Financial Services Professional & Financial Literacy Advocate

As a former college athlete (football player) and a graduate of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX, James Osborne (also known as “JaRO” to many of his family and friends), understands better than most the four biggest issues for his students and clients are retirement, paying for college, balancing the two, and maintaining a sustainable budget. With personal and professional experience with the hardships of college life as an athlete, student, and parent, he has created systems that not only advise but also alleviate the true pain of the college process for both parent, grandparent, guardian, and student alike.

James holds several designations, first being the title of NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI). This title represents the completion of the Certified Financial Education Instructor program education credits through the National Financial Educators Council. The CFEI coursework sets clear performance expectations that now are referenced by organizations around the globe as benchmarks for financial educator standards – the Framework for Teaching Personal Finance. The Framework for Teaching Personal Finance is a research-based set of components aligned with InTASC standards and grounded in a constructivist view of learning and teaching. This Framework breaks down teaching financial literacy into 22 components recognized as best practices in the industry. Graduates of the Certified Financial Education Instructor professional development course meet the standards set by the Framework for Teaching Personal Finance and the highest academic rigor.

Secondly, James holds the title of Education Loan Analyst (ELA). This designation (only given to one who holds the CCFS designation) represents one who has achieved a more in-depth knowledge of the student loan system and how it works. This individual has studied and has advanced knowledge of all education loans and alternatives; the various rules and regulations regarding repayment plans, forgiveness, forbearance, cancellation; and other strategies to help families remove the burden of education debt. Thirdly, James holds the title of Certified College Funding Specialist™ (CCFS). This designation has been recognized by FINRA and the Certified Financial Planner CFP® Board of Standards for continuing education credit. The CCFS® designation not only separates him from other financial advisors, it also sets him apart from others that call themselves ‘’college planners.” This distinguishes him as having the highest level of competency, commitment, and ethics in the college planning profession.

He is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), National Financial Educators Council (NFEC), the Association of Certified College Funding Specialist (ACCFS), the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the Personal Finance Speakers Association (PFSA). He lectures regularly throughout the community and advises on the importance of Academics for the Student-Athlete.

He is also on the Board of Directors and CEO for Big 6 Real Estate Group, Founder and CEO of Osborne Fiduciary Group, member of the Business Builders of South Dallas group, and Music Minister for the Cedar Crest Church in the Oak Cliff area, known as the heart of Dallas, TX.