Barry H. KaplanEA, CFP®
Wealth Manager, Principal
Barry specializes in working with healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and dentists, and executives with stock options. Prior to his career in wealth management, Barry practiced dentistry for twenty years until an injury ended his successful dental career. Fortunately, he had previously discovered a passion for financial planning and earned the CFP® certification. Many clients in the healthcare profession own their practices and thus leverage Barry’s guidance to manage both the financials of their practice as well as their own personal finances. Since 2000, Barry has helped his clients understand the benefits of working with a fiduciary advisor who is obligated to act in their best interest.
What sparked your interest in financial planning? What fuels you every day in your work?
When I was a young dentist, I was often pitched by insurance salesmen and stockbrokers. Being skeptical by nature, it didn’t take me long to realize that they were putting their interests over mine. I figured I could do better and set out on a quest to educate myself. The more I learned, the more proof I found that the investment/financial advice business has many bad actors. I spent most of the 80s and early 90s looking for fee-only fiduciary advisers and couldn’t find anyone, so I did it myself. What fuels me every day is being the guy I was looking for early in my career.
What do you feel is a strength that you have?
The ability to simplify and communicate complicated concepts in clear, understandable terms is one of my strengths. Having been in the dental profession, I also have a solid understanding of the complex financial planning needs of medical professionals. This knowledge, as well as my years in wealth management and my straightforward communication style, enable me to partner with and help my clients reach their financial goals, keeping their best interests in mind.
What do you enjoy most about working at Modera?
Working with, relying on, and helping to nurture people who are passionate about helping other people.
When you retire you’re going to…?
RETIRE??? What’s that? Right now I’m having too much fun. Seriously, I hope to ride my bicycle as long as I can, travel, spend time with family and friends and volunteer to help those who need it when it comes to financial literacy.
Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I was born in the Bronx and grew up in Lakewood, NJ. I went to Emory and met my future wife who didn’t want to move to NJ, so I stayed in Atlanta. That was over 40 years ago and I’m still here.