Jason Leal
MY WHY
Why I Became a Financial Advisor
How can one juggle it all?
Building a successful career, being present for family, managing a household, pursuing passions, giving back to the community and making time for oneself.
Beyond that, how does one possibly balance it all while also developing, implementing and sustaining a solid financial plan for a secure future?
This challenge was all too familiar to my family and friends — and it ultimately inspired me to pursue my long-held passion of becoming a financial advisor. I sought to help individuals and families focus their time where it matters most, with the confidence that a trusted financial quarterback is guiding them toward lasting success.
Even with an MBA in finance and years as a corporate finance executive, I was not immune to this struggle. In 2021, while balancing a demanding career and a growing family, I turned to Forum Financial Management after more than two decades of self-directed investment management and financial planning. Becoming a client before transitioning to an advisor provided me invaluable insight into the client experience and reinforced my commitment to serving others as a true fiduciary. It also confirmed that Forum — aligned with my investment philosophy and values — was the right fit.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to delivering clear, data-driven insights that empower executives and other stakeholders to make confident financial decisions. Above all, I have been steadfast in operating with honesty, integrity and empathy.
Now, as a financial advisor, I bring this same rigorous approach and value system to my practice. Individuals and families deserve the same level of diligence, strategic planning and deep financial analysis that drive the successes of great companies — and I am here to make that happen.
MY FOCUS
My Approach to Financial Advising
My approach to financial advising is shaped by my years as a corporate finance executive. I take a rigorous, data-driven approach, ensuring every recommendation is strategic, actionable and tailored to your needs — helping you make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
As a fiduciary, I work solely in your best interest. I begin by developing a broad and deep understanding of your financial situation before offering personalized advice and clear actionable steps. Every client starts with a financial planning session — a two-hour deep dive into your values, goals and financial data.
From this, I deliver a comprehensive written analysis, outlining key action items and including multiple projections of sustainable spending in retirement, helping you visualize your path to financial security. This level of analysis takes 10–15 hours to complete — but I consider it essential to delivering high-quality fiduciary advice.
But strategy alone is not enough — execution is key. That is why I actively follow up to ensure you implement the steps necessary for long-term financial success, acting as your financial quarterback.
Much of my guidance is highly tactical, answering critical financial questions such as:
- Wealth Building: How can I grow my wealth over time? What is the optimal investment strategy based on my risk tolerance and goals?
- Debt Management & Cash Flow: If I have debt, what should I do with extra cash? How much cash should I hold and how do I maximize yield?
- Retirement Planning: How much do I need to save to retire comfortably? How do I prioritize saving in different accounts? For retirees, what is the best way to withdraw money from my retirement accounts?
- Tax Optimization: How can I minimize my tax liability, not just in the current year, but over my entire life? What tax-efficient investment strategies should I use?
- Estate & Legacy Planning: How can I ensure my wealth is transferred efficiently to my heirs?
- Risk Management: What types of insurance do I need? How much coverage is necessary for my situation?
Let’s create a plan that allows you to focus your time on what matters most, knowing that your financial future is in good hands.
About Jason
Jason Leal joined Forum Financial Management in 2025 as a financial advisor. Based in San Antonio, he serves clients nationwide, specializing in retirement planning and financial life coaching.
With over 15 years of experience as a corporate finance executive, he has collaborated with executive teams across industries ranging from technology startups to Fortune 500 companies such as Valero Energy and Bechtel, solving complex financial and commercial challenges. Jason started his career as a mechanical engineer before transitioning to a corporate finance executive. Early in his career, he led operations for multiple defense systems at Raytheon Technologies, supporting the United States Air Force.
He serves as a board member of Kinetic Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs through sports, fine arts and educational programs.
Jason earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in analytic finance, economics and statistics. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with honors from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Jason resides in San Antonio with his wife and two daughters. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with family, playing guitar, listening to live music, gardening and spending time outdoors.
MY ARTICLES & INSIGHTS
A PERSONAL APPROACH
Tell Us About Your Financial Life and Aspirations
Your experience begins with an initial meeting to identify your financial vision for the future and risk tolerance levels. We review our investment philosophy and approach with you so that you fully understand each milestone of our process and how our relationship will evolve over time.
PREVIOUS 
Discuss Topics Crucial to Your Financial Success
Over the course of the next few meetings, the content and breadth of each meeting is defined by your personal needs. We can review your estate planning and risk management needs, discuss retirement accumulation or distribution planning, evaluate educational funding needs, review your tax situation, and go over any other items crucial to your financial success.
PREVIOUS Develop a Strategic Plan Unique to You
Once you select an allocation, we put together a strategic implementation plan that will coordinate investment of your portfolio between qualified (tax-advantaged) assets and non-qualified assets in order to maximize tax efficiency. The topics we address during our time with you vary depending on your unique needs and situation.
Putting Your Plan Into Action
We establish your Forum account based on the portfolio allocation we discussed and what we learned about your risk tolerance and financial goals. With your new Forum account now in place, you will have the opportunity to access your Forum Client Portal for the first time and connect with members of the Forum Client Service team.
Review Goals and Plans When Your Life Changes
You will receive reporting that will clearly show your performance net of all fees and compared to applicable market indexes. Additionally your assets are held at a reputable third-party custodian that furnishes independent monthly reports so you can feel confident about the safe handling of your money.
