Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Welcome, I’m Barbara Blas, a financial professional in Kingston, NY. I understand that individuals face unique challenges as they prepare for retirement. I can help take the mystery out of preparing for today and tomorrow. Whether your goal is saving for retirement, college savings, or estate strategy, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and financial goals and objectives.
The cornerstone of our practice is wealth accumulation planning for individuals approaching retirement, and retirement income planning for retirees. Our goal is to help you preserve and grow your assets by recommending comprehensive financial and retirement strategies that reflect your needs, values and risk tolerance. We are committed to helping you understand your financial situation and providing you with high-quality, detailed financial information, services, and products to help you achieve your financial goals, truly enjoy your retirement, and leave something behind for the ones you love.
Helpful Content

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
Do You Owe The AMT?
If you want to avoid potential surprises at tax time, it may make sense to know where you stand when it comes to the AMT.
Understanding the Alternate Valuation Date
Executors can value the estate on the date of death, or on its six-month anniversary —the “Alternate Valuation Date."
A Home Insurance Claim: To File Or Not To File
Learn when it may not make sense to file a claim on your home insurance.
To Catch a Thief
Having your identity stolen may result in financial loss plus the cost of trying to restore your good name.
How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies
This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.
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Doubling Your Money
This calculator demonstrates the power of compound interest.
Federal Income Tax
Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
My Retirement Savings
Estimate how long your retirement savings may last using various monthly cash flow rates.
Inflation & Retirement
Estimate how much income may be needed at retirement to maintain your standard of living.
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Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Investment Strategies for Retirement
Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.
Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
Protecting Those Who Matter Most
The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.
Managing Your Lifestyle
Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.
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Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Consider These 3 Things Before Driving Off the Lot
There are a few things to consider when buying or leasing your next vehicle.
Suddenly Single: 3 Steps to Take Now
Have you found yourself suddenly single? Here are 3 steps to take right now.
The Other Sure Thing
Though we don’t like to think about it, all of us will make an exit sometime. Are you prepared?
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.