Our Story
I originally started in the technology industry early on in my career. After working for a company for over 10 years, I left with less than $2,000 in my 401k retirement plan. Just like everyone else, I invested what I was told to invest and just left it alone to grow over time. I didn't know anything about investments or that I even needed to put together a retirement plan. I just assumed it would take care of itself. That could not have been farther from the truth.
Today, many employees still share that same general mentality I had years ago. People put off planning for their retirement either due to fear of the unknown or having a "leave it alone and it will grow" mentality. What I have found is through active ongoing retirement planning education most are pleasantly surprised with the potential they have to achieve their retirement goals. Being intentional about investment strategies makes dreaming about retirement exciting!
Through the lessons learned from my own retirement planning journey, I have since derived strategies that make a significant impact on how others can achieve their own retirement goals, even with restrictive company sponsored retirement plans. I have been collaborating with other financial professionals and portfolio managers diligently to be able to provide the best solutions for all my clients.
Meet the Team
Working side by side, our family looks forward to providing you with the same warmth and kindness we would offer as if you were entering our home.
James Skillings
Founder & Investment Advisor Representative
James entered the financial services industry over 18 years ago because of his passion to see families achieve financial success through every financial objective encountered throughout their lives. He believes one of the biggest stumbling blocks every couple may face comes from financial stress which if not properly managed can lead to divorce. In fact, any financial stress someone may face, he believes can be alleviated, if not eliminated, with effective, personalized financial education.
James has a master’s degree in Family Financial Planning from Oklahoma State University. He holds securities licenses series 7, 63, and 66 registered in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas which allows him to provide mutual funds, managed monies, and work in a fiduciary capacity in the surrounding great states. He is proud of his ability to be able to serve in the capacity of an independent fiduciary so that he can always put his clients’ needs first over any personal gain or interests. Not only does he help individuals and families, he also travels all over Oklahoma and Arkansas assisting small businesses with their retirement plans which also makes meeting his clients very convenient.
James and Loretta have been married for 21 years and have 3 children. Outside the office, he spends time with his family focusing on his children’s activities and his local church with the men’s ministry. He also has a huge zeal for saltwater reef tanks where he grows out corals for other enthusiasts.
Loretta Skillings
Office Coordinator
Loretta has been an integral part of making our business an ongoing success. She keeps the company properly focused with educational events and meetings to help maximize the amount of support we can provide to families, churches, and small businesses. She is also responsible for coordinating all social media we provide that gives everyone the education and direction they need to better prepare for their financial future. The business would not be able to provide the amount of support it can without all of her efforts.
Loretta has a degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University. She has over 20 years of customer service experience in various Accounting and Human Resources roles through her time in the workforce.
Loretta and James have been married 21 years. They met at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, where they reside and are raising their 3 children. She has poured all of her extra time and energy into creating special memories in the trips she organizes for our family. Quality time spent together is most important to her. She also serves as a fundraising coordinator for her children’s high school band program. She works closely with the local university on concession stand staffing to provide band students the opportunity to earn funds that allow them to participate in band trips and events.
Want to get the process started? Let's connect.
The first step to taking control of your financial future is starting the conversation. It's super easy to schedule a 30-minute phone visit. Just pick a time that works for you. I look forward to visiting with you.