The Barth Group
The Barth Group was named to the Forbes "Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams" 2024 Rankings (Published on January 16, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31st, 2023.) Like many clients it serves, The Barth Group strives to build a reputation for its professional demeanor and heritage of accomplishments. Its highly credentialed team members have worked together for years, and are committed to delivering an exceptional measure of proactive wealth management to a multigenerational clientele.
"We believe in the value of personal attention," says Bruce Barth, who has been with Merrill for 51 years. "Our Client Associates have more than 90 years of combined experience and strive to consistently provide the outstanding service we believe clients expect and deserve."
The Barth Group brings a family focus to active and retired business owners, corporate executives, non-profit organizations, traditional and non-traditional families – in New Jersey and throughout the nation. Many clients have been referred by others who call upon the group to help align wealth transfer strategies.
"The clients we serve often enjoy a positive cash flow with plenty of money for savings – but they lack a disciplined investment strategy. Our goals-based approach encourages clients to identify concerns and aspirations. And we dig deep. Using the firm's advanced technology – and sometimes, just a pad and paper – we've had more kitchen table meetings with clients, spouses and families than I can possibly count," Jim Cole points out.
Using BofA Global Research, model portfolios, and your outside tax professionals, the team's passive and active management aims for diversification, cost and tax efficiencies.
"Rather than focus on returns, we focus on clients' goals," Bruce says. "Spouses may disagree, which is why we facilitate conversations on retirement, how much money to leave the kids, and Social Security strategies. We also recommend that clients take only enough risk to help them pursue their desired lifestyles. As we develop personal relationships with clients, it's not only our professional but personal interest to help them pursue positive outcomes." *Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is equity research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.
We assist a diverse clientele with the complex challenges of preserving, enhancing and managing their wealth. We serve every client with the same professional commitment to attentive service and are dedicated to using our considerable experience and capabilities for your benefit. The advice and guidance we offer is designed to help you create a dynamic strategy to approach your life goals, which may include preparing for retirement; positioning for a major liquidity event, such as selling a business; and creating a legacy by establishing philanthropic strategies. We can offer access to the banking resources of Bank of America, N.A. for cash management and liquidity needs with regard to credit and lending.
Transitioning to retirement
A smooth and efficient financial transition to retirement requires careful forethought. Through our disciplined process, and after a thorough review of your assets and balance sheet, we can help you create overall cash-flow-focused strategies designed with an emphasis on tax-minimization strategies. With your retirement goals clarified, together we will target customized strategies to each objective and track the progress toward them.
Addressing the needs of corporate executives
We have considerable experience helping senior executives manage concentrated stock positions. Key decisions around the timing for exercising your options, how to complete the transaction, and whether to hold or sell your acquired shares should be considered carefully. Based on your other holdings, risk tolerance, expectations for future growth and time horizon, we may recommend such strategies as creating liquidity through open-market sales, securities-based lending and trading programs in compliance with SEC Rules 144 and 10b5-1.
Strategies for business owners
As a business owner, your business and personal finances are closely intertwined, yet the attention your business requires may leave you little time to handle your own wealth management. We can help you integrate and balance your business and personal finances, proposing strategies that address goals for yourself, your family and your company. Our ability to work with your family and circle of advisors enables us to develop a coordinated wealth management approach tailored to your individual objectives. From growing your business, to realizing its value through a succession strategy or sale, to maintaining family ownership by the next generation, we can provide useful, practical strategies.
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
