Meet James
James is a Wealth Advisor based in Portland, Oregon. He joined Mercer Advisors in 2021 through the acquisition of McGee Wealth Management, where he served as a Financial Planning Associate for three years. James earned his B.S. degree in economics from the University of Idaho.
James’s specialties
At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, James has focused experience in these areas:
- Planning for retirement, from high-earning years to long-term income strategies
- Multi-generational planning that aligns with your values and minimizes tax impact
- For business owners, advice on selling your business to help maximize value — and plan what comes next
- Advising tech professionals, including clients at Nvidia, Apple, Meta, Google, Tesla, and Amazon.
- Relocating in retirement with a clear financial strategy
His working style
James is recognized for his engaging communication style and straightforward approach to problem solving. He approaches each client relationship with a genuine desire to help, paired with an open-mindedness that ensures every perspective and financial goal is heard and respected. James is committed to creating clear, actionable strategies that balance structure with flexibility — empowering clients to move forward with confidence and clarity.
James in real life
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I enjoy getting outdoors with my wife and daughter. I also like exploring nature from the ocean to the mountains and rivers; it is wonderful to see new places and find new things.
What’s one thing you are surprisingly good at?
In my twenties, I was a professional chef so I am a pretty good cook. One of my favorite things to make is pasta dough because it can be turned into so many different things — from ravioli to tagliatelle, it can fit any mood.
Why do you like working at Mercer Advisors?
I love having the opportunity to help people navigate the challenging parts of their financial lives so that they can focus on the things that bring them joy.
Meet James’s Teammates
Carolyn Ann Muller
Client Service Specialist
What James Says
As my dedicated client service specialist, Carolyn brings a level of compassion, sensibility, and work ethic that makes her a true joy to work with.
Jennifer Currin Gutridge
Sr. Wealth Advisor
What James Says
Jennifer and I have worked together to help clients. I’m always amazed at her ability to connect to clients and break down their situation to find the root of the matter.
Travis Poulos
Regional Vice President
What James Says
Travis works tirelessly to find more people for us to help and takes great care when considering which advisor would be the best fit for a potential client. This ability to pair communication styles between advisor and client gives me confidence that when he asks me to meet a potential client, I already know that it is going to be a good conversation.
Articles by James
Maximize Your Intel Retirement & Severance Benefits
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11 Factors to Consider in an Early Retirement Package
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