James L. Flanagan has been helping people create wealth and reduce taxes for almost 30 years. Jim is no stranger to hard work and brings this steadfast work ethic to all that he does
In 2001, building on his 15 years in the financial services field and his knowledge of risk management, financial planning, and business succession planning, Jim formed Bentron Financial Group, LLC.
Dedicated to serving people at or near retirement, Bentron specializes in comprehensive, fee-based planning for corporate executives, business owners, and retirees. Jim’s experience, knowledge, and integrity have attracted numerous longtime clients whom he empowers with regular seminars, market updates, and other insights that help them make adjustments based on their unique and dynamic situation.
Jim’s strong belief in lifelong learning brought him to Triton College in River Grove, IL, where he authored and has been teaching the retirement planning curriculum since 2008. For two years he authored a financial advice column, “Just Ask Jim”, in the Chicagoland Senior News. He has authored and published numerous other articles on financial, estate, and business planning matters. His work includes Packing for Retirement- A Comprehensive Guide For People 50-70 Planning for Retirement, which is scheduled for a Fall 2018 publication.
In 2007, Mr. Flanagan earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Dominican University’s Brennan School of Business with a concentration in Finance. In 2016, Jim earned a Master of Arts Degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California. Jim is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Leadership and Gerontology from Concordia University in River Forest, IL.
Jim’s extensive practical business experience in other realms has led to engagements as a business consult-ant and as a marketing-and-sales advisor.
Over the years, the father of three has become increasingly involved in serving others, particularly seniors, in his community. In 2005 he joined the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee, for which he has served as chairman since 2008. And in 2010, Jim founded the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving older adults in Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest.
Jim helped start and serves as Unit Leader for the TRIPCOM Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer organization formed to meet the health needs of the public in the event of a significant emergency, disaster, or epidemic.