James E. Blue
BLUE ADVISORS
Columbus, OH
CRD#: 6205303
Professional summary
Blue Advisors is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Columbus, Ohio, serving retirees and busy professionals throughout the region and across the United States. My mission is simple: to help you achieve your financial goals through clear advice, education, and a commitment to your best interests—always.
Core Areas of Focus
Income & Withdrawal Planning
Social Security & Medicare
Tax Sensitive Investing
Portfolio Optimization
Saving for Retirement
Client Tip
I grow wealth through disciplined, long-term thinking — balancing risk with opportunity, grounded in rigorous research, and guided by the belief that patient capital, not speculation, builds lasting
Biography
With more than 20 years of professional experience in financial planning and investment management, James Blue has partnered with hundreds of retirees and busy professionals to build personalized, comprehensive financial strategies tailored to their life goals. His practice is grounded in a simple belief: every client deserves clear, objective advice delivered with integrity and a fiduciary commitment.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and founder of Blue Advisors, James helps clients navigate complex financial decisions—whether planning for retirement, coordinating tax and estate strategies, managing investment portfolios, or simplifying cash flow and risk. He serves clients across a wide range of life stages, including young professionals, mid-career savers, pre-retirees, and retirees, with a focus on building confidence and clarity in their financial lives.
Before establishing Blue Advisors, James held roles including Portfolio Officer at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and Senior Director at Rootstock Advisors, a multi-family office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he deepened his expertise in fiduciary-led investment strategy and holistic financial planning.
James earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 and has since dedicated his career to providing transparent, fee-only advice that aligns client interests with long-term financial success. He believes that education, disciplined planning, and a trusted advisor relationship are essential to achieving financial independence.
James is a member of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors(NAPFA), XY Planning Network and the Fee-Only Network.
Question & Answer
What makes you the best choice for clients?
As a boutique practice, every client receives my full, personal attention — not a junior advisor's. I know your goals, your family, and your story. That relationship-first approach drives every recommendation I make.
What are your service offerings?
Comprehensive Financial Planni...
Estate Planning
Debt Management
Insurance Planning
Investment Planning
Tax Planning
Retirement Planning
Investment Strategies
Risk Management & Insurance
Financial Planning
Education Funding
Which demographics do you typically serve?
Gen X (44-59)
Baby Boomers (78-60)
Gen Y (43-28)
What is your current number of clients?
Under 50
What is your minimum asset requirement?
0
How do you get paid?
Percentage of Assets
Fixed / Negotiated Fee
One-Time Financial Plan
Are you a "fiduciary"?
Yes
Personal quote
Fee-Only. Fiduciary. Fully Focused on You.
Aliases
James E. Blue Ii | James Edward Blue
Other business activities
Outside business activity is any business or activity undertaken by an advisor that is outside the scope of their relationship with their firm (e.g., consulting services, real estate, freelance work, teaching, etc.). Investors should stay informed about these activities to ensure no conflicts of interest.
The advisor shows no other business activity.
CRS (Client Relationship Summary) - RIA
Click below to view James E Blue II's CRS (Customer Relationship Summary).
Certified licenses
Advisors may have various certifications and credentials from different organizations. AdvisorCheck highlights these seven certifications - AIF®, CFP®, ChFC®, CFA, CLU®, CIMA®, CPWA®
CFP®
Start date: 2009
Education
University of Pittsburgh
Finance - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
2005
Experience
Current
September 7, 2021 - Present
BLUE ADVISORS
RIA
CRD#: 316516
Columbus, OH
Past
March 25, 2021 - January 3, 2022
WEALTHCARE ADVISORY PARTNERS LLC
RIA
CRD#: 171976
Colombus, OH
Past
September 10, 2014 - August 24, 2021
ROOTSTOCK ADVISORS
RIA
CRD#: 167665
SEWICKLEY, PA
Past
August 13, 2013 - September 3, 2014
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
RIA
CRD#: 7691
PITTSBURGH, PA
Past
July 12, 2013 - September 3, 2014
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
BD
CRD#: 7691
PITTSBURGH, PA
State Registrations and Notice Filings
Listed states reflect where the advisor is authorized to serve clients under state regulations.
IAR
means the advisor is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative in this state and is authorized to provide investment advice to clients there.Highlighted states indicate IAR registrations
IAR
Ohio(9/7/2021)
IAR
Pennsylvania(10/18/2021)
Exams
State Security Law Exam
General Industry/Product Exam
Current Firm
BLUE ADVISORS
BLUE ADVISORS | BLUE ADVISORY LLC
CRD#: 316516 / SEC#:
Ohio
Registered Investment Advisory firm - (9/7/2021 Approved)Pennsylvania
Registered Investment Advisory firm - (10/18/2021 Approved)PREMIUM
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Contact information
Main Address
Upper Arlington, OH
Mailing Address
Phone number
(724) 914-1414
Established
Firm type
Fiscal year end
# of Employees
1
Regulatory assets under management
| Total Number of Accounts | 47 |
| AUM (Assets Under Management) | $ 18,413,429 |
Red Flags
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