Erik Barnes, CFP®
Founder, Financial Planner
Welcome! I started Retirement Portfolio Partners with the goal of elevating the standard of financial planning. I entered the financial world wanting to make a difference in clients' lives, only to find out that the "financial advisor" positions at the big firms were more focused on sales than helping people.
The purpose of Retirement Portfolio Partners is to provide a better solution for people seeking expert, objective advice. Now I devote more time to fewer clients to deliver a superior client experience.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ I am committed to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in the industry. I help optimize the financial lives of busy professionals and retirees around the country. I have spent my entire career in the financial planning industry, helping clients plan for retirement, manage their portfolios and create a legacy and achieve lifetimes goals. Over that time I found that the families I most enjoy working with are those at or nearing retirement because there are so many areas that I can contribute to their success. I help my clients answer the variety of questions that arise throughout the retirement planning process such as:
Can I afford to retire?
How do I create a paycheck from my portfolio?
Am I invested the right way for retirement?
Do I overpay in taxes?
Can I reduce threats to my retirement?
I’m a proud member of the following professional organizations:
While I’m not busy in the office crafting financial plans, you can find me fishing with my wife and 3 kids in Hayward, Wi, relaxing at the beach in Indian Rocks Beach, FL, attempting to try every steak burrito ever made or reading the next book on my list.
Education & Credentials
Executive Financial Planner Program at Bryant University
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
B.A. in Economics from North Central College
Certified Pension Trustee Certificate by the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Learn More About Me:
Favorite Quote:
"The fun is in knowing" - Gregory House M.D.
What’s the most likely place people could find you on a Saturday night?
At home. Or at one my 3 daughters many events.
What is your favorite vacation?
I vacation in only two places: The Chippewa Flowage (Hayward, Wisconsin) and IRB (Indian Rocks Beach, FL).
How do you spend your summers?
I spend the month of July camping with my family in Hayward, WI on Lake Chippewa. I have been going there since I was 5 years old. You can find me at Musky Tale Resort on my laptop.
What is your favorite meal?
I can't cook at all. But I do love to eat! Check out a few of my favorite places:
What is your favorite golf course?
I don't golf but I do read 50+ books each year. So I am always looking for a recommendation. Here are some authors I enjoy:
What is an interesting fun fact about yourself?
I often get asked if I play professional football.