness.

McCormick studies stock market history and behavioral investing patterns to guide clients during periods of market change. He believes that consistent preparation supports long-term stability.

Over decades of combined legal and financial experience, Steven P McCormick has built a practice grounded in discipline, education, and service. His work reflects careful planning and a steady commitment to helping individuals move toward financial security with confidence.