My decision to become a financial advisor wasn’t just a shot in the dark; it was deeply personal. When I was 18, my parents had to auction off the farm that had been in our family for two generations due to financial problems. It was heartbreaking to see everything they had worked for disappear in one day. I determined then and there that I wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives by helping them with their finances so they wouldn’t face a situation like my parents did.
Building My Career
I didn’t become a financial advisor immediately, but I did get my feet wet in the financial industry. I spent over 20 years working for GE Financial Advisors, first in their insurance services department, and then as a regional manager, managing both advisor teams and territories. I took advantage of working for this incredible company by going through GE’s Six Sigma Quality Training program while also completing the National Association of Life Underwriter’s four-year LUTCF course. I eventually started working as a financial advisor and earned a certificate in financial planning from the University of California at Davis.
With all this experience and training under my belt, I was more passionate than ever about guiding my clients through their financial lives and helping them organize and make sense of their money so they could pursue their financial goals. I launched out on my own, founding Callens Financial Group in 2004.
My Role Today
In 2011, I made the decision to join the GLH Financial team, and in 2012 I became a partner in the firm, now GLH&C Financial Services. I spend my days doing my part to improve my clients’ lives by diving deep into their life so we can build a plan tailored to their needs and goals. I see myself as a financial coach, not just taking care of the details involved in financial planning, but also encouraging, supporting, and advising my clients through every life challenge, victory, and milestone.
Hurdles And Triumphs
Like any job, this one has its ups and downs. I invest a lot in my clients, but sometimes it can be difficult to find new clients who share my vision and want to commit to the trusted, long-term relationship I offer. On the other hand, there’s nothing as fulfilling as knowing you have helped people get closer to their goals and helped relieve some of their financial burdens. I love partnering with my clients and playing a role in their success. I work hard every day because my clients depend on me and trust me to steward their finances well. With new clients, challenges, and opportunities, my job is never boring and I love that I get to do this!
Can I Help You?
I always enjoy meeting new people and seeing if we would be a good fit for one another. Whether you have questions about investing or need help pursuing your financial dreams, I’d be happy to speak with you and review your concerns and goals. To get started, email me at jim@glhcfinancial.com or give me a call at 916-967-3208.
About Jim
James Callens is a financial advisor at GLH&C Financial Services, a full-service, comprehensive wealth management firm. Jim has over 40 years of experience in the financial industry and uses his extensive resources, knowledge, and experience to help his clients experience simplicity and clarity in their financial life. Jim spent over 20 years working for GE Financial Advisors, both in their insurance services department and as a regional manager and financial advisor. He took part in GE’s Six Sigma Quality Training program and completed the National Association of Life Underwriter’s four-year LUTCF course. Jim also earned his certificate in financial planning from the University of California at Davis. In 2011, Jim combined his own firm, Callens Financial Group, with GLH FInancial Services, creating GLH&C Financial Services, so he could provide even more value to his clients.
Jim is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Northern California and National Association of International & Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He has served as a board member of several nonprofit organizations and has been involved in Cub Scouts leadership and youth sports coaching. Jim lives in Folsom, CA, with his wife, Melissa, and his four children, Jacob, Kristen, Grant, and Andrew. Together, they enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, bicycling, and vacationing at Lake Tahoe. To learn more about Jim, connect with him on LinkedIn.