Our Vision & Mission

VISION:  Our vision is to guide people ethically to financial freedom.

MISSION:  At J.R. Financial, we empower our clients through transparency, education, and a fiduciary responsibility to reach their financial goals. 

We develop and deliver the best solutions for every client's needs

Since J.R. Financial & Insurance Services was founded February 2008, we have worked with a variety of clients from all walks of life. Together, we work diligently with our clients creating individualized reports so everyone can clearly understand their situation. When experts are needed to focus on specific issues or complicated circumstances, we have professionals on hand including attorneys, tax experts, and real estate professionals who specialize in dealing with specific situations. Our goal is to help you gain control of your estate by working with you every step of the way, identifying any potential concerns, and offering solutions so that you can build your financial future with confidence.

Meet Our Team

James Rukstalis, CLU, ChFC, CFP®

President

CA Ins. License #0D71530
FINRA CRD #6736220

 

With over two decades of experience, James has built a successful retirement planning business with clients throughout the United States. He has worked with regular individuals from all types of professions including Federal Employees, Local Government Employees, Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Politicians, Attorneys, Tech Engineers, Executives, Artists, Football Coaches, and even some pro athletes and celebrities.

 

His specialties include primarily financial planning which includes: planning for retirement, setting up guaranteed retirement income, estate transfer planning, FERS & CERS Governmental retirement planning, and planning social security strategies.

 

He was instrumental in helping overturn the 401(a) retirement plans to BART employees for the state of California. He has helped advise the pension board for City of San Jose. He also holds a variety of licenses including Insurance (CA Ins # 0D71530), Real Estate, NMLS (Lending), Securities (FINRA CRD# 6736220) & Notary Public. He is licensed in multiple states and holds many designations including CFP®, CLU, ChFC, CAS & ChFEBC. He has obtained Certifications from Harvard University Extension School in both Principles of Finance as well as Corporate Finance.

Peter Bradshaw

Senior Advisor

CA Ins. License # 0M45617
FINRA CRD# 6997508

Peter was born and raised in Westport, Connecticut before moving across the country to Santa Clara, California to pursue his B.S. in Economics from Santa Clara University. While finishing his senior year, he joined the company as an intern where he was mentored by James and worked directly with him to help our clients. After graduating from SCU, he obtained his California Life Insurance License #0M45617 and is also licensed as an Investment Advisory Representative FINRA CRD# 6997508.

With his knowledge and experience, he specializes in giving clients advice and recommendations on insurance and securities to formulate a comprehensive financial plan as the company’s Senior Agent.

Raymond Wong, EA

Senior Tax Professional

Enrolled Agent #139432

Raymond has been doing taxes for over 10 years.  He recently earned his Enrolled Agent (139432-EA) certificate that allows him to practice before the IRS.

In his spare time, Raymond enjoys gardening and is active with his church.

He’s very happy to be a part of the J.R. Financial & Insurance Services team and is looking forward to assisting our clients with all of their tax questions and needs.

Alma Portillo

Tax Professional

Born and raised in Ensenada, Baja California México, Alma moved to the Bay Area in 2019 with no plans to leave. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Language Teaching, and is currently attending College to get an English-Spanish Translator and Interpreter Certificate. She is also a Certified Fitness Trainer.

Alma is grateful for the opportunity to work for J.R. Financial and Insurance Services and is looking forward to learning everything this company has to offer. She loves to help people, and working for this awesome company gives her the opportunity to be in touch with our community. She is ready to conquer her fears and become a successful woman.

In her free time, Alma works out to keep herself healthy. She also follows sports like football and baseball (She loves to be out there at the stadium). Alma loves music from classical to classic rock n’ roll. She describes herself as an old soul.

Kim Murphy

Chief Operations Officer

Kim was raised in Reno, Nevada and moved to the Bay Area in 2000 and loves living in this area with no plans on ever leaving. She holds degrees in Entrepreneurial Business as well as Philosophy and is a registered EMT. She is also a registered Notary.

She began working for the company in 2015 and she cannot imagine working for a better and more honest company. Kim looks forward to coming to work because she has the opportunity to help clients with their financial needs.

When not working, Kim enjoys preforming at local historical festivals, small theaters, and murder mysteries. She makes time in her busy schedule to research historical costuming and study skilled swordsmanship. If you want obscure historical facts, Kim is your gal!

Kim is always willing and available to help the clients and get them pointed in the right direction.

Maryann Castro

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Maryann was born in Fresno, California and moved to the bay area when she was 10 years old. She brings 25+ years of administrative experience managing teams and bringing products to market. Her past experiences in the medical field, stemming from past start-ups and corporate companies, will help provide the support needed for our fast-growing company. Maryann hopes to continue to grow and develop with each coming opportunity.

Outside of the office, she volunteers at her church by teaching the youth. Maryann loves to play Pokémon Go, read and bake. Trying new recipes and sharing her creations with others brings her joy. 

Steven Lewis

Director of First Impressions

Steven, born in Tucson AZ, was raised in Southern California, in the Santa Monica Mountains. After a few years in Pennsylvania, he returned to California and moved to the Bay Area, and cannot imagine living anywhere else again.

Providing high-level support, he helps the office run smoothly and efficiently. As an Eagle Scout, he is always eager and happy to help any way he can. He studies historical swordsmanship, sewing, historical enactment, and acting.

Andrew Christian

CMO and Vice President of Community Outreach

With a background in teaching and educational leadership, Andrew brings his perspective to educating our clients and the community about who we are here at J.R. Financial and how we work together in reaching your financial goals.

A Bay Area native, Andrew is from San Jose and believes that everyone in our community should have access to ethical financial advice that is in their best interest and empowers individuals to take ownership over their financial future. He is passionate about working with youth and partnering with organizations that inspire entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

When he’s not working, you can find him exploring local breweries and wineries, practicing his hopeless golf swing, or driving over the hill to the beach.

Amy Cantrell

Digital Marketing Specialist

Amy was born in Fremont, California and has been a Bay Area native her entire life. With over 18 years of office, marketing, and multimedia experience she has worked in many different industries. Some of these include broadcasting, film, and other creative endeavors (including Haunts and Historical Fairs).

She loves working for J.R. Financial, and uses her skills and knowledge to spread information about the company to the community so we can help as many people as possible reach their financial goals.

Outside of work, Amy is usually either at the movie theater with her partner, working on a craft project, or enjoying a walk on the shores of Santa Cruz.