Qualifications

Our passion is for seeing people who have worked so hard for so long have the opportunity to retire in a safe and secure manner without worry and stress.

Leon James is the Senior Managing Director for Optivest Retirement Strategies, LLC, a private money management firm. He has been providing sound investment advice for over 25 years, with an emphasis on helping people develop a strategic vision for building, managing, and distributing their retirement assets. 

Respected author, most recent published articles include “The IRA Distribution Tax Trap”, “Retirement Plan Distributions – Developing 30 Years of Income”, and “An Institutional Approach for Individuals” (Investment Advisor Magazine). 

Holder of the distinguished Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, one of the most comprehensive and lengthy courses of study available to financial advisors, demonstrating extensive knowledge in the areas of tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and asset protection. Continuing education is required and must be updated every 2 years. 

Certified Retirement Financial Advisor. The CRFA designation is a comprehensive course study on the issues faced during the distribution phase of retirement planning. The emphasis is on strategies focused on increasing retirement income, reducing or eliminating taxation of Social Security benefits, and protecting retirement assets from the erosion of inflation and taxes. Continuing education is required and must be updated every 2 years. 

Publishes online newsletter on retirement topics and the current economic outlook. It is designed to keep people current on the multitude of laws and strategies pertaining to Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401Ks and other qualified retirement plans. 

Honored member of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals. Named as Executive of the Year for 2007-2008 representing investment management by the Membership Selection Committee. 

At Optivest, our mission is simple: to guide our clients to a more secure and prosperous financial future. With progressive vision and over twenty-six years experience, we’ll provide the expertise you need to turn the success you’ve earned into the peace of mind you deserve.

Our Private Client Group can take advantage of this expertise by having a customized account based on their goals and risk tolerance.