About Financial Pathways

Hi, I’m James Kinney, the founder and owner of Financial Pathways, LLC.  I thought you might like to know a little about me. (because you sure won't hire me based on my good looks alone!)

The Resume.  I graduated from Drexel University in 1984 with a degree in Business Administration, and earned my MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1990. Prior to entering the financial planning business, I was a successful entrepreneur, helping to found manage and grow a highly successful manufacturing business.  After selling that business (with free time on my hands), I started putting my financial skills to work advising friends and relatives on financial matters, which quickly grew into a full scale financial planning practice. I eventually went on to earn my Certified Financial Planner credentials, and continue to pursue specialized areas of study including insurance, college planning, and estate planning. Success in this business is all about knowledge. I love learning, and thrive on new challenges.

I try to maintain the “friends and relatives spirit” of the early days as I have grown my practice. I still try to treat everybody, regardless of wealth, the way I would treat my own family.  I honestly enjoy working with every one of my clients, many have become friends over the years.  I recognize that being someone’s financial advisor is a great responsibility, and must not be taken lightly. The advice I give can have a real impact on people’s lives, so to base that advice on anything less than what I truly believe is best for you would be a serious breach of my ethical responsibility.  And, I simply won’t let that happen.

Why a CFP®? There are many “alphabet” designations used by financial advisers. Some are more important than others in the sense that the qualifications can vary.  A few, however, carry real weight. The Certified Financial Planner designation is one of these. Candidates must fulfill rigid requirements for knowledge and experience, and must pass rigorous testing on retirement planning, investments, taxes, insurance, and estate planning. Certificants must also agree to abide by the ethical standards and jurisdiction of the CFP Board of Governors. For more regarding the CFP designation, visit www.cfpboard.org

Why I do It All.  My wife Laura and I have four wonderful children, Christi, Alex, Eric, and Michael.  I try my best to set a good example for my kids, putting in many hours as Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader.  Nothing has been more rewarding in my life than the time I have devoted to my family and to the youth of our community through scouting!   When I’m not helping clients with financial matters, I enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, spending time at the beach with the family.