Our Story and Services

In a world full of distractions, it's easy to lose focus and get caught up in the noise. Our goal is to help reduce these distractions, so you can concentrate on the essential actions that will drive the most meaningful change in your life. We believe this starts with giving back- to our families, to you, and to our communities.
The key to our practice is our 3-P method: Process, Planning, Portfolios. We have a disciplined Process for everything we do, and it starts with having meaningful conversations with you. From these conversations, we develop a comprehensive Plan that is quantifiable, measurable, and monitored. It is only then that we can build Portfolios that can match the risks you are willing to take to help achieve your needs, wants, and wishes.


Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2025
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23–3/31/24.
https://www.morganstanley.com/what-we-do/wealth-management/forbes-top-wealth-advisors-lists-2025
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

The “3-P” Approach

Process – At The Jim Richardson Group, we customize your wealth management profile to your investment objectives and constraints. We consider your current financial situation and values, no matter how complicated. Our meeting process will formulate a custom experience tailored to help meet your family's needs.
Planning – By using the diverse tools at our disposal, we first cast a wide net, overarching your financial and non-financial considerations before narrowing in on a custom financial plan. We take client's year by year through their plan and adjust for targeted dates like retirement, schooling, weddings, property purchases or even that dream vacation. Our job is to turn your financial picture from a telescope to a miscoscope.

Portfolio – Once we have established a financial plan, a client will be placed in a portfolio that is appropriate to help meet their objectives. Whether it be a young professional accumulating wealth or a retired business owner seeking income, we will find, create or match a portfolio strategy that can help your financial life prosper.

Giving Back

At The Jim Richardson Group, our focus is on service- both to our clients and to our community. We believe in the power of giving back, creating lasting, positive change through philanthropy. By actively supporting meaningful causes around our communities, we seek to create a lasting legacy, and encourage you to contribute to a positive change about which you are passionate.

Client Resource Center

Morgan Stanley's suite of Modern Wealth Management Tools allows advisors to offer more customized and comprehensive advice than anywhere else. These tools' ease of use allows for a more in-depth view of a client's financial life to be taken, resulting in better service and more well-rounded advice
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
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    Global Investment Office
    The Morgan Stanley Global Investment Office provides you with world-class thought leadership timely market commentary, and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
    Morgan Stanley Portfolio Insights
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    Financial Planning
    Morgan Stanley Financial Planning can show you a single, comprehensive snapshot of your finances. We can help you create a wealth plan that’s adaptable to the different stages of your life using our award winning tools- Goals Planning System (GPS) and LifeView.
    Morgan Stanley Goals-Based Wealth Management
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you could benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
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Planning for Retirement

No matter the stage in life, it is important to be aware of where you stand financially, related to your retirement plan. These resources below will help you assess where you stand, or assist you in getting started. Jim Richardson and his Service Team can help have these meaningful conversations with you, today.

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    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

    Given recent market volatility, checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense.

    Click Here to Learn More
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    You're Ready for Retirement, Is Your Portfolio?

    The market can influence your decision of when to retire. Learn how to help protect your nest egg, including the potential role of annuities in retirement.

    Click Here to Learn More
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    Making the Most of Your Retirement Savings

    Carefully managing distributions from your portfolio during retirement can help you save on taxes, leaving you more money to spend and enjoy.

    Click Here to Learn More
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    Why Your Home Can Be a Retirement Asset

    If you're willing to consider drawing down home equity-either by selling your home or borrowing against its value-it can dramatically change your retirement outlook.

    Click Here to Learn More

Location

444 East Main St
Ste 111
Lexington, KY 40507
US
Direct:
(859) 231-9500(859) 231-9500

Meet The Jim Richardson Group

About Jim Richardson

Former musician, English teacher, turned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ & Certified Portfolio Manager. On top of Jim’s wide range of professions he has been in the financial industry for over 30 years. A teacher at heart, he focuses his business methods strongly on learning and relearning. As a Family Wealth Advisor Jim finds it extremely important that he help clients make the right decisions with their money, but also that they understand the terminology and WHY certain options are better than others, dependent upon that client’s unique situation.

When he’s not working you can find him at the theatre, skiing with family, performing at Henry Clay’s Public House, or spending quality time with his favorite girls, granddaughters Reese Catherine and Parker Elizabeth. Jim’s involvement extends to his community as well. Throughout his career he has dedicated time to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital where he is on the Development Council, and the UK Alumni Association. Fall 2014, Jim was nationally recognized as one of three finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation for his ongoing commitment to the Lexington Dream Factory; an organization he co-founded with his wife Stacey. NMLS#: 1255648
Securities Agent: MI, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, MD, NC, AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1255648

About Walker Borders

Finding unique solutions for business owners and aspiring professionals is what excites Walker on his way to work each day. As a recent graduate of Columbia University with his Masters in Wealth Management, Walker relies on his robust educational background to provide high quality advice to the Commonwealth and beyond. He is a staunch believer that thorough Financial Planning is directly correlated to building healthy communities and strengthening familial bonds.
Growing up in Bowling Green, KY, Walker always had an interest in finance and helping others. Working in a service role at a large financial institution was the perfect fit. Walker attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with honors in both Finance and Accounting. During his senior year, he interned at Morgan Stanley and after earning his degree, joined the firm full-time. Walker holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as his life and health insurance licenses.

Today, Walker calls Lexington his home. He volunteers as a mentor for Amachi Central Kentucky and is a member of the Rotaract Club of Lexington. Outside of the office, Walker loves to be outside. He enjoys running, playing golf and attending concerts, but his favorite activity is spending time with his large extended family.
Securities Agent: IL, ID, CO, WI, VT, SD, MS, MN, WY, VI, PR, OR, NM, MD, DC, AR, VA, PA, OH, NY, NE, DE, CT, AK, IA, AZ, TN, KY, IN, HI, CA, UT, ND, MI, GA, WV, TX, NC, MA, LA, FL, AL, WA, SC, NV, NH, ME, KS, RI, OK, NJ, MT, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2509754

About Charles Cummings

As a young professional in the wealth management field, Charlie believes uncovering personal values and long-term goals are of utmost importance to a thriving financial life. Charlie is a Fall 2022 graduate of the University of Kentucky. He has lived in Lexington since 2019 by way of Bowling Green, KY. Charlie spearheads the team’s account maintenance, money movement and estate processing. Being a primary source of contact and hands on with clients’ is exactly what he was looking for in a wealth management position.
Charlie has long wanted to learn more and surround himself with experienced professionals in the wealth management realm. After interning at Morgan Stanley in 2022, Charlie graduated from the UK Gatton College of Business with a Finance degree and proceeded to obtain his Series 7 and Series 66 security licenses. He joined onto the team in a full-time role in January 2023. Currently, he is searching for a master’s program in Personal Financial Planning.
Outside of the office Charlie loves spending time with friends, visiting his family in Bowling Green and cheering on his Kentucky Wildcats.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Jim Richardson Group today.
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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)