Our team is your team
Elderado Financial was founded to help individuals and families achieve their goals and financial security by providing practical advice with openness and specialized financial expertise. Our directive has always been to consistently offer qualified and ethical financial advice combined with care and concern for what’s best for our clients. We are an independent firm providing full customer care and a team approach so that our clients have easy access to our services. Our advisors focus on taking care of our client’s needs along with our service staff so that whenever you call or email, someone is available to help you. Our clients expect us to help them solve their ever-changing needs so we strive to change with the times to stay current. With over 58 years of combined experience, our firm is not only financially competent, but empathetic to the real issues of financial planning and preparing for retirement in our current climate. We serve clients both in our state of Colorado and most of the United States.
Connect
First, we will identify your investment objectives by asking you about your financial goals. We will explore important concerns such as your risk tolerance, your tax situation, your investment time horizon, your plans for retirement, and whether or not you want to take current income from your portfolio.
We help you define the following answers and make a plan to meet your goals.
What steps do you need to take to achieve the goals you have for you and your family?
What are your priorities and what matters most?
How will you stay focused to achieve your primary goals?
What are your strengths, opportunities and obstacles for achieving your goals?
Plan
Next, we will help you develop a financial plan designed to achieve your goals. This will include your investment plan with expected investment returns, your ideal asset mix between stocks and bonds and the general types of securities that are suitable for you. Other assets such as investment properties, pension plans, 401k or 403b will be factored into your plan so that you have a comprehensive view of your financial life. We help you develop a personalized path to attain your goals by identifying your core values.
Grow
We will be responsible for the day-to-day management of your investment portfolio, choosing individual securities or mutual funds that meet your objectives and executing trades on your behalf.
Monitor
We will watch your portfolio and make adjustments as necessary. In addition to your regular investment account statements, you will also receive periodic updates to tell you how you are doing. We measure and monitor your success along the path by providing answers to:
How am I doing?
Am I staying on track towards my goals?
Are my investments performing well and suitable to my comfort with risk and loss?
Will I have a comfortable retirement?
Is my future secure?
Will my spouse be comfortable should I die first?
Will my children’s inheritance be safe?
Jim Elder
Founder & Financial Planner
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
As the founder and principal of ElderAdo Financial, I help guide the firm's investment philosophy while assisting clients with financial planning, wealth management, estate planning, and asset protection strategies. I also work with our team to ensure every client receives thoughtful, comprehensive advice tailored to their unique goals. I believe financial planning is about faithful stewardship by helping people wisely manage the resources God has entrusted to them so they can care for their families, give generously, and leave a meaningful legacy.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
I enjoy helping clients make wise financial decisions that bring them closer to their goals and provide greater peace of mind. One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been building lasting relationships with families and helping them navigate important financial decisions through every stage of life. It is a privilege to help clients make financial choices that reflect their values and support the future they envision.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Janet, our children, and grandchildren. One of my favorite hobbies is working on our hobby farm, where I grow pumpkins, peppers, hops, berries, and more than 300 fruit trees. I enjoy being outdoors, learning new things, and serving my church and community. Whether I am spending time with family, tending the farm, or teaching biblical principles of stewardship and financial wisdom, I enjoy staying active and involved.
What is a value that guides your work?
Faithful stewardship and education guide everything I do. I believe people make better financial decisions when they understand their options, and I believe we have a responsibility to manage our resources wisely. That belief has led me to author the book WealthCare, found the Financial Health Fair, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to financial education, host the financial segment of Living for Tomorrow with my wife Janet, and present educational seminars throughout my career. Helping people gain knowledge and confidence has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
I am passionate about financial education because it gives people the knowledge and confidence to make better decisions for themselves and their families. Whether through books, seminars, television programs, nonprofit organizations, or personal conversations, I enjoy helping people understand financial concepts and become wise stewards of what they have been given.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
Before entering the financial planning profession, I owned and operated a solar energy business more than 40 years ago. Many people are also surprised to learn that I used to race cars. Whether in business, on the racetrack, or serving clients, I have always enjoyed learning, taking on new challenges, and striving to do my best.
Jaimee Carnes, CFP®, FRCSM
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® FEDERAL RETIREMENT CONSULTANT℠
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
As a Certified Financial Planner® and Federal Retirement Consultant℠, I work with clients to create comprehensive financial plans that align with their goals, values, and long-term vision. My areas of focus include retirement planning, federal employee benefits, tax planning, estate planning, and investment management. I enjoy helping clients see how all the pieces of their financial life fit together into a coordinated plan, with an emphasis on wise stewardship and intentional decision-making.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
I enjoy helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Financial decisions can feel overwhelming, and I love educating and guiding people so they can make informed choices and feel empowered about their future. I am especially passionate about tax planning strategies that help clients keep more of what they've worked hard to earn, allowing them to be good stewards of the resources they've been entrusted with.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, Daniel, and our sons, traveling, and taking advantage of Colorado's beautiful outdoors. I also love baking, especially sourdough bread and homemade desserts. In addition, I play bass guitar on my church worship team and enjoy serving our community through local organizations and volunteer opportunities.
What is a value that guides your work?
Faithful stewardship is at the heart of how I approach financial planning. I believe our finances are a gift and a responsibility, and my goal is to help clients manage their resources wisely so they can care for their families, live generously, and pursue the purpose and values that matter most to them.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
I am passionate about helping clients begin the estate planning process. While estate planning isn't always an easy topic to discuss, having a plan in place is one of the greatest gifts you can leave to the people you love. A thoughtful plan provides peace of mind, helps reduce stress during a difficult time, and often prevents the confusion and family conflict that can arise when no plan exists.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
Although I grew up in the financial planning business, I also spent nearly eight years at Vanguard in a variety of supervisory roles before returning to the family firm. Another fun fact is that I once had the opportunity to have dinner with Warren Buffett. The experience reinforced my appreciation for long-term investing, humility, and the importance of staying focused on what truly matters in life.
Nathan Manes, CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® FINANCIAL ADVISOR
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
As a Certified Financial Planner™, I help clients make smart financial decisions through every stage of life. My work includes retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, risk management, and creating comprehensive financial plans that fit each client's unique goals. I enjoy working through complex situations and finding practical solutions that help people make the most of what God has entrusted to them. Every client is different, and I appreciate the opportunity to build strategies that reflect their priorities, values, and long-term goals.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
The best part of my job is getting to know people and helping them feel more confident about their financial future. Finances can feel complicated, but they don't have to stay that way. I enjoy breaking down complex topics into something people can understand so they can make informed decisions and have confidence in the direction they're headed. Seeing the peace of mind that comes from having a solid plan is incredibly rewarding.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, you'll usually find me with my wife, our son, and our dog enjoying everything Colorado has to offer. We love camping, hiking, golfing at The Bridges, fly fishing, and hunting whenever we get the chance. I'm also involved at our church, and I enjoy spending time outdoors, appreciating God's creation, and making memories with my family.
What is a value that guides your work?
Relationships and stewardship are at the heart of how I approach financial planning. Before I can give good advice, I want to understand what's important to each client and what they're hoping to accomplish. I believe money is a tool, and my role is to help people use it wisely in a way that reflects their values and supports the life they want to live.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
I enjoy helping clients simplify their financial lives. When everything works together in a clear, coordinated plan, people can spend less time worrying about money and more time investing in their families, their faith, and the things they care about most. Retirement planning is one area I especially enjoy because small decisions made today can have a lasting impact for years to come.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
Before joining ElderAdo Financial, I was a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, where I worked with businesses and young families through many of life's financial milestones. People are sometimes surprised by how much I enjoy digging into the details of financial planning. I genuinely like running different scenarios, solving problems, and finding strategies that fit each client's situation. When I'm not working, I'm happiest outside with my family, whether we're camping, fly fishing, or enjoying a day in the mountains.
Daniel Carnes, CBDA
INVESTMENT ANALYST & CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
As an Investment Analyst and Financial Planner, I research investments, monitor market trends, and help lead our investment committee process. I work closely with our advisory team to evaluate investment opportunities and develop strategies designed to support our clients' financial goals.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
I enjoy helping clients cut through the noise and make informed financial decisions with confidence. There is a lot of information and opinion in today's financial world, and I enjoy helping people understand how investment and planning decisions fit into their long-term goals.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Jaimee, and our sons, grilling, listening to music, watching and playing soccer, and online gaming. Whether it's family time at home or gathering with friends, I enjoy activities that bring people together.
What is a value that guides your work?
Curiosity. Financial markets and technology are constantly evolving, and I believe it's important to continue learning, asking questions, and exploring new ideas so we can provide thoughtful guidance to our clients.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
I am passionate about investment research and helping clients understand emerging areas of the financial world, including digital assets and blockchain technology. I earned my Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals (DACFP) Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets in 2021 and enjoy staying current on developments in this rapidly evolving space. I enjoy studying market trends, evaluating opportunities, and helping clients separate long-term potential from short-term hype so they can make informed investment decisions.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
Before joining ElderAdo Financial, I worked on the Advanced Trading Desk at Charles Schwab, where I gained firsthand experience helping investors navigate the markets. I also enjoy speaking at events and educational workshops about personal finance and digital assets, helping others better understand these rapidly evolving topics.
Janet Elder
RMD Specialist and Compliance Associate
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
As an Investment Advisor, I help support the day-to-day management of client accounts and ensure each client receives the attention and service they deserve. I assist clients with their Required Minimum Distributions by helping coordinate and facilitate the process to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible. I also assist with trading in client accounts and help ensure portfolios are maintained according to each client’s investment strategy and goals. Additionally, I support the firm’s compliance efforts by helping complete important tasks and processes that allow us to continue serving clients with the highest level of care and responsibility.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
I enjoy building relationships with clients and helping them feel confident in their finances. Over the years, I have found that successful investing is about much more than choosing investments. It is about understanding each client’s goals, needs, and comfort level.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my grandchildren and making memories with my family. I also enjoy staying active through water aerobics and spending time in Ouray, one of my favorite places to relax and enjoy the beauty of Colorado. Whether I am spending time with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying the community around me, I appreciate the simple moments that make life special.
What is a value that guides your work?
Trust. I believe strong relationships are built on listening, understanding, and doing what is in the best interest of each client.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
I enjoy the research and attention to detail involved in managing investments, but most importantly, I value the relationships built with clients over the years. Being there through different seasons of life is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
Before joining ElderAdo Financial, I had careers as both a teacher and a nurse. Those experiences shaped my passion for helping others, listening carefully, and serving people through important seasons of life. I have also always enjoyed being involved in the community and previously served on the Board for the Montrose Chamber of Commerce and was a member of Altrusa, a community service organization.
Rachel Jacques
Office Manager
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
As Office Manager, I help keep our office running smoothly by coordinating schedules, assisting clients, managing day-to-day operations, and supporting our advisory team so we can provide the best possible service.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
I enjoy creating a welcoming experience and helping clients feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they contact our office. Building relationships and being a helpful resource is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, exploring local food trucks, attending live music events, and watching fireworks displays whenever I get the chance. I also enjoy photography and capturing the beautiful scenery of Colorado. Whether it's a community event or a day spent outdoors, I love making memories with the people I care about.
What is a value that guides your work?
Kindness. I believe that treating people with respect, patience, and genuine care can make a meaningful difference in their day.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
I've lived all over the United States and have called several different places home over the years. I was born in Kansas and, yes, I even own a pair of ruby slippers! The experiences I've had living in different parts of the country have given me an appreciation for meeting new people and learning about different communities.
Adam Miller
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional & Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
I've been a Financial Planner with ElderAdo Financial since 2007.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
I enjoy helping families align their financial decisions with their values, purpose, and priorities. Building long-term relationships and walking alongside people through life's transitions is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
My four kids and I love exploring rivers, mountains, and oceans (and finding great food along the way).
What is a value that guides your work?
Stewardship is at the heart of how I approach financial planning. I believe financial resources are a tool for something bigger than ourselves. It's rewarding to help people not only meet their own goals and needs, but also invest in the people, causes, and communities that matter most to them. Generosity has a unique way of changing us from the inside out.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
I'm passionate about helping people live with purpose. Early in life, I often felt like work, family, community, and personal interests were competing priorities. Over time, I've come to see them less as separate parts of life and more as pieces of one meaningful story. That sense of integration has brought a great deal of joy and shaped how I think about both life and financial planning. It's also been a privilege to learn from clients, serve alongside people in my community, and share those experiences with other financial planners who are passionate about helping people thrive.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
My family recently bought a 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia camper bus. We've been squeezing in as many crazy road trips as possible and trying to curate the perfect VW playlist. Any songs we should add?
Doge
Office Greeter & Emotional Support
What is your role at ElderAdo Financial?
“Bark bark! Ruff ruff!”
Translation: I am the official greeter, morale booster, and emotional support specialist. I welcome visitors, support the team, and make sure everyone feels right at home.
What do you enjoy most about helping clients?
“Woof woof! Ruff!”
Translation: I love welcoming everyone who comes into the office! My favorite part of the job is making people smile and reminding them that a friendly face and a wagging tail can make any day better.
What is a value that guides your work?
“Ruff.”
Translation: Loyalty. I believe in showing up, being dependable, and always being happy to see the people around me.
What is something you are especially passionate about?
“BARK BARK!”
Translation: Helping people feel better! Whether someone needs a smile, encouragement, or just a friendly hello, I am always ready to help.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
“Woof woof! Ruff ruff!”
Translation: I was named after Dogecoin (a cryptocurrency), so I have a little connection to the financial world. I may not know investing, but I do know loyalty, friendship, and the importance of making people feel welcome. Come by the office and say hi!