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
9 Facts About Social Security
There are things about Social Security that might surprise you.
How to Read Your Credit Report
Solve a mystery while learning how important your credit report is with this story-driven interactive.
Important Birthdays Over 50
Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income.
Is a Variable Annuity Right for Me?
Pundits go on and on about how “terrible” or “wonderful” annuities are, but they never talk about whether annuities are right
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance
Purchasing homeowners insurance is critical for protecting your home.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
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Annuity Comparison
This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.
Assess Your Life Insurance Needs
This calculator estimates how much life insurance you would need to meet your family's needs if you were to die prematurely.
Comparing Mortgage Terms
Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.
Lifetime of Earnings
Estimate how much you have the potential to earn during your working years.
How Much Home Can I Afford?
With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.
Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?
Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.
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Principles of Preserving Wealth
How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.
An Inside Look at Retirement Living
A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.
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.
Your Cash Flow Statement
A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.
Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies
The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.
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Surprise! You’ve Got Money!
Here’s a quick guide to checking to see if you have unclaimed money.
Perception vs. Reality
There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Retirement Redefined
Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.
Choosing a Mortgage
Selecting a mortgage isn't an easy process. Get a better understanding of how professionals make the right decisions.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.