A Message from, James A. Barry, JR., CFP^®, Founder and Chairman of the Board

Even after spending a lifetime of learning about wealth management, it never ceases to amaze me how this industry has evolved. During the Depression years of the mid 1930's, my parents had little money, if any, and even less knowledge about investing it. Their entire grasp of money management could be summed up in two words: "the bank". My high school teachers never touched on the subject. My math teacher did not even mention that some of her lessons could be applied to investing. College offered some financial education, but almost no instruction on how to effectively manage money. Back in the 1930's, it seemed one either had wealth or one didn't have wealth. Those who were wealthy were able to hire financial professionals for guidance. If managed well, they survived the Depression. However, many did not, and fortunes were lost. Some hardworking individuals succeeded in clawing their way up the financial ladder. Sadly, many fell back down, strangled by the chains of their financial ignorance. This never sat well with me. In my early twenties, I began asking questions - a lot of questions.

How is it that some people don't have to work, yet never seem to run out of money? Why did so many people lose their fortunes during the Depression while others increased their wealth? Does one need to be born wealthy to achieve the American Dream of Financial Freedom? Three things changed my life for the better and forever: I fell in love with Rosemarie, my wife since college; I started investing; and, I began to teach others what I had learned. As my knowledge increased, so did the number of those seeking my advice. Eventually, many people asked me to manage their wealth. Henceforth, my mission in life became crystal clear. Today, our firm, Barry Financial Group, teaches multitudes of people about financial planning, while managing the wealth for affluent families and their businesses. For over three enriching decades, Barry Financial Group has been asking the tough questions and providing realistic answers.

Today, we still ask questions, a lot of them. Is your financial portfolio adequately diversified to accurately reflect your tolerance to risk? Is it fully optimized to earn maximum returns within your risk parameters? Are your assets allocated in a fashion that is consistent with your specific financial goals? Have your trust agreements been examined for hidden loopholes, contradictions and errors? Is the retirement plan for your business functioning as well as expected? Have you taken the steps to reasonably protect your assets from devastating medical expenses, frivolous lawsuits, divorce and taxes*? Has your estate been precisely itemized, valued and carefully positioned to reduce federal estate taxes? Will your highly appreciated assets be reduced by capital gains taxes? Will your heirs need to forfeit 46 percent of their inheritance to taxes? In 2005, estates having a taxable value of more than 1.5 million will owe federal estate taxes on the excess value at a tax rate starting at 45% with a maximum rate of 47%. For 2006, estates having a taxable value of more than 2 million will owe federal estate taxes on the excess value at the maximum tax rate of 46%. Depending on the decedents state of residence, state estate taxes may be owed as well. Please consult with your tax accountant regarding the applicable consequences of your tax situation.

Have changes in the laws undermined the validity of your financial and estate planning documents? Whether it is in science, technology, business, medicine, philosophy, or finance - truly creative solutions are the natural by-product of deliberate, insightful questions. We strive to provide our clients with the confidence they need to pursue their retirement goals. We are proud to be the firm providing realistic solutions for today's estate planning problems.

Warm regards

James A. Barry, Jr. CFP^®

Founder and Chairman of the Board

* Please read the tax & investment disclaimer accessible on the home page