By Jim Shellenberger, CFA,CFP ®
Some things in life captivate us from a young age and never stop fascinating us. For me, that something is finance. I grew up in a household that constantly talked about finances and I have always been interested in that world. In high school, I had a sports mentor who also happened to be a financial advisor and he greatly influenced my decision to pursue a career in the financial industry. This mentor shared with me what it looked like to work in that field, talking about the challenges but also the ability to help people and make a difference in their lives.
Many people don’t find numbers very exciting, but I have always been interested in financial advising and am fascinated by the strategies that help people turn their goals into reality. I have always enjoyed numbers and business and love the challenge of problem-solving, utilizing my skills to help people make wise financial decisions that will positively impact their lives. Very rarely do people’s passions line up with their career, but I am lucky enough to do what I love every day.
Starting My Career
From a young age, the idea of diving into numbers and finding the best solutions to financial problems excited me. I feel fortunate that I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up; not everyone experiences that type of clarity. With a clear career path in mind, I attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a finance minor. I knew that focusing on business as well as finance would give me an advantage in this field and provide even more opportunities to grow in my profession.
I was fortunate to get my start in the industry by working with Frontier Asset Management, LLC as an Investment Analyst Associate. In this role, I would talk to advisors about markets and strategies and would get to hear stories about their clients and how they were able to help with financial planning. This aspect of the job interested me because you are making a personal impact in someone’s life versus just managing their assets.
Branching Out
Continuing to learn and grow in my profession, I became a financial advisor in 2019. I now have the honor of being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder, and a member of the CFA Institute and the Colorado Society of Security Analysts.* Working with Frontier Asset Management has been an invaluable experience, and I am grateful to continue my career with them in a new capacity.
My role as a financial advisor at Elevate Wealth Management is an exciting new chapter in my career. We are a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm headquartered in Sheridan, WY, serving clients in that location and the greater Wyoming area.
Why I Love What I Do
I feel blessed to have both the skills and passion for the finance industry. I know many people don’t enjoy managing their finances, so I love that I get to use my expertise to help others and hopefully inspire them to take action toward a better financial future. Money, and the difficulties of managing it, can cause a lot of stress, which can then create other problems in life. I believe that if people can learn how to wisely and efficiently manage their finances, they can then use their energy and time more productively elsewhere in their family, relationships, or community.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is when I give advice to someone and they take that advice and it has a positive effect on their life. Knowing I can help others in a small way that results in a big impact is an amazing feeling. When this happens, I am able to build trust and form long-lasting relationships with my clients. It is an honor to have the ability to positively influence others’ lives through their finances, and that is what drives me to work hard at what I do every day.
It’s Your Turn!
Now that you know a little bit about me, I’d love to hear your story. What are you looking for in a financial advisor? What challenges do you currently face? I would love to meet with you and see if I’m the right fit for your financial needs. Schedule an introductory meeting by reaching out to me at jshellenberger@frontierasset.com or 307.673.5675.
About Jim
Jim Shellenberger, CFA, CFP® is a financial advisor at Elevate Wealth Management, an independent, fee-only wealth management firm serving young professionals, pre-retirees, and retirees in Sheridan, Wyoming, and surrounding areas. With the mission of serving and educating, Jim is dedicated to providing comprehensive, top-notch services that not only help his clients reach their goals but also empower them to make the best financial decisions for their lives and walk toward their future with confidence. Jim is known for going the extra mile, not only offering valuable knowledge in investment management as a former investment analyst but building long-lasting relationships so he can give honest, customized advice and strategies that make an impact on their lives.
Jim has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in finance from the University of Wyoming. He is proud to be a Wyoming native and loves exploring the outdoors with his family—hiking, fishing, hunting, and backpacking. Faith is an integral part of Jim’s life, and he always looks forward to attending church on Sundays, Bible study on Fridays, and being part of his church community. He’s also an avid sports fan! Fun fact: Jim owns shares in the Green Bay Packers. To learn more about Jim, connect with him on LinkedIn.
* Chartered Financial Analyst® trademark is the property of the CFA Institute
Nothing presented herein is or is intended to constitute investment advice or recommendations to buy or sell any types of securities and no investment decision should be made based solely on information provided herein. There is a risk of loss from an investment in securities, including the risk of loss of principal. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will be profitable or suitable for an s investor’s financial situation or risk tolerance. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. All performance results should be considered in light of the market and economic conditions that prevailed at the time those results were generated. Before investing, consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Exclusive reliance on the information herein is not advised.