START A CONVERSATION FEDERAL RETIREMENT PLANNING

Jim, what is the importance of a one-on-one Retirement Planning conversation?

Jim: Over the years, I’ve learned that no two federal employees are alike. Each one has a unique situation with unique challenges. Once an employee has attended a federal retirement benefits seminar, and received all the general information, it’s a good idea to sit down and look at their individual situation.

What topics are discussed at the meeting?

Jim: When I meet with a federal employee, I start by asking lots of questions. I want to get a sense of exactly where they are.
Within the conversation we talk about the employee’s current job and career trajectory, we estimate their pension, we discuss social security, we talk about mortgages and credit card debt, we look at savings, investments, the TSP, and a whole lot more.

What if someone isn’t sure they’ve made the right retirement planning choices, so far?

Jim: That’s exactly why they should come to meet with me.
My goal is to be a champion for federal employees, and to truly help them plan for a successful retirement. Almost everyone can improve their financial strategy, and within our conversation I can help pinpoint where to adjust.

What does someone need to bring to a meeting, and how much does it cost?

Jim: Before meeting with me, my office will email a short list of what to bring. Generally, it’s just the documents that’ll help get a clear picture of what the financial situation is.

And as far as the cost, it’s free. I never charge to meet with anyone.

There may be opportunities to work together in the future, on investments, and we talk about these when the time comes. Until then, we are just having conversations. I’m here to help.

James H. Johnson, president of Sound Investment Strategies, is a financial educator and Investment Advisor Representative who has worked in the financial industry for over 30 years. Jim knows that retirement can be the most challenging phase of a person’s life, so his goal is to replace retirement uncertainty with individualized strategies that help provide both financial stability and growth, for confidence in retirement.

Jim has been working as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) since 2003 and has earned the designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

In 2010 Jim began to focus his service on Federal Employees and became a Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC℠). Since then he has worked with clients in multiple federal agencies, including the FAA, FBI, DOD, and many others, and he travels between Alaska, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington DC and more.

Jim spends part of each week studying the international economy and the financial markets, so he can provide insight and understanding to his clients. Personal finance and retirement planning are not simple concepts, so Jim’s goal is to reduce complex ideas into simple-to-understand strategies.
He identifies areas where people may be vulnerable and creates individualized plans to help prepare for a satisfying retirement.

Sound Investment Strategies is a family operation based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When traveling for business, Jim is joined by either his wife Mary, his son Micah, or daughter Christine. When not traveling for business, Jim loves to grow tomatoes, explore the beauty of creation, and watch his grandchildren play sports.