James Karthaus, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, is an Assistant Professor of Financial Planning with the CFP^® Certification Education, CLU^®, and ChFC^® programs at The American College of Financial Services. As managing principal of Nautic Financial Group, Karthaus has been offering his clients investment and insurance advice for over 22 years. His professional licenses include Series 26, 7, 6, 65, and 63 through LPL Financial and Series 65 through Great Valley Advisor Group, as well as life, accident, and health along with property and casualty insurance certifications. He is a certified CFP_® professional.

Prior to entering financial services, Karthaus spent 23 years in active and reserve Marine Corps Aviation and retired in 2005 as a Lieutenant Colonel. As a Marine officer, he was indoctrinated into and operated under a culture of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail — all traits that have served him well in financial services. 

Karthaus was a Tuition Scholar at Villanova University, where he received his Master’s Degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Affairs. He attended Naval Aviation Flight Training in Pensacola, graduating with honors on the Commodore’s List for Exceptional Performance (top 1% of all Naval Aviators). He received a New York State Regents Scholarship to SUNY College at Geneseo and graduated with a BA in Political Science.