IFM Founder

In 2005, James founded Independent Financial Management, IFM.  IFM primary focus includes Custom Portfolio Management, Wealth Management, Financial & Retirement Planning, Divorce Planning, Business Consulting, Insurance Products, Lending & Fiduciary services for Individuals & Business owners. 

Currently, Investment Advisory Services offered through Independent Financial Partners, IFP, a Registered Investment Advisor. Independent Financial Management LLC, IFM, is not owned or controlled by IFP. 

IFM offers Custodial Services through Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments & Pershing LLC for client assets.

IFM Manages Investment Portfolios & Advises Individuals & Businesses on a variety of Financial & Business related issues.

Prior to being the founder of IFM, James worked as a Portfolio Manager & Financial Advisor for two international investment firms.

2000 to 2005 –  James worked with Prudential Securities, now Wells Fargo Financial Advisors, as a Financial Advisor,  Portfolio Manager, and Leader of the Financial Advisor Training Program in Dallas, TX branch.  James responsibilities as leader of the Training Program included, Recruiting, Interviewing, Training, and overseeing the daily operations of all Financial Advisors involved in the Training Program.  James was responsible for managing between 10-25 advisors, while still managing his own client book of business.

1996 to 2000 –  James was working with Merrill Lynch as a Financial Consultant and leader of the Professional Development Program, PDP, in Las Colinas, TX branch.  James responsibilities as Leader of the Professional Development Program included, Recruiting, Interviewing, Training, and overseeing the daily operations of all Financial Advisors involved in the Professional Development Program.  James was responsible for managing between 10-20 advisors, while still managing his own client book of business.

James recently hosted a National Syndicated Radio Show called, “The James Wigen Show”.

In addition to his experience in Financial Services & Insurance Services,  James has Started & Consulted with several Small Businesses.  James Philanthropic work includes Private Foundations and Nonprofit organizations. 

Teaching Experience

James has taught Non-Credit Investment / Retirement Planning classes through Continuing Education at Universities, Community Colleges & Osher Lifelong Learning Institute or OLLI in AZ, CA, FL, IA, MI, MN, NH, OK, SC, TX, VA, WI, and WV since 1998.  

Professional Designations

Chartered Asset Manager®  CAM®
Global Academy of Finance and Management  GAFM®

Chartered Financial Manager®  ChFM®
Global Academy of Finance and Management  GAFM®

Chartered Portfolio Manager®  CPM®
Global Academy of Finance and Management  GAFM®

Chartered Wealth Manager®  CWM®
Global Academy of Finance and Management  GAFM®

Active Professional Licenses

Series 65 
Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination

General Lines Life, Accident & Health Insurance
State of CA, TX & UT

Notary Public Certification
State of TX