James Werner eMoney Heart of Advice Podcast

James A. Werner, CFP®

September 17, 2025

From Founder to Partner: Lessons From 25 Years of Guiding Clients Through Pivotal Decisions

What does it take to guide clients with clarity through life’s most important financial moments?

In this podcast episode, James A. Werner, CFP®, Partner, Wealth Advisor at Waverly Advisors, LLC, reflects on more than 25 years in wealth management and his journey from co-founding Silicon Hills Wealth Management to becoming part of Waverly Advisors after the firm’s acquisition.

James shares how he continues to prioritize the two-way transfer of knowledge between planner and client—a collaborative process that ensures financial strategies stay aligned with each person’s values, goals, and evolving needs. He also opens up about the lessons learned from merging his company into a larger advisory firm, and why community, connection, and shared values remain at the heart of meaningful financial planning.

Whether you’re an individual seeking financial guidance or a professional interested in the evolution of wealth management, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful perspectives from a seasoned leader in the field.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

The information presented in this document is for general informational and educational purposes and is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. Nothing in this document constitutes, or shall be relied upon as, investment, legal, or tax advice to any person. The information in this document is provided effective as of the date of its publication, does not necessarily reflect the most current status or development, and is subject to revision at any time. Investing involves risk, and past performance does not necessarily predict future results. None of Waverly, or any of its officers, members, or affiliates, in any way warrant or guarantee the success of any action that anyone may take in reliance on any statements or recommendations in this document.

Waverly Advisors, LLC (“Waverly”) is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Waverly, including investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in Waverly’s ADV Part 2A Brochure and Form CRS (Customer Relationship Summary), available at https://waverly-advisors.com/.

You should not assume that any information provided serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Waverly. This information should be used as a reference only.

Investment advisory services are offered by Waverly Advisors, LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
© 2026 Waverly Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

For more information, please see our other important disclosures: Disclosure – Waverly Advisors (https://waverly-advisors.com/disclosure/)

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MEET THE AUTHOR

James A. Werner, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

James Werner joined Waverly Advisors in June of 2023 after Silicon Hills Wealth Management, the firm he co-founded with Tom Brown, was acquired by Waverly Advisors, LLC. He serves as a Partner and Wealth Advisor at Waverly. James is a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years’ experience in wealth management and personal financial planning. He finds being included in the important financial decisions his clients face and helping them navigate through difficult financial decisions extremely rewarding.

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