Jim graduated with a BBA from Pacific Lutheran University in 1977 and then went to work as an account executive for a Fortune 500 Company where he distinguished himself earning numerous service awards.
In 1987, Jim elected to change careers by starting a financial planning practice. For the next 10 years he was affiliated with a national broker dealer. Seeking total independence, and committed to placing client's interests first, Jim founded Hallett & Associates, P.S. in 1999.
Over the years, Jim achieved a number of professional designations including CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, AEP®, AIFA, and CDFA. Jim earned his Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP) in 2009, through the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado.
In addition to his devoted work in financial planning, Jim has dedicated efforts to a variety of civic and service organizations and served as Mayor of Port Angeles. Jim was recently honored with a Clallam County Community Service Award for his 30+ years of community leadership. Currently, Jim serves on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula, and is co-chair of the capital campaign to build a new facility in Port Angeles.
When + Where Were You Born?
Memory: riding the swing set in my back yard and standing in the picture window naming all the car makes and model years as they drove by.
What Made You Want to Become a Financial Advisor?
I became a financial advisor after I left employment with a Fortune 500 company. I had a 401(k) and stock options and wanted a plan to guide me so that I could educate my two boys, buy a house and eventually retire. Brokers wanted to sell me complicated products and insurance agents said life insurance was the answer. But NO one offered a coordinated plan putting all the pieces together. So I decided I would learn how to do this for myself and then start my own financial planning practice in 1987 so I could help others.
Who Are Three People That Greatly Influenced You?
My 4th grade teacher who encouraged me to follow my dreams, Nelson Mandela who demonstrated what forgiveness is, and my Pastor, Charlie, who taught me what Grace means.
What's One Piece of Great Advice You've Been Given?
Choose the path of Integrity; it is one of many paths and it distinguishes itself from the others because it is the right path and the only one upon which you will never get lost.
Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, The Prophet by Gibran, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, One Summer by Bill Bryson. Also, The River Wye, Clowns of God, Lonesome Dove, Last Call, and so many others!
Casablanca, To Kill A Mockingbird, Bridge On the River Kwai. Also, “Fargo, Forrest Gump, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Mister Roberts, Road to Perdition, Brooklyn, Judgement at Nuremberg, North By Northwest, The Sting, Dead Poets Society, and Shawshank Redemption.
Anything by Eva Cassidy; Adele; Beach Boys; Sam Cooke; Louis Armstrong; Johnny Maestro; Frankie Valli; kd lang; Moody Blues; Johnny Cash; Ray Charles; Frank Sinatra; Mary Chapin Carpenter; Charles Bradley.
Enjoying the day with my boys, my dogs and my wife, wherever that may be.
Locally within driving distance- the beaches on the Pacific Coast; Bellingham (to see Alex); Victoria. Flying: San Francisco (to see Ross), Maui, and Peru. Would like to visit South Africa and Poland and would love to return to London and Dublin.
What Are a Few of Your Favorite Pastimes?
Reading, listening to vinyl records, and baseball. Enjoy cribbage and other card games.
Copper River Salmon, Caesar Salad, French Onion Soup, Oysters on the half-shell, and fresh raspberries.
What's One Piece of Financial + Life Advice You'd Give Your 10 Year-Old Self?
Hold on to your childhood innocence because “grownups” are just older children who often cannot remember how to have fun, to laugh and to smile. As for financial advice to my 10 year old self: think of life as an adventure and journey, so save some money for later, share some money with others and be thankful for whatever you have.