Jim McGowan, CFP®

Jim’s Role at Marshall Financial

Jim describes his most important role as “learning what our clients want to accomplish and why.” As a Senior Wealth Advisor, Jim uses that knowledge to craft financial plans that help individuals and families strive to get where they want to go and to guide business owners in formulating effective retirement savings plans for them and their employees.

Jim believes one of the greatest values he offers is helping clients decide when it’s OK to start spending the money they’ve earned and grown over a lifetime. “Our clients are humble, hard-working people who don’t consider themselves wealthy,” he says. “They’re often uncomfortable spending. I help them gain that comfort level, knowing they can start to enjoy what they’ve accumulated.” He also likes educating younger clients on how their daily money decisions can impact their retirement and other goals.

In addition to Jim’s work as a Senior Wealth Advisor, he also serves as Marshall’s Director – Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Jim identifies allied professionals (such as accountants, attorneys, mortgage professionals, etc.) that can assist Marshall clients in achieving their goals. “Maintaining strong partnerships with these professionals can provide clients with valuable continuity, helping them achieve positive outcomes and experiences,” he says. 

Wealth Management taps into Jim’s two different sides: his technical nature and his curiosity about people, their lives, and their goals. He appreciates the experience he gained in large companies like Vanguard, but he prefers the small-firm culture of Marshall Financial, where he can build closer relationships with clients.   

Get to Know Jim

Jim finds it gratifying to help someone achieve an important life goal—like assisting one client through the complexities of qualifying for student loan forgiveness for her MD degree. “I woke up Thanksgiving morning to an email that said, ‘Happy Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for you,’” he shares.    

Jim is a volunteer for Almost Home Dog Rescue, which finds good homes for rescued dogs. Jim also enjoys woodworking, hiking, and golfing with his brothers. Jim lives in Upper Gwynedd with his wife, two sons, and their dog, Princess Leia. 

Experience

With Marshall Financial since 2014

In financial services since 2001

Affiliations – Past & Present

• Financial Planning Association, Philadelphia Area Chapter Past President
• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors – Fee Only Advisors

Education

BS, West Chester University

Executive Education Program, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania