Northwestern Mutual: James A Zara - Chesterfield, Missouri

Olaf H.

Having known and worked with Jim for over twenty years, I can honestly say he is the most caring, dedicated, talented financial advisor possible. I’ve worked with some others, but the relationship never lasted as they lost interest in delayed opportunities for their own financial aims. Jim is exactly the opposite. Our meeting was premised on his recognition of my future potential, and he has always managed my interests with absolute integrity, through varying investment abilities over time.

Jim not only is focused squarely on his client’s financial success and security, but develops an individual relationship that respects the client’s needs and boundaries, patiently going through options and “teaching” financial strategy without being prescriptive. “Shared decision-making” is his method.

Every financial advisor claims to want to maximize the client’s financial potential, but Jim is not afraid to take time to explain and develop solid strategy based on a passion for his client to succeed and, on occasion, have real talk exchanges that help non-finance experts orient toward a better long term goal.

Other than that, he’s just a stellar human and the reviews here support both his ethical character and his extreme talent.

Sarah D.

My husband and I first started working with Jim several years ago. As someone in their late 20s-30s, who has spent much of that time in graduate school, I felt very behind on investing and preparing for the future and retirement. Jim was able to break it down easily and make our financial goals feel within reach. He gets to know his clients personally and tailors financial plans and goals to you. There is also zero guilt surrounding student debt or previous financial decisions, which is not always the case with financial advisors. Also, the access you have to Jim and his team is very unique and feels very personalized. We have recommended Jim to many of our friends and colleagues.

Al B.

I have been a client of Jim's for about 25 years. Both Jim and Northwestern Mutual have a steady hand in dealing with the market and that has benefited our family immensely over the years. Jim is a good listener and crafts a plan suited to individual needs. Very happy to have him as an advisor.

Michelle T.

We are so grateful we initiated a relationship with Jim and his team. He cares just as much about our understanding of his processes and recommendations as he does about our financial success, and his entire team is so accessible and kind. Jim and Northwestern Mutual were absolutely invaluable to us during a completely unexpected, tough season in our lives that impacted us personally and financially - his local team as well as Northwestern Mutual as a whole were so compassionate and gave us the support we needed. We are MORE than satisfied with their care and appreciate the trust that Jim takes the time to build. We look forward to being Jim’s clients for years to come!

Anmaar A.

I have been a client of Jim Zara and Northwestern Mutual for 10 years. Jim's personality, strong financial knowledge, and work ethic have helped a lot in achieving my financial goals. I am very grateful to him and his extremely helpful staff. I have recommended him to many of friends and family and many of them stated using his service.

Harold F.

I left a advisement firm that I had been with for over 20 years to Northwestern/Jim Zara not because I was disappointed on how my money was being handled but because I spent 10 days in the middle of nowhere in Alaska as Jim's guide. And Jim is the real deal and takes everything he does very seriously and I new he would be treating my money no different then his own.
This is my work ethics as well and have always guided every Sheep hunt as if it was my own.
Jim has increased my value over the last 2 years in a very tough time for our country. So now with president Trump and his administration it can only get better from here.
Thank you

Geoff P.

My wife and I have been investing with Jim for 20+ years. When you’re investing for your short and long term goals you have to have alignment and most importantly absolute trust with your financial advisor. Jim has been absolutely great to work with over the years and has done an outstanding job with our portfolio, couldn’t be happier for our family’s future.
I would highly recommend anyone no matter what stage of your professional career you’re in to make an appointment with Jim.

O Q. S. (. Q. S.

Have been working with Mr. Zara for more than 25 years. Jim is professional, super competent financial planner. Has my family completely squared away on both the insurance and investment aspects of financial planning. He’s been very attentive over the years, calling to schedule complete portfolio reviews annually so I always know if I’m on track to achieve my retirement goals. He also calls about 2 more times a year to ask if you need anything else from him. He’s always available by text, phone, email answering back promptly. Great office staff as well.
By the way, in addition to being a great CFP, also a genuinely good human, relatable human being.
Highly recommend.