With a strong desire to help his clients preserve and grow their wealth, Jim’s distinguished and unparalleled expertise in working with individuals, affluent families, business leaders, and non-profit organizations spans more than 40 years.

He is President of Masterplan, Inc., Hefren-Tillotson’s parent company, and a member of Hefren-Tillotson’s Asset Management Group. When Jim joined the firm in 1977, he built the firm’s first financial planning software at a time when comprehensive planning was not yet incorporated across the industry.

Jim has spent his entire career with one firm in an effort to provide consistent service to his clients. He is a recognizable and trusted voice in Pittsburgh’s community at large and beyond as the host of the long-running local Sunday morning radio program, Your Money & You, heard on NewsRadio AM 1020 KDKA and 100.1 FM KDKA.

While offering consistent, unbiased and proficient financial advice to radio listeners of all ages, Jim masterfully integrates his vast interest, knowledge and financial expertise over the airwaves and into every facet of his financial planning practice, The Meredith Group at Hefren-Tillotson, while building strong, time-tested relationships as his clients’ most trusted advisor.

“I love helping people and listening to their life stories. But even more than that, I want to assist them on their journey toward achieving their life goals and dreams,” Jim says.Jim is deeply involved with his clients and, as a close family member or confidant would be, is often asked to provide advice solving generational issues, establishing plans for elder care, recommendations on purchasing a home and guidance in selling multi-million dollar businesses.

As both a major contributor and an active participant in the creation of a $5 million foundation for ALS research through “LIVE LIKE LOU,” Jim has partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank on several campaigns, the most recent in response to the COVID-19 pandemic raised over $1.2 million in one day. He is also a supporter of “Gwen’s Girls,” a home for abandoned unwed mothers.

Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and his Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Dayton. His continuing education has included postgraduate work in accounting, taxes, and finance. Jim has lectured extensively across the United States on the subject of Personal Financial Planning, and has co-authored “Expert Financial Planning,” a book loaded with ideas and concepts on financial planning.