Brian James

The more challenging financial decisions we all face are rarely a simple comparison of bad ideas versus good ideas, which is usually rather obvious. Instead, the challenge becomes sifting through the good ideas to determine good versus better versus best—which will differ from client to client.

To accomplish this, I begin with a 360-degree discussion of a client’s situation, including not only a review of financial statements and overall goals, but also an understanding of their broader philosophy about stewardship of money, family, community, etc. (One tends to drive the other, but that relationship can reverse itself in trying times.) I then present the benefits and drawbacks of each potential path forward, allowing the client to get a ‘big picture’ snapshot of their choices so they can have confidence in their final decision. And when circumstances change—as they inevitably will—we repeat this process with the new information and plan accordingly.

I believe that the role of a financial planner is to educate—not dictate. I see my job as helping clients understand the various paths they can take when making financial decisions, weighing the pros and cons, and then empowering them to choose confidently. Because while I am happy to share my opinion and what I would do if it were my situation, in the end it is the client’s decision—not mine. This ongoing desire to provide my clients with the right tools and knowledge to make fully informed decisions about all of their viable options is what continues to drive me to this day.