SHOW ME THE MONEY

James Harrington, CFP®, AAMS® is a Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC and a founding member of Harbor Haven Wealth Advisors in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, James works closely with professionals, business owners, and families to help them make informed financial decisions and pursue long‑term confidence in their financial lives.

James has extensive experience working with healthcare professionals, including dentists and practice owners, who face the unique challenge of balancing successful clinical careers with the financial complexities of running a business. His areas of focus include investment management, retirement planning strategies, and estate planning considerations, with an emphasis on education, clarity, and long‑term planning across all stages of a professional career.

Prior to joining Ameriprise, James built his career at Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. These experiences shaped his relationship‑driven approach and deep appreciation for guiding clients through both market volatility and significant life and career transitions.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Old Dominion University and is fluent in German, having lived and worked in Europe earlier in his career. James holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ (AAMS®) designations, reflecting his commitment to ethical standards, continuing education, and comprehensive financial planning.

James is based in Virginia Beach, where he lives with his wife and children. He is passionate about educating dental professionals on sound financial principles and helping them prepare for both expected professional milestones and life’s unexpected turns.

Every dentist worries about it — the trusted employee who isn’t quite as trustworthy as they seem. That’s where David Harris comes in. David may have the coolest job in dentistry — he helps dentists protect what they’ve worked so hard to build by tracking down the people who steal from them. As CEO of Prosperident, the world’s largest firm devoted exclusively to investigating embezzlement in dental practices, David and his team have helped countless dentists uncover and recover from financial betrayal. His mission is simple: to make sure dentists stay focused on patient care, not internal theft. A Licensed Private Investigator, Forensic Certified Public Accountant, and Certified Fraud Examiner, David brings rare expertise and a deep understanding of how dental practices operate — and how to keep them safe. He’s also the author of the definitive guide, Healers versus Stealers: How to Outsmart the Thief in Your Dental Practice, and his insights have been featured in virtually every major dental publication. Dentists across North America have learned from David through his lively and informative presentations. His mix of real-world experience, sharp wit, and genuine care for the profession makes him an audience favorite at dental conferences worldwide. In recognition of his long service to dentistry, David is one of only a few non-clinicians to receive a Fellowship in the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics. When David speaks, dentists walk away smarter, safer, and far better prepared to protect their practices.

After navigating personal challenges early in life, I found my “why” in helping others live with confidence and clarity. I’ve seen how deeply finances influence the way people think, make decisions, and show up in their lives – I chose this profession as a way to reduce that burden rather than add to it.

My path into financial advising began at Fidelity Investments, where I served as a Managing Director and worked with thousands of individuals and hundreds of small businesses/nonprofit organizations across the country. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the financial realities that everyday Americans face, as well as the unique challenges encountered by the entrepreneurs employing them. More importantly, it reinforced how valuable thoughtful, human guidance can be in moments that carry real weight. 

I’ve come to believe there are few things more complex than the human psyche – or the challenge of building and sustaining a business. What I enjoy most about my work today is that it allows me to engage meaningfully with both.

At Compass Financial Group, I partner with business owners and individuals to bring structure, clarity, and intention to their financial lives. Whether guiding a company through important decisions or helping a family prepare for the future, my focus is on simplifying complexity and creating strategies that align with what matters most to the people I serve.

At its core, my work is about more than finances – it’s about helping people move forward with confidence.