Carey James has spent more than 40 years helping families build and protect their financial futures. As President and Owner of James Financial in Arroyo Grande, California, he leads a true family office — working alongside his wife and daughter, who are also financial advisors.
Born into the industry, James grew up watching his father advise clients with integrity and care. That example shaped his own approach. “I learned early that this work is about trust, not just numbers,” he says.
James earned his BA in Communications from Chico State University, focusing on Television Journalism with a minor in Speech and Drama. His communication skills have been key to his success, helping him explain complex financial concepts in simple, clear language.
Over his career, he has been recognized with numerous awards, but measures success in more personal terms — seeing second and third generations benefit from the planning he helped their families put in place. He also manages charitable remainder trusts and donor-advised funds, aligning wealth with values.
Outside the office, James enjoys traveling, reading, scuba diving, skiing, and mountain biking. He believes these pursuits bring balance and perspective, allowing him to better serve his clients.
For James, success is built on consistency, adaptability, and strong relationships. “Markets change. Technology changes. The one thing that shouldn’t change is your commitment to the client,” he says. His four decades in finance stand as proof that principles and persistence can carry you — and others — far.
Q&A on Success with Carey James
Q: You’ve been in the financial industry for four decades. How do you personally define success?
A: Success, to me, is seeing the people I work with thrive long after the first meeting. I’ve helped families become financially independent, and then I’ve watched their children and even grandchildren benefit from that planning. It’s not just about building wealth. It’s about building stability that lasts through generations.
Q: How did your early life shape your approach to success?
A: My father was a financial advisor, so I grew up in this world. I saw how clients trusted him with some of the most important decisions in their lives. He taught me that your reputation is your most valuable asset. That lesson has guided every decision I’ve made in my career.
Q: What role has education played in your success?
A: I have a BA in Communications from Chico State University, with an emphasis in Television Journalism and a minor in Speech and Drama. That might seem unrelated to finance, but it’s been critical. Finance can be complicated. My background helps me translate technical ideas into plain English. Clients feel confident when they understand what’s happening with their money.
Q: What’s one habit you credit for your long-term success?
A: Consistency. Whether it’s returning calls promptly, meeting deadlines, or reviewing plans every year, doing what you say you’ll do builds trust. Over decades, that trust compounds, just like investments.
Q: Have you ever had a setback that shaped your career?
A: Absolutely. Early in my career, I lost a big client because I didn’t ask enough questions. I made assumptions instead of really listening. It taught me to slow down and learn the “why” behind every decision. Now, I dig deep into my clients’ goals before making a plan.
Q: What advice do you give young professionals starting out?
A: Don’t chase quick wins. Relationships matter more than transactions. Focus on doing the right thing for people, and the results will come. Also, learn to communicate clearly. If you can’t explain your work simply, you don’t understand it well enough.
Q: How do you balance work with personal life?
A: I make time for activities I love — traveling, reading, scuba diving, skiing, mountain biking. They recharge me and give me perspective. When I’m away from the office, I’m reminded that money is just a tool for living the life you want.
Q: You also work in philanthropy. How does that tie into your definition of success?
A: I help manage charitable remainder trusts and donor-advised funds. For me, giving is part of planning. It’s about aligning resources with values. When families include charitable goals in their plans, they leave a legacy that’s bigger than money.
Q: What’s one small action people can take to improve their chances of success?
A: Schedule one intentional conversation a year about your goals — whether it’s with your family, business partner, or mentor. Those conversations bring clarity and alignment. Without them, you drift.
Q: After four decades, what keeps you motivated?
A: The people. Every client has a story, and I get to be part of it. Seeing the relief on someone’s face when they realize they’re secure — that never gets old. That’s the real payoff.