James Kinney CFP®

Jim holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Drexel University and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  Jim spent the first half of his career as an entrepreneur, co-founding and subsequently managing a successful start-up providing products and services for global apparel merchandisers.  He also taught several university courses as an adjunct professor in the early 2000s.  Jim is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. 

After his early business success, Jim launched the second phase of his career by partnering with another central New Jersey Financial Planning firm in 2004.  He moved on to start his own firm in 2007 and earned his Certified Financial Planner™ in 2008. 

“When I entered this field, I was committed to doing two things differently than most other financial firms.” Jim explains.  “First, I did not want to be paid with commissions, as I did not want the need to “make a sale” poisoning my client relationships.  Second, I wanted to make advice available to all clients who wanted to work with me – even those who did not have a lot of money to invest.  So to this day, we are not only committed to operating our firm on a strict fee only basis, but we offer a variety of different engagement models, including hourly fee for service, to ensure that anyone who wants our top rate financial planning advice has a way to access it”

In addition to his professional education and training, Jim explains that his life and career experience offer its own schooling.  “Life has offered me so many learning opportunities.  I started, grew, and sold a successful small business.  I raised four kids, helped educate them, and watched them launch successful careers of their own.  And I am so thankful to my many clients over the years who have let me become part of their lives as their financial planner.  The experience I continue to gain from helping others navigate college, retirement, and other financial challenges allows me to become ever more effective as an advisor.  There is so much of this job you can’t learn in school.  Experience really matters! “

When Jim isn’t working he’s likely enjoying his home in the lovely town of Califon in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, which he shares with Laura, his wife of over 35 years.  There he may be found tending the garden, fly fishing, running or biking, or teaching financial literacy programs.