Background

James’ educational background was in Biology and Political Science. After completing his college education, James attended a job fair where he learned more about the financial services industry and “found it intriguing.” He started his career with Northwestern Mutual where he immediately began developing a niche in helping special needs clients. He moved to Financial Architects, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), to help build MassMutual’s special needs program in the Rochester area after determining that their passion and commitment to serving this market mirrored his own.

Philosophy

“Much of my ambition is founded on my family’s personal connection to special needs planning. My sister is a special needs child and I saw first-hand how little my parents, well-educated and informed financial consumers, knew relative to this emerging need,” explained James. “I decided then and there that I could be a valuable resource to this under-served market because I had seen plainly how few resources there were…most parents just don’t know what to do.”

What distinguishes James from other financial service professionals is his knowledge of what has come to be called the “third parent role.” This is the role that surviving siblings or other family members may have to assume upon the death of a custodial parent of a special needs child. “I understand the fear and frustration that comes along with attempting to protect what matters most when, as a parent, you have relatively few tools, little knowledge and limited resources.”

According to James, “A special needs child can lose eligibility for benefits if their financial situation is not structured properly. I find that most parents are still unaware of this risk. This remains a subject about which little is written or heard. Too often, parents rely on service coordinators in healthcare or not-for-profit organizations to render advice without fully understanding the legal and financial complexities around guardianship.”

For James, families wishing to proactively address the financial needs of their special needs children are an ideal referral. In addition, small business owners and young professionals are another niche he can serve effectively.

Personal and Professional Affiliations

James is a member of the board of directors of Wellness GIFTS Retreat, as well as a member of Livingston County Chamber of Commerce and SUNY Geneseo Alumni Association.

James Traylor is a Registered Representative of and offers securities through MML Investors Services, Inc. Member SIPC. Supervisory office: 600 Clinton Square, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 262-5600. Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and other fine companies.