The SwitchPoint Team
James Sweeney
CFA, CFP®, MBA
Founder and Lead Advisor
About James Sweeney
James has spent his career in the investment management industry – helping clients manage their portfolios and plan for retirement.
Early on, he saw a deep flaw in the financial “advice” industry stemming from how advisors get paid. Instead of being paid for their expertise like a doctor, attorney or accountant, most financial advisors are paid like a sales rep – commissions or a percentage of client accounts.
Over time James became determined to change the paradigm of financial advice from sales to profession by removing the conflicts of interest inherent in traditional fee models. In 2016, he founded SwitchPoint Financial Planning utilizing a flat annual fee structure that compensates us for our expertise and the services we provide.
James feels incredibly blessed to be able to work every day in a career that combines his love of finance and investing with his desire to help others.
Originally from Mesa, Arizona, he has spent the last 20 years in Utah and currently lives in Lehi with his wife and five children. Between church, school, sports and just trying to keep up with the kids, there is never a dull moment at his house.
Memberships and Designations
We seek to support groups and organizations who share our principles and are committed to advancing the field of financial advice. They promote values like the fiduciary standard of care, continuing education and ethical business practices.
NAPFA
James Sweeney is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).
NAPFA is the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors—highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve. Since 1983, Americans across the country have looked to NAPFA for access to financial professionals who meet the highest membership standards for professional competency, client-focused financial planning, and Fee-Only compensation. Members of NAPFA subscribe to a strict fiduciary oath and code of ethics. In addition, NAPFA members are required to fulfill significant continuing education requirements.
Certified Financial Planner® (CFP)
James Sweeney holds the CFP® designation
The CFP® designation is offered by the CFP Board. CFP Board is a non-profit organization acting in the public interest by fostering professional standards in personal financial planning through its setting and enforcement of the education, examination, experience, ethics and other requirements for CFP® certification. Their mission is to benefit the public by granting the CFP® certification and upholding it as the recognized standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning.
The CFP® certification marks identify professionals who have met the high standards of competency and ethics established and enforced by CFP Board. CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct require CFP® professionals to act in their clients’ best interests.
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA)
James Sweeney holds the CFA designation,offered by the CFA Institute. CFA Institute is the premier global association for investment management professionals. They seek to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society.
The CFA charter provides a strong foundation in advanced investment, analysis, and real-world portfolio management skills. This globally recognized, graduate-level credential is held by over 150,000 professionals across 163 countries.
Fee-Only Network
James Sweeney is a featured advisor on the Fee-Only Network
FeeOnlyNetwork.com is a partnership with The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.
NAPFA is the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors – highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
FeeOnlyNetwork.com showcases the expertise of these advisors and promotes consumer awareness of the Fee-Only financial advisor model.
XY Planning Network
James Sweeney is a member of the XY Planning Network
XY Planning Network is the leading organization of fee-only financial advisors who offer services to Generation X and Generation Y clients. Their mission is to connect consumers with best-in-class financial advisors who specialize in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.