Jim McNeill earned a degree in economics from the University of Maryland in 1987 and began his career at a large regional bank in Bethesda, Maryland upon graduation. After many years working for companies in the areas of banking, insurance, and asset management, Jim began to build his own client practice in 1999. Jim can work with clients all over the United States, but his primary focus is in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Jim has extensive experience in the IRA, 403b, and 401k marketplace where he works with both individuals and groups. Jim began his investment planning practice working primarily with public school employees and really enjoys helping educators. After nearly two decades, his practice has grown to include a very broad cross section of the public. He specializes in investment planning and risk management using a fee based model. Jim has relationships with other professionals in all aspects of the planning process to consult with on your behalf, such as attorneys and CPAs.
People have asked Jim to explain the name of our business, GuideMark. He tells them to think of a comprehensive financial plan as a compass. Accordingly, the financial professional who works with the client to create and monitor the plan can serve as the navigator on the journey toward the client’s goals. The plan provides not only direction, but also an integrated strategy to follow. In other words, it serves as a “guide-mark” along the journey.
Jim believes comprehensive financial planning is about building wealth through a process, not a product. Because of his relationship with Cambridge Investment Research, Jim feels he has the right tools to bring truly independent advice and solutions to his clients. By combining sound objective planning with the many tools available to him, Jim strives to develop a plan that is customized to the needs of each client. Finally, a comprehensive financial plan is a collaboration based on an ongoing relationship between Jim and his clients.
Jim lives in Frederick County, Maryland with his wife and two sons. He enjoys attending sporting events (especially when his sons are competing), live music concerts, cooking, golfing, and spending time with his family. Jim is a member of the Financial Services Institute and the University of Maryland Alumni and Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni societies in College Park.
Jim is licensed in the following states: DC, MD, NC, PA, SC, VA, WA and WV