Stephen J. Barrett,

"Being an advisor is a noble profession. I enjoy giving our clients peace of mind by helping them attain their financial goals in a complex world. At SFG, what we value the most are the relationships we build with our clients."

Financial Advisor – 20+ years
Business Owner – 10+ years
Real Estate Business Owner – 10+ years

As Senior Vice President of Private Client Group, Steve brings 20+ years of experience to SFG. He provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management for a select group of individuals and business owners. Steve focuses his work on high net worth business leaders and executives, dealing with complex tax and estate issues. He develops strategies to help them reduce income and estate taxes. Steve is dedicated to figuring out what is best for clients’ financial future and how it impacts their family and/or society, enabling them to live on through their legacy. He is also head of the Financial Planning Department at SFG. In this role, Steve is responsible for assessing and guiding new clients through the planning process. He coordinates the best team members, both inside and outside the firm, to ensure comprehensive analysis of each client’s situation and development of the best strategies. Steve’s knowledge, experience and attention to detail make him suitable for this responsibility at SFG.  

Steve graduated from Purdue University with his Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and Counseling. He continued his education through the College for Financial Planning Program. He gained experience as a financial planner with American Express Financial Advisors prior to becoming a valuable contributor to SFG. Steve earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation in 2000 from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. In 2010, he earned the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) to benefit his affluent clientele. Individuals who hold the AWMA® designation have completed a course of study encompassing wealth strategies, equity-based compensation plans, tax reduction alternatives, and asset protection alternatives. In 2012, Steve received the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies™. The AIF® Designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care for clients. Steve has also added the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)  designation in  2018 from the Investments & Wealth Institute, formally known as, Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). The CPWA designation is an advanced credential created specifically for wealth managers who work with high-net-worth individuals, focusing on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. Advisors who earn this certification understand how to develop specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize and protect assets, maximize growth, and transfer wealth. 

Steve’s dedication to his profession mirrors his personal life as well, being a first degree Knight of Knights of Columbus and coaching Varsity and JV High School basketball. He enjoys basketball and exercising. Steve is married with four children, two sons and two daughters. 

Steve’s Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning and Counseling, Purdue University, 1992
  • The College for Financial Planning Program, 1998
• Awards and professional distinctions 
  • Five Star Wealth Manager Award - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
• Professional designation 
  • *CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) 
  • *Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®)
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)
  • Chartered Advisor In Philanthropy® (CAP®)