Back Bay Financial Group professionals frequently appear in local and national print, television and internet media. Below is a sample of recent appearances.
“The Case for Being Your Mom's Banker”
February 6, 2010, Wall Street Journal, By Kelly Greene
Bob Siefert explains how tax considerations may influence a homeowner’s decision to set-up a reverse mortgage.
“Have yourself a little Merry Christmas”
December 13, 2009, InvestmentNews, By Lisa Shidler
With so many companies cutting back on frivolous holiday parties this season, John LeBlanc explains how he kept costs low, but still found a way to thank his hard-working staff.
“Giving the Gift of a Down Payment”
December 7, 2009, SmartMoney, By Lisa Scherzer
Susan Brown cautions those looking to give the gift of a down payment on a house to look carefully at their own situations before doing so.
“PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: A Layoff Prompts Pursuit Of Business Dream”
October 28, 2009, New York Times, By Victoria E. Knight
After starting his own business when he was laid-off, John LeBlanc provides clients with a unique perspective on unemployment.
“Unwed and Planning”
October 1, 2009, Financial Planning, By Susan B. Weiner
John LeBlanc cautions against choosing just any lawyer when in an unmarried relationship.
“Savings level, not tax incentive, should drive decision to buy home”
September 27, 2009, Boston Globe, By Lynn Asinof
Susan Brown and Emily O’Hara helped create a financial plan that would enable a Quincy woman to responsibly purchase a home in the near future.
“Tips from the Top”
September 2009, NAPFA.com
Phil Lee’s advice was featured on the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Web site.
“You’ve Been Laid Off. Now What?”
July 2009, Good Housekeeping, By Kate Ashford
Susan Brown explained why overhauling your expenses immediately after being laid off is often a difficult task.
“Personal finance with John LeBlanc”
June 9, 2009, Boston Globe
John LeBlanc participated in an online forum and answered questions about dealing with personal finances while unemployed.
“Time for a New Strategy?”
May 21, 2009, New York Times, By Tara Siegel Bernard
George Padula discussed alternative investments and Back Bay’s conservative approach to wealth management.
“Financial Focus”
April 2009, Winthrop Community Access Television
John LeBlanc participated in a televised panel discussion about various financial topics including the current economy and markets.
“Late start to retirement saving”
April 19, 2009, Boston Globe, By Lynn Asinof
Jeanne Gibson Sullivan offered advice to a freelance graphic designer/musician on getting a late start with retirement savings.
“AIG Handing Out Millions In Bonuses After Bailout”
March 16, 2009, WBZ-TV
With many Americans furious over the news that AIG is handing out millions in bonuses, George Padula discussed his thoughts on the issue.
“Against the Grain”
March 1, 2009, Financial Planning, By Susan B. Weiner
In addition to using absolute return strategies, George Padula talked about the firm’s consideration of a broader range of investments.
“Skipping Bells and Whistles”
February 2009, Financial Advisor magazine, By Joel Bruckenstein
John LeBlanc discussed how back Bay Financial Group plans to increase productivity in 2009, without heavy spending on new technology.
“Trim With Care When Selling Stocks”
January 2009, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, By Rachael L. Sheedy
Susan Brown advises on how to approach your portfolio when looking to sell stocks.
“Important steps to take when you are laid off”
December 8, 2008, Fox 25 News, By Sharman Sacchetti
Jeanne Gibson Sullivan advises those who have been laid off.
“How to hold money managers accountable”
December 29, 2008, The Christian Science Monitor, By Thomas Watterson
Jeanne Gibson Sullivan discussed the Bernard Madoff fraud case.
“What Do You Do Now?”
December 1, 2008, Wall Street Journal, By Jennifer Levitz
George Padula discussed how harvesting tax losses can make your portfolio more efficient.
Bob Siefert offered advice on how to make good financial decisions during a time of economic uncertainty.
“Reverse Mortgages No Longer Seen As Last Resort”
November 03, 2008, WBUR.org, By Curt Nickisch
John LeBlanc warned of the high fees associated with reverse mortgages.
“U.S. will likely pay up on big bond sales – eventually”
November 3, 2008, MarketWatch, By Laura Mandaro & Deborah Levine
Susan Brown explained how higher rates may lower current bond values.
“Reverse Mortgages No Longer Seen As Last Resort”
November 03, 2008, WBUR.org, By Curt Nickisch
John LeBlanc warned of the high fees associated with reverse mortgages.
“Mutuals step into funds breach”
October 14, 2008,FinancialTimes, By Rebecca Knight
George Padula discussed how many investors are now turning to traditional mutual fund groups in the face of the recent stock market collapse.
“How to Best Cope With Being Laid Off”
September 16, 2008, SmartMoney, By AnnaMaria Andriotis & Lisa Scherzer
In the aftermath of the recent hit taken by the financial services industry, Susan Brown explained those affected by layoffs should only access retirement plans as a last resort.
“How To Stay Afloat When Inflation Rises”
July, 2008, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, By Rachel Sheedy & Kathryn A. Walson
Phil Lee commented on investing in commodities during a period of inflation.
“Schwab faces adviser discontent”
June 23, 2008, InvestmentNews, By David Hoffman
Susan Brown commented on Charles Schwab’s Yield Plus.
“Laid Off? Here's How to Stay Afloat”
June 19, 2008, SmartMoney, By Lisa Scherzer
In light of rising unemployment rates, Susan Brown discussed alternative health insurance options and identified the ideal candidates for COBRA.
“GETTING PERSONAL: Workers Go To Extremes For Company Health Insurance”
June 6, 2008, Dow Jones Newswires, By Victoria E. Knight
During a period of growing concerns regarding the rising costs of healthcare, John LeBlanc advised a same-sex couple to marry so the self-employed member of the couple, who had health problems, would receive quality coverage.
“Shift to Reverse”
June 1, 2008, Financial Planning, By Donald Jay Korn
Though many expect reverse mortgages to emerge as the next big trend, John Leblanc expresses his concerns about the recent popularity of this equity-to-income strategy.
“Barclays ads tout iShares – and advisers – to investors”
April 14, 2008, InvestmentNews, By Brooke Southall
Bob Siefert expressed his opinion on Barclay’s improved marketing efforts to raise awareness about iShares.
“TIAA-CREF’s new CEO faces challenges”
April 14, 2008, InvestmentNews, By David Hoffman
As TIAA-CREF appointed a new CEO, John LeBlanc offered his thoughts on the company, which seems to be frustrating many financial advisers.
“Fidelity fund lets you bet on stocks' fall”
April 8, 2008, Boston Globe, By Ross Kerber
With more and more money managers introducing long-short investment products, Bob Siefert explained why he recommends less the aggressive of the strategies.
“The Thrills, the Chills of the Volatile Market”
March 2008, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, By Chris Sharp
Philip Lee discussed why retirees should not pull funds out of the market completely, no matter how unstable it appears.
“Flying Solo in the Golden Years”
August 20, 2007, BusinessWeek, By Ellen Hoffman
John LeBlanc discussed the special challenges of retiring as a single person and advises on how to plan ahead.
“Direction Matches Discipline”
July 29, 2007, Boston Globe, By Lynn Asinof
Susan Brown advised a young woman on how to grow her retirement portfolio as part of the Boston Globe’s “Money Makeover” series.
“When finding a financial adviser, know your life stage”
May 19-25, 2006, Boston Business Journal, By Linda Goodspeed
John LeBlanc talked to the Boston Business Journal about the types of knowledge that clients should look for in a financial adviser.
“After filing bankruptcy, a decision to get educated”
May 14, 2006, Boston Globe, By Lynn Asinof
Jeanne Sullivan helped a Boston woman emerging from bankruptcy find her financial footing as part of the Boston Globe’s “Money Makeover” series.
“ETFs Emerge as Transitional Management Tool”
February 13, 2006, InvestmentNews, By David Hoffman
Bob Siefert talked to InvestmentNews about his view of Exchange Traded Funds, or Mutual Funds that trade like stocks, and their limited utility for client portfolios.
“Bond Investors Thrown a Curve”
December 12, 2005, InvestmentNews, By David Hoffman
When bond yields inverted in late 2005, meaning long term bonds had lower maturity than short term bonds, often a dire economic signal, Bob Siefert expressed his concerns to InvestmentNews and talked about its affect on his clients.
“Year-end investment strategies”
December 2005, Black Enterprise, By Donald Jay Korn
John LeBlanc commented on the mutual funds he favors to add international equities to a portfolio.
“Thankful for Booming Biz, Aging Boomers”
November 21, 2005, InvestmentNews, By Liz Skinner
John LeBlanc was interviewed about the effects of the Baby Boomer’s retirement and the political gridlock in Washington D.C.
“Adviser’s Hedge Fund Strategy Shuns Hedge Funds”
November 7, 2005, InvestmentNews, By David Hoffman
Bob Siefert commented on the viability of a new financial strategy that creates hedge-fund like returns without using hedge funds themselves, and thus creating greater transparency, liquidity, and lower cost.
“Picking Up the Pieces After Tragedy and Turmoil”
September 18, 2005, Boston Globe, By Lynn Asinof
Susan Brown advised a woman on her financial situation after she was laid off as part of the Boston Globe’s "Money Makeover" series.
“Branching Out”
September 2005, American Executive magazine, By Robert Siefert & Philip Lee
Bob and Philip wrote about the use of alternative investments as a useful and effective means of diversification in American Executive magazine.
