James Watts
Financial Planning Associate
James Watts is a Financial Planning Associate who helps clients understand their finances, plan for their goals, and put those plans into action with confidence. He especially enjoys helping people who want to understand their financial picture but recognize that delegating the details can give them more time and energy to focus on what matters most. As a new planner, James is excited to incorporate tax planning into the process and help clients maximize their financial resources. He is particularly passionate about working with military-affiliated families and making financial planning feel less overwhelming.
James brings 21 years of Army experience to his work at Prosperity Planning. He served as an Aviation Officer, flying the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was stationed in North Carolina, Alabama, Hawaii, Saudi Arabia, and Kansas. After retiring from the Army in 2024, James decided to "reverse retire" and pursue his longtime interest in personal finance to continue serving others. His final duty station was Fort Leavenworth, where he and his family fell in love with the Kansas City area and decided to make it home.
Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, baseball, barbecue, gardening, hiking, and camping. He also enjoys reading books by Simon Sinek and Rick Atkinson. The family includes a Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless dog, who has a personality much like Dante from Coco.
Education and Certifications
- Series 65
- Certificate, Personal Financial Planning, Kansas State University
- MS, Adult and Continuing Education, Kansas State University
- BS, Management & Business Administration, University of South Florida
Memberships and Community Involvement
- Point of Contact Ministry at St. James Catholic Church
- Coach, Kansas City Riverdogs Baseball Club
- Financial Planning Association - Kansas City Chapter