Jim Karthaus CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, MA is an assistant program director of the CFP® Certification Education, CLU®, and ChFC® programs at The American College of Financial Services. A practicing planner for more than 28 years, he specializes in advanced markets and is dedicated to improving retirement outcomes through rigorous risk‑management analysis, evidence‑based investing, and holistic financial‑wellness coaching.  

Karthaus’ industry experience includes serving as managing director of HartfordLife in Philadelphia and holding Series 26, 7, 6, 63, and 65 licenses, alongside life, accident and health. Before entering financial services, he spent 23 years in active‑duty and reserve Marine Corps aviation, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

A graduate of SUNY Geneseo (BA, Political Science) and Villanova University (MA, American Foreign Affairs), Karthaus earned his Naval Aviator wings in Pensacola with Commodore’s List honors — the top 1% of Naval Aviators.

His financial insights have appeared in CNNMoney, Rethinking65, and InsuranceNewsnet Magazine, and he helped edit the 17th edition of Planning for Business Owners and Professionals.