James’s Approach
James A. Bailey
CFP®
Financial Advisor / Member Owner
Overview
James “Jim” Bailey is a financial advisor based in Huntersville, North Carolina. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Jim is knowledgeable in numerous areas of financial planning, including wealth transfer and philanthropy, proactive income and estate tax planning, corporate retirement planning, business succession planning, and advanced investment strategies.
With more than 25 years of investment experience in his role, Jim began his career in 1996 at Interstate/Johnson Lane, then joined Portfolio Capital Management in 1999. During his time there, Jim held several leadership and advisor roles, including partner, wealth advisor, portfolio manager, and chief compliance officer. In 2016, Portfolio Capital Management merged with Willingdon Wealth Management, where Jim continued serving clients as a senior wealth advisor and portfolio manager. In 2020, he joined Exencial Wealth Advisors following its merger with Willingdon Wealth Management and worked as a senior wealth advisor. He joined Savant in 2026 when Exencial became part of the firm.
Jim is a veteran of the United States Navy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Youngstown State University in Ohio. Active in their community, Jim and his wife, Kristy, are involved through their church. They have four children and six grandchildren.
Areas of Focus
Comprehensive Wealth Management
Integrated guidance for your full financial life, bringing together investment, tax, estate, and retirement planning to support your goals.
Financial Planning
Our planning process helps you evaluate key areas of your financial life, uncover opportunities, and make decisions aligned with your goals.
Investment Management
Evidence-based investing designed to help you stay focused on long-term goals while navigating changing market conditions.
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
Thoughtful estate planning guidance to help organize your affairs, support your wishes, and prepare for future generations.
Trust Services
Comprehensive trust administration supported by integrated investment, tax, estate, charitable, and business succession planning services.
Education
- Youngstown State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
Affiliations
- U.S. Navy – veteran
Insights & Perspectives
Thought leadership on wealth management, tax strategy, and financial planning.
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CFP®
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.