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James McDougal (CFP®, ECA)

James McDougal focuses in the
following client markets or areas of practice:

  • College/Education Planning
  • Corporate Executives
  • Fixed Fee (Subscription, Retainer, etc.)
  • Hourly
  • Investment Advice without Ongoing Management
  • Millennials

Planning Specialties

HiFi Planning thrives at the intersection of equity compensation and financial planning.

Understanding the mechanics of equity incentives (ISOs, NSOs, RSUs/RSAs, ESPPs, etc.), knowing how vesting events and transactions map onto a client's tax return, and working that into a cohesive, comprehensive financial plan is what we do best. Clients should expect in-depth analysis and actionable recommendations in an Advice-Only, DIY-friendly format with no ongoing investment management or subscription fees.

Additional Information

My name is James, founder of HiFi Planning.

I’ve spent my entire career as a financial planner and feel quite passionately about the work we do. I’ve seen good financial advice make meaningful differences in peoples’ lives many times over. I’ve also seen the financial advice industry fail to adapt to the needs of today’s working professionals.

HiFi Planning is an attempt to change that.

I’ve built my career at the intersection of financial planning and equity compensation, and am now sharing that expertise in an Advice-Only, DIY-friendly format.

If you’ve been looking for a financial planner but aren’t interested in investment management or ongoing fees, I’d love to have a chat.

When I’m not at my computer, you can usually find me around Long Beach throwing the frisbee with my dog, playing guitar at venues around town, or trying to get a laugh out of my sweet and patient wife, Lillian.

NAPFA Start Date

June 30, 2026

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Disclaimer: Limitations. This list only serves as a resource to assist an individual in identifying a potential advisor for their review and consideration. The appearance of an adviser on the list is not endorsement by NAPFA of that advisor's services. There can be no assurance that you will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if you engage a listed advisor. Except for the NAPFA membership fee, the listed advisor did not pay NAPFA a separate fee to appear on the list.
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Visit Website Download vCard
Disclaimer: Limitations. This list only serves as a resource to assist an individual in identifying a potential advisor for their review and consideration. The appearance of an adviser on the list is not endorsement by NAPFA of that advisor's services. There can be no assurance that you will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if you engage a listed advisor. Except for the NAPFA membership fee, the listed advisor did not pay NAPFA a separate fee to appear on the list.

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This Office

222 Grand Ave Apt A Long Beach, CA 90803 Phone: ‪(909) 616-5473
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