Biography of Steven P McCormick
Steven P McCormick has built a career defined by preparation, discipline, and service His office in Simi Valley reflects two important parts of his professional life His law degree from St. Thomas University hangs alongside his Master’s diploma in Piano Performance from Boise State University These achievements represent years of structured study in two demanding fields Through law, financial planning, and music, he has developed a steady approach to estate planning, retirement planning, and long-term financial strategy
Early Life and Academic Background
Steven P McCormick was born in Miami, Florida He began his higher education at the University of Florida, earning a degree in English in 1992 His academic training
strengthened his analytical thinking and communication skills These abilities later became essential in drafting legal documents and explaining complex retirement planning concepts.
After completing his undergraduate degree, he attended St Thomas University School of Law In 1995, Steven earned his Juris Doctor and opened his own law practice His early focus included bankruptcy law, wills, trusts, and estate planning. For seven years, he worked with individuals and families who were often navigating financial hardship He guided them through legal processes, helped organize their financial obligations, and prepared estate planning documents designed to protect assets and clarify intentions
While developing his legal career, he also pursued advanced musical education McCormick earned a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Boise State University His studies included the works of Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. Preparing classical compositions required careful repetition and patience This discipline later influenced his structured approach to retirement income planning and estate planning
Financial Advisory Career
In 2005, Steven joined Citicorp Investment Services in San Mateo as a financial advisor His background as an estate planning attorney provided a strong advantage. He gained direct legal experience in trust structures, probate law, and wealth transfer strategies
McCormick worked with Silicon Valley clients, many of whom held concentrated technology stock positions. These individuals required guidance that addressed both investment management and estate planning considerations His ability to explain retirement planning strategies clearly helped build lasting professional relationships By 2006, his partnership was the best performing at Citicorp.
From 2007 to 2009, Steven worked at JP Morgan Chase & Co in Burbank During those years, 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 often fluctuated His approach emphasized understanding each client’s financial structure before designing a comprehensive retirement plan
Oil and Gas Industry Leadership
In 2013, McCormick expanded his experience into the energy sector He worked with two petroleum engineers to establish Applied Gas Lift, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana. The company focused on restoring abandoned oil and gas wells to production. He oversaw operations until 2017
Managing this business required attention to regulation, capital allocation, and operational oversight The experience strengthened his understanding of business management and risk evaluation It reinforced his belief that structured planning supports sustainable financial outcomes
Credit Union Advisory Experience
From 2010 to 2016, Steven worked at a credit union in Sherman Oaks, California, serving telecommunications employees During these six years, he became the top-producing credit union advisor nationally in total revenue. Beyond production metrics, he gained insight into the concerns of individuals preparing for retirement.
McCormick observed that many clients needed guidance on Social Security timing, Medicare enrollment, and IRMAA surcharges that could affect retirement income. These factors became central to his retirement planning approach He focused on integrating Social Security optimization with estate planning and income distribution strategies
Independent Practice and Estate Planning
In 2016, Steven became an independent financial advisor with Advisor Group. His work centered on retirement planning, Social Security strategies, and estate planning Clients frequently ask when to claim Social Security benefits and how to coordinate spousal benefits. He helped them evaluate lifetime income projections and tax implications before making decisions.
McCormick also resumed part-time legal practice in 2010, concentrating on estate planning This combination allowed him to provide both financial planning services and legal document preparation Clients benefited from an integrated strategy that addressed trusts, wills, retirement income planning, and asset protection within one coordinated framework
Commitment to Financial Education
His commitment to education extends beyond private client relationships. 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 supports informed and confident decision-making.
He holds certifications from the National Social Security Advisors in Social Security, IRMAA, and Medicare planning. These credentials support his detailed work in retirement income planning and reflect his dedication to professional growth.
Personal Life and Interests
Steven has been married to a special needs teacher for more than 20 years Their daughter recently began college. Family remains an important part of his life and perspective.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys hiking and biking in Simi Valley He occasionally plays the piano, continuing the discipline developed during his graduate studies. He also enjoys cooking, particularly making homemade pizza.
Launching McCormick Capital
In January 2025, McCormick launched McCormick Capital in Simi Valley This step allowed him to align his estate planning and retirement planning services under one independent firm. He emphasizes that retirement planning involves more than investment returns. It requires understanding tax regulations, Medicare rules, and Social Security timing strategies
He maintains an active membership in the California State Bar and the National Social Security Advisors His background includes bankruptcy law, business litigation, debt settlement, estate planning, insurance, and comprehensive retirement income planning He has served clients ranging from credit union members to technology professionals, media employees, and small business owners
Professional Philosophy
His philosophy centers on preparation, structure, and trust. Many individuals approach financial planning focused primarily on portfolio performance. Steven views retirement planning as a comprehensive process that integrates estate planning, Social Security optimization, and Medicare cost management
He studies stock market history and behavioral investing patterns to guide clients through periods of market volatility He believes that preparation today supports long-term financial stability
Over decades of experience in law and financial services, Steven P McCormick has developed a practice grounded in discipline and service He remains committed to helping individuals and families pursue financial security through thoughtful retirement planning and careful estate planning strategies
