Alex Barnes, CFP®

I began my career in banking, but I quickly realized that I wanted to make a deeper impact by working with individuals and families on a more personal and comprehensive level - that is where my true passion lies. That realization led me to financial planning and ultimately becoming a financial advisor. In this role, I’ve found the perfect balance: building meaningful relationships while helping clients with financial decisions that align with their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to provide the kind of personalized support that can truly change someone’s financial future.

My strategies are always tailored to each of my client’s unique situations, but a core part of my approach is helping my clients understand how their income, savings, and distribution decisions impact their overall financial picture. I use tax and income planning tools to illustrate how different strategies can affect both their short- and long-term goals. By modeling various scenarios, I can help clients make informed decisions that align with their values, minimize tax exposure, and support a more efficient path to financial independence.

I primarily work with pre-retirees who are established in their careers and recognize the importance of proactive planning. These clients often come to me with both short- and long-term goals and they understand that having a professional guide can help them optimize their strategy and potentially reach those goals more efficiently. They’re thoughtful about their future and value expert support in making confident, informed decisions.

My favorite part of working with clients is seeing the joy and relief that comes when they achieve a goal we’ve planned for together. Whether it’s saving for a major purchase, preparing for retirement, or creating a legacy for the next generation, I truly take pride in being part of that journey. In my opinion, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching one of my clients feel confident and excited about their future, and knowing I had a hand in helping make that possible. Each milestone we reach together deepens our relationship and reinforces why I love what I do.

My areas of expertise are income planning and tax optimization. I believe these are two critical components, and I incorporate them into every client’s financial strategy, whether they’re preparing for retirement or already enjoying it. I leverage advanced financial planning software to analyze income flows and tax implications, helping my clients make informed decisions. My goal is to create tailored strategies that not only support their lifestyle but also maximize tax efficiency over the long term.

I believe what sets me apart is my detailed, tax-focused planning approach. I take the time to analyze each and every client’s tax bracket and overall financial picture to ensure that their asset allocation is not only diversified, but also optimized for tax efficiency. This includes placing the right investments in the right types of accounts, which can have a significant long-term impact. My overall goal is to help clients retain more of what they earn and invest with intention, so their portfolios are aligned with both their short and long-term goals and the tax implications that come with them.

What I value most about working with Savvy is the ability it gives me to truly focus on my clients. The platform’s streamlined tools and technology allow me to work more efficiently, I am able to complete important tasks faster so I can spend more time focused on building relationships and offering thoughtful guidance to my clients. The support model at Savvy empowers me to deliver a high level of service while ensuring every strategy I create is both personalized and forward-thinking. It’s a structure that puts my clients first, and that’s what matters most.