James Schneider

My work as a financial planner is grounded in two core values: growth and connection. I believe financial planning is most powerful when it helps people grow into the next chapter of their lives and reconnect with what matters most to them. I’ve lived in Oregon most of my life, have called Salem home since 2007, and have worked in financial planning since 2013. I bring both technical expertise and deep local knowledge to my work, particularly for retirees and Oregon public employees navigating complex benefit decisions. Money is both practical and emotional, so my approach runs in parallel: we work through the numbers and the human side of financial decisions. My role is not to dictate outcomes, but to serve as a facilitator and guide—helping clients co-create a financial plan that supports their values, priorities, and sense of purpose.

Stewart Hayes is the principal of Willamette Valley Wealth Management, LLC in Salem, OR. He holds the PFS™ designation and Series 66 license, and has 21 years of experience in the financial services industry. In addition to his advisory role, Hayes owns and operates an accounting firm, Fischer, Hayes, Joye & Allen, LLC. Willamette Valley Wealth Management is an independent, single-advisor firm managing approximately $69.9 million for around 67 clients. The firm offers discretionary asset management, comprehensive financial planning, and retirement plan services, employing fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis to tailor investment programs to individual client objectives.

Michael Walsh is the sole advisor at Walsh Financial LLC in Sublimity, OR, holding a Series 65 credential with one year of experience in financial advising. Prior to founding Walsh Financial, he worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation and has been self-employed since 2012. Outside of advising, he provides remote personal fitness training, which accounts for a portion of his time. Walsh Financial LLC is a fee-only registered investment adviser offering wealth management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and businesses. The firm employs a blend of passive and active investment strategies based on modern portfolio theory and provides tailored services that include educational seminars and project-based planning options.

Alicia Martinez is a financial advisor at DiFi Advisory in Salem, OR, with 12 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has previously worked at firms including Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Capstone Wealth Advisors. Outside of her advisory work, Martinez serves as an on-call victim advocate for the National Center for Victims of Crime, providing support and resources nationally. DiFi Advisory offers investment management and financial planning services for individuals, trusts, estates, and business entities. The firm uses a variety of analytical methods to tailor portfolios to clients’ goals and risk tolerance and provides written financial plans along with periodic account reviews.

Danae Johnson is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license, with 12 years of industry experience. She has worked at Capital Financial Planners, LLC since 2008, except for a period between 2011 and 2020 when she was with Kms Financial Services, Inc. Capital Financial Planners advises individuals, charitable organizations, and business entities, offering wealth management, discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting. The firm manages approximately $285 million for about 221 clients, using a diversified investment approach based on Modern Portfolio Theory and employing both wrap-fee platforms and traditional billing methods.

Mathew Wynn is a financial advisor at JH Advisors with five years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked previously at Green Newton Jamison from 2014 to 2022. JH Advisors provides discretionary and nondiscretionary investment management, financial planning, retirement plan advisory, and consulting services to individuals, qualified retirement plans, trusts, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm follows an evidence-based investment approach grounded in Modern Portfolio Theory, focusing on passive, asset-class allocations, low turnover, and a buy-and-hold strategy.