Barbara Shapiro, CFP®, CDFA®, CeFT
President, HMS Financial Group
Barbara Shapiro, President of HMS Financial Group, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and one of the first Certified Divorce Financial Analysts in Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Science in Finance from Suffolk University and is a Graduate of the Securities Industry Association Institute at the Wharton School. Additionally, she holds a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University and a Master of Education in Moderate Special Needs from Northeastern University.
Phone: 781.251.2655 | E-mail: bshapiro@hms-financial.com | Website: www.hms-financial.com
5 Things You Need to Decide Before You Can Retire 
retirement
5 Things You Need to Decide Before You Can Retire
You’ve got to think these things through and make sure all your bases are covered before you can finally call it quits and retire.
February 5, 2021
Pandemic Budgeting: It’s Time to Start Fresh
personal finance
Pandemic Budgeting: It’s Time to Start Fresh
If you have a budget, you may need to tweak it, and if you don’t … what are you waiting for?
September 24, 2020
When Panic Sets in, How One Financial Adviser Talks Clients Off the Ledge
investing
When Panic Sets in, How One Financial Adviser Talks Clients Off the Ledge
Coronavirus panic is real, and it extends beyond health concerns to people's financial lives. But drastic measures can be disastrous.
May 18, 2020
Don't Let Valentine's Day Ruin Your Marriage
retirement
Don't Let Valentine's Day Ruin Your Marriage
Financial planners meet with couples on the edge all the time. If you're feeling sad this Valentine's Day, take a lesson from two couples' stories.
February 12, 2020
10 Practical Tips to Make Divorce More Tolerable
retirement
10 Practical Tips to Make Divorce More Tolerable
Navigating the divorcing process is easier with a little help along the way.
September 10, 2019
The Costs of Caregiving Go Far Beyond the Obvious
retirement
The Costs of Caregiving Go Far Beyond the Obvious
Seeing a loved one through a long illness or disability is an expensive proposition, and that’s not just in a financial sense. To be ready for this im…
May 3, 2019
Financial Reasons Not to Divorce
retirement
Financial Reasons Not to Divorce
Before you decide to pull the plug on your marriage, you should consider some of the numerous financial cons that can come with splitting up.
January 9, 2019
Estate Planning for Surviving Spouses: What to Do ASAP
retirement
Estate Planning for Surviving Spouses: What to Do ASAP
As soon as you are able, you have some legal documents to review and plans to update to protect both you and your heirs.
September 18, 2018
6 Tips for Those Who Have Lost a Spouse
retirement
6 Tips for Those Who Have Lost a Spouse
From the practical to the emotional, here is some advice to help you get through the first year (or two) of your journey.
June 18, 2018
IRS Scams: How to Spot Them and Report Them
taxes
IRS Scams: How to Spot Them and Report Them
If you're getting hounded by calls, emails or letters from the IRS, how do you know they're legit? Here are some warning signs of scams to watch out f…
April 18, 2018
When Widows Are Forgotten: A Guide for Widows and the People Near to Them
retirement
When Widows Are Forgotten: A Guide for Widows and the People Near to Them
They are all around us, but widows can sometimes feel invisible and forgotten. They need help. This I know from experience. And this is what they (and…
January 9, 2018
Win the Lottery? Here’s the First Thing You Should Do
spending
Win the Lottery? Here’s the First Thing You Should Do
Any windfall can come with a sea of emotions and decisions. You need to clear your head, and then find the right help. A Certified Financial Transitio…
August 11, 2017
The Emotional Side of Retirement Planning
retirement
The Emotional Side of Retirement Planning
Forget finances, you’ll never be ready to retire unless you've thought through exactly what you want your next chapter to be like.
May 12, 2017
What to Do If You’re Divorcing Your Valentine
retirement
What to Do If You’re Divorcing Your Valentine
Breakups can be messy and very expensive, but here are six things you can do to prepare financially and emotionally that could help ease the pain.
February 15, 2017