Jim Koford, CFP®, RICP®, TPCP®
Chart your course to financial independence.
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Chart your course to financial independence.
Areas of Focus
- Estate Planning
- Financial Life Planning
- Investment Management
- Retirement Planning
- Taxes
About Jim Koford, CFP®, RICP®, TPCP®
Hi, I'm Jim Koford, Lead Financial Planner for Hammerhead Financial Strategies. From my home office near Tampa, Florida, I work closely with clients to bring structure, clarity, and confidence to their financial lives.My role centers on translating complex financial decisions into practical strategies that align investments, cash flow, tax planning, and long-term goals. I take a planning-first approach, ensuring every recommendation fits into a broader framework designed to help clients make better decisions today while staying on track for the future.
Before stepping into my current role, I built a diverse career across financial planning, investment management, and financial education. I’ve worked directly with advisory clients, supported portfolio strategy, and managed long-term client relationships, giving me a well-rounded perspective on both the technical and human sides of financial planning. Earlier in my career, I also spent several years as an editor at Kitces.com, where I helped shape and refine some of the industry’s most widely read insights on financial planning best practices, advisor growth, and client communication.
At Hammerhead, I’m known for a thoughtful, disciplined planning process that prioritizes understanding what truly matters to each client. I believe strong financial plans are built at the intersection of values, behavior, and sound analysis, not one-size-fits-all projections. Whether clients are navigating career transitions, preparing for retirement, or refining their long-term strategy, my focus is on helping them make informed decisions with greater confidence and less stress.
I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and have been a CFP® professional since 2014. I earned my Master of Business Administration and Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, building a foundation that blends analytical rigor with real-world application. I’m committed to ongoing education and professional standards, and I take seriously the responsibility that comes with acting as a fiduciary for the clients I serve.
Outside the office, I enjoy staying engaged with financial markets and financial education while also valuing time away from the screen. I appreciate balance, curiosity, and continuous learning, principles that shape both my personal life and the way I approach financial planning with clients.
When not nerding out over financial planning, you'll often find me on the tennis court, invariably hitting overhead smashes right into the net.
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)
- Tax Planning Certified Professional (TPCP)
Primary Location
Lutz, Florida
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Hourly Rate
- Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Free Strategy Session' button above and complete the brief form to get in touch. Have questions? Ready to take the next step? Our team is here to help. Whether you’re looking for advice or want to learn more about our services, reach out today... we’ll respond promptly. I look forward to hearing from you.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Hammerhead Financial Strategies
Hammerhead Financial Strategies is an independent, fiduciary registered investment advisor focused on helping clients build, manage, and protect their wealth with discipline and purpose. Founded in 2021, the firm was built to serve individuals and families who value thoughtful planning, active decision-making, and a long-term partnership with an advisor who puts their interests first. As a fiduciary, Hammerhead is committed to providing objective advice and acting in the best interest of clients at all times.The firm’s services center on comprehensive financial planning and investment management, designed to work together rather than in isolation. Hammerhead helps clients align their investments with broader life goals by integrating portfolio management, retirement planning, cash-flow analysis, and risk management into a cohesive strategy. Financial planning is treated as an ongoing process, one that evolves as clients’ lives, priorities, and market conditions change, rather than a one-time event.
On the investment side, Hammerhead employs a disciplined, actively managed approach that emphasizes risk management, diversification, and adaptability. Portfolios are constructed using a mix of equities, exchange-traded funds, and cash, with strategies designed to respond to changing market environments rather than relying solely on traditional buy-and-hold assumptions. The firm’s philosophy prioritizes capital preservation, liquidity, and opportunity, recognizing that managing downside risk is just as important as pursuing long-term growth.
At its core, Hammerhead Financial Strategies is built on long-term relationships and clear communication. The firm works alongside clients through every stage of their financial lives, helping them make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and stay focused on what matters most. By combining rigorous analysis with practical guidance and a client-first mindset, Hammerhead aims to provide not just investment management, but confidence and clarity in an increasingly complex financial world.
Education
University of South Florida, Master of Business Administration; Bachelor of Administration
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Tennis
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Attorneys
- Baby Boomers
- Corporate Executives
- Dual Income Family
- Gen X
- Intergenerational Families
- Living in Retirement
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FAQs
FAQ Disclosures
Hammerhead Financial Strategies is a Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Hammerhead Financial Strategies and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Hammerhead Financial Strategies unless a client service agreement is in place.