Winning Financially

In today’s fast-paced world, winning isn’t just about what happens on the field or in the boardroom—it’s about mastering the mindset behind success and failure. Jim Moore, a seasoned financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, shares invaluable insights on how embracing failure, learning from it, and applying those lessons can lead to long-term success both in life and finances. Drawing from his background as a former athlete who played at the highest levels, including the NFL, Jim connects the dots between sports, psychology, and financial planning in a way that resonates deeply with anyone striving to win from within.

Learning to Fail Early: The Foundation of Growth

One of the most powerful lessons Jim highlights is the importance of learning to fail early. Growing up as a coach’s kid and a high school All-American athlete, Jim experienced the harsh reality of failure when he transitioned to college sports. Suddenly, he was no longer a star but “a nobody” competing against more experienced, physically mature players. This “punch in the face of reality” was a critical growth moment.

“Fail is only bad if you let it stop you from progressing.”

Jim stresses that failure is not something to avoid but rather an essential part of development. He encourages his sons to compete against older and stronger players, accepting that success won’t always come immediately. This mindset helped them grow not only physically but mentally, preparing them for challenges in sports and beyond.

In business, especially financial services, failure and rejection are common—sometimes up to 75-80% of the time.

Jim’s approach to failure is about persistence and progress:

• Put in the work consistently.

• Measure progress over time.

• Embrace failure as a learning tool.

This philosophy is equally applicable to parenting, sports, and professional life. Jim’s experience coaching his boys across multiple sports reinforces the idea that resilience and mental toughness are cultivated through facing challenges head-on.

Transitioning from Sports to Financial Services

After his athletic career, which included stints with the Houston Oilers and Kansas City Chiefs, Jim faced the daunting transition many athletes encounter—life beyond sports. With a finance major background and a love for numbers (influenced by his high school math teacher father), Jim found his calling in financial services.

His journey wasn’t straightforward. Starting in banking, moving to insurance, and finally settling into financial advising, Jim discovered how the combination of these experiences uniquely equipped him to serve clients holistically.

“We’re not just talking about investments or 401(k)s. We’re talking about the overall picture—insurance, estate planning, tax planning, and more.”

Financial services offered Jim the freedom to balance family life and career, especially with his kids traveling for baseball. He emphasizes that this industry, while rewarding, is not glamorous at the beginning. It requires hard work, persistence, and a long-term vision.

Work-Life Balance: The Toughest Challenge

Like many driven professionals, Jim admits that early in his career, he struggled with work-life balance. Working 80 to 90 hours a week before having children, he and his wife faced challenges that almost led to separation. The realization that family and personal relationships must be prioritized was a turning point.

Jim’s approach to balancing career ambitions with family life includes:

• Being present for his children’s activities and coaching their sports teams.

• Recognizing the limited time with kids and making quality time a priority.

• Maintaining open communication and investing in his marriage.

He acknowledges that today’s families often juggle dual careers, making balance even more complex than in previous generations. Jim encourages others to reassess priorities regularly to avoid burnout and maintain strong personal relationships.

The Holistic Approach to Financial Planning

Jim’s philosophy in financial advising is deeply client-centric and holistic. He rejects a one-size-fits-all mentality, emphasizing that everyone’s goals, needs, and circumstances are unique. His team works closely with clients multiple times a year, not just once, to ensure plans remain relevant and adaptable.

Key elements of this approach include:

• Frequent communication and reviews (3-4 times a year).

• Understanding clients’ personal goals—travel, retirement lifestyle, legacy planning.

• Planning for unexpected events and market surprises.

• Involving entire families, including children and grandchildren, to educate and build legacy wealth.

Jim highlights the importance of transparency and honesty from clients. Financial advisors can only help effectively when they have a clear picture of their clients’ financial realities, including debts, expenses, and goals.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Jim identifies several pitfalls that often derail people’s financial success:

1. Emotional decision-making: Reacting to market volatility or fear can lead to poor investment choices.

2. Lack of education: Without understanding how markets and financial products work, clients are more likely to panic or make uninformed decisions.

3. Neglecting regular reviews: Life changes quickly, and financial plans must be adjusted accordingly.

4. Failing to plan holistically: Focusing only on investments without considering insurance, taxes, and estate planning leaves gaps.

“Education leads to knowledge, and knowledge leads to decisions without fear.”

Jim encourages everyone to find a trusted advisor who will spend the time to educate and support them through market ups and downs, helping them stay the course and avoid costly mistakes.

Who Should Consider Partnering with Allworth Financial?

Allworth Financial, where Jim is a partner advisor, serves a broad range of clients but focuses especially on professionals, entrepreneurs, medical practitioners, dentists, and attorneys—people with busy lives who need expert guidance. The key requirement is a willingness to engage in the planning process and work collaboratively.

Jim stresses that success is a team effort. Clients who want to grow, improve, and actively participate in their financial planning journey will benefit the most.

Final Thoughts: The True Meaning of Wealth

At its core, wealth is more than numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about knowledge, education, resilience, and relationships. Jim’s story—from the highs and lows of athletics to the challenges of financial advising—illustrates that mindset matters deeply in every arena of life.

Whether you’re a parent teaching your kids to embrace failure, a professional navigating career transitions, or someone planning for retirement, the principles Jim shares offer a roadmap to winning from within.

Remember, financial success isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regular reviews, honest conversations, and a trusted advisor by your side can make all the difference.

For those interested in learning more or connecting with Jim and the Allworth Financial team, visit his website or connect with him on LinkedIn. With 48 offices across 25 states, they’re ready to help you build a financial plan tailored to your unique life and goals.

As Jim says, “Let’s go win—together.”

Watch this full episode on YouTube