Our Associates
Meet our team of financial advisors and client associates. We are committed to understanding our clients’ unique needs and providing tailored solutions that align with their goals. We strive to deliver exceptional service in everything we do.
Jim Paidas
, CFP, ChFC
Professional Philosophy
Jim understands that finances can be complicated and sometimes daunting. His goal as a Financial Advisor is to provide understandable financial advice. He strives to build long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Through a long-term investment approach, he helps clients develop and implement strategies for building wealth, generating income, and realizing their financial goals.
Professional Experience
With 31 years in the financial services industry, Jim has helped his clients develop tailored plans based on their specific needs, wants, and risk tolerances. Jim prides himself on being accessible to his clients. He believes that effective wealth management requires more than a single planning session—it takes a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies. Communication is key to achieving these goals.
Jim's extensive career includes positions at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Legg Mason, and Pru-Bache.
Achievements
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Jim is an active member of the community. He enjoys hiking, golfing, bike riding and playing tennis. Jim is an enthusiastic fan of all Maryland sports. He is happily married to Tammy Paidas, his wife of 30 years. His greatest accomplishments are his two daughters, both graduates of the University of Maryland Business School and successfully launched into the community.
Areas of Focus
Education
The Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued on 1/1/25 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 4/10/24 through 10/31/24. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. 2389 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 254 (11 % of candidates) were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
Jim understands that finances can be complicated and sometimes daunting. His goal as a Financial Advisor is to provide understandable financial advice. He strives to build long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Through a long-term investment approach, he helps clients develop and implement strategies for building wealth, generating income, and realizing their financial goals.
Professional Experience
With 31 years in the financial services industry, Jim has helped his clients develop tailored plans based on their specific needs, wants, and risk tolerances. Jim prides himself on being accessible to his clients. He believes that effective wealth management requires more than a single planning session—it takes a process. As your life circumstances change, so must the investment strategies. Communication is key to achieving these goals.
Jim's extensive career includes positions at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Legg Mason, and Pru-Bache.
Achievements
- Earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in 2001
- Received the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation in 2008
- Holds securities registrations for General Securities (Series 7), FINRA General Securities Principal (Series 24), Uniform Investment Advisor Law (Series 65), and Uniform Securities Agent State Law (Series 63)
- Insurance licensed in Life, Accident, and Health
- Recognized as a FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER in Baltimore magazine in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025
- Platinum Council at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network from 2015 to 2022, a distinction held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Jim is an active member of the community. He enjoys hiking, golfing, bike riding and playing tennis. Jim is an enthusiastic fan of all Maryland sports. He is happily married to Tammy Paidas, his wife of 30 years. His greatest accomplishments are his two daughters, both graduates of the University of Maryland Business School and successfully launched into the community.
Areas of Focus
- Income Planning
- IRAs & IRA Strategies
- Retirement Planning
- Advisory Services
Education
- University of Maryland
The Five Star Wealth Manager award was issued on 1/1/25 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 4/10/24 through 10/31/24. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. The award is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by FSP, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or FSP’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through FSP’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. FSP does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. The award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by FSP or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by FSP in the future. 2389 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 254 (11 % of candidates) were named 2025 Five Star Wealth Managers. Visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
Award was issued on 1/1/24 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 4/10/23 through 10/31/23. 2149 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 259 (12 % of candidates) were named 2024 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Award issued on 1/1/22 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 5/10/21 through 11/12/21. 2078 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 260 (13 % of candidates) were named 2022 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Award issued on 1/1/21 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 4/27/20 through 10/30/20. 2029 Baltimore-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 237 (12% of candidates) were named 2021 Five Star Wealth Managers.
The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism. Additional consideration may have included best practices and team structures.
View Award Disclosures
Managing Principal
First Vice President
CFP, ChFC
Alexandra Paidas
Senior Operations/Administrative Manager
Alexandra Paidas
Alexandra graduated from the University of Maryland business school in 2020 where she earned a degree in information systems and marketing. During her time at the University of Maryland, Alexandra was in both Honors and Scholars programs and participated in a club dance team. She also held several internships while in college including one for Wells Fargo Advisor Financial Network.
After graduation Alexandra joined our team as a client associate where she has learned the ins and outs of the investment business. Alexandra works closely with clients in the management of their portfolios, new client onboarding and asset transfer as well as estate settlement. She is skilled in navigating the organizational and operational complexities that arise in the running of the practice.
Her commitment to a high level of professionalism and attention to detail make Alexandra an invaluable member of the team.
Outside of the office Alexandra enjoys reading, hiking, swimming and has just recently begun taking indoor cycling classes. Alexandra also plays the New York Times games daily.
After graduation Alexandra joined our team as a client associate where she has learned the ins and outs of the investment business. Alexandra works closely with clients in the management of their portfolios, new client onboarding and asset transfer as well as estate settlement. She is skilled in navigating the organizational and operational complexities that arise in the running of the practice.
Her commitment to a high level of professionalism and attention to detail make Alexandra an invaluable member of the team.
Outside of the office Alexandra enjoys reading, hiking, swimming and has just recently begun taking indoor cycling classes. Alexandra also plays the New York Times games daily.
Senior Operations/Administrative Manager
Nikita Slebodnik
Nikita graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in May 2022. During her time at the University of Maryland, she gained valuable experience through various internships and jobs while completing her degree.
In her role as Senior Administrative Associate, Nikita excels in maximizing the client experience by attentively listening to their needs and wants. She is both creative and easy to work with, playing a crucial role in supporting the team’s daily functions and their mission to build and maintain meaningful relationships. Nikita is dedicated to providing clients and their families with capable and personalized assistance and care.
Nikita is currently studying to become a registered advisor and is excited to offer even better support with her future qualification.
Outside the office she enjoys spending her time doing Pilates, reading, painting, and paddleboarding during the summer months.
In her role as Senior Administrative Associate, Nikita excels in maximizing the client experience by attentively listening to their needs and wants. She is both creative and easy to work with, playing a crucial role in supporting the team’s daily functions and their mission to build and maintain meaningful relationships. Nikita is dedicated to providing clients and their families with capable and personalized assistance and care.
Nikita is currently studying to become a registered advisor and is excited to offer even better support with her future qualification.
Outside the office she enjoys spending her time doing Pilates, reading, painting, and paddleboarding during the summer months.
Senior Administrative Associate
Next Steps
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