Covington News: Advanced Retirement Planning Goes Pink
The Advanced Retirement Planning building, at 6140 Hannah St., is now pink. Brian Byars, owner of ARP in Covington, said the business was painted pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will remain pink through October. ARP employees and their families, ARP clients and Newton Medical Center associates gathered Monday to reveal the newly painted office building.
Rome News-Tribune: Local financial adviser receives award
Local financial adviser Brian Byars, founder of Advanced Retirement Planning, recently received an Honorable Mention in Financial Planning Magazine’s Pro Bono Awards. This annual awards program, conducted in partnership with the Foundation for Financial Planning, recognizes the community service of advisers across the country.Byars was selected for his work as a certified police instructor conducting training programs and financial planning seminars for public safety departments throughout Georgia . ARP has also pledged that veterans will never be turned away.In 2012, Byars was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list honoring industry leaders in business, government, education, nonprofits and the arts in 2012.Read more: RN-T.com – Local financial adviser receives award
Gainesville Times: Financial adviser earns magazine honor
Gwinnett Business Journal: July/August 2013: People on the Move
http://gbj.com/2013/08/05/julyaugust-2013-people-on-the-move/
Midtown Patch: Atlanta Financial Planner Receives Pro Bono Awards Recognition
Magazine Considers Professionals from Across the Country for Pro Bono Efforts
ATLANTA – Local financial advisor Brian Byars, Founder of Advanced Retirement Planning (ARP), recently received an Honorable Mention in Financial Planning Magazine’s Pro Bono Awards. This annual awards program, conducted in partnership with the Foundation for Financial Planning, recognizes the community service of advisors across the country.Byars was selected for his work as a certified police instructor conducting training programs and financial planning seminars for public safety departments throughout Georgia. ARP has also pledged that veterans will never be turned away.“This award hits at the core of ARP’s values: quality service, compassion and community involvement,” said Byars. “We are honored to have been selected as an Honorable Mention for an award that truly captures the heart of our business: helping people.”In 2012, Byars was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list honoring industry leaders in business, government, education, nonprofits and the arts in 2012.About Advanced Retirement Planning (www.arpllc.com)
Founder Brian Byars and the professional advisors of Advanced Retirement Planning (ARP) are committed to excellence in service and results for each client. With offices in Gainesville and Covington, Georgia, ARP serves all of metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Advisory Services offered through 212 Advisory Group, a Registered Investment Advisory firm. Insurance products are offered through Advanced Retirement Planning. Additionally, professionals from Advanced Retirement Planning may transact business in states where properly qualified and licensed.
Financial Planning Magazine: Pro Bono Awards
Honorable MentionsBrian Byars, Advanced Retirement Planning, Covington, Ga., and Gainesville, Ga.Pro Bono help: Whitesburg, Ga., Police DepartmentA certified police instructor as well as an advisor, Byars volunteers his time conducting training programs and financial planning seminars for public safety departments throughout Georgia. As an advisor, Byars has pledged that his firm will never turn a veteran away, and delivers about 75% of his services free of charge for veterans.
Covington News: Byars invited to join Forum 400
Newton Citizen: Covington financial planner named to Forum 400
By Staff ReportsCovington financial planner named to Forum 400Brian Byars, founder of Advanced Retirement Planning, which has an office in Covington, has been asked to join the Forum 400 organization, comprised of leaders in production and innovation in financial services.The organization is restricted to 400 professionals, but there are only 280 advisors nationwide who meet its qualifying criteria. Byars joins eight other members from Georgia, and is one of two advisors to be named from the Atlanta area. He and his staff underwent a seven-step interview and application process for membership.
Henry Daily Herald: Forum 400 recruits Byars
ATLANTA — McDonough resident and founder of Advanced Retirement Planning, Brian Byars has been asked to join the elite organization, Forum 400.
The group is comprised of leaders in production and innovation in financial services.
While the organization has a membership restriction of 400 professionals, there are currently only 280 advisors nationwide who meet the qualifying criteria.
Byars joins eight other members from Georgia and is one of two advisors named from the Atlanta area.
“Brian and his team are one of the few groups I know in Georgia that have the ability to truly qualify and participate in Forum 400,” said Phil Graham, Chief Sales Officer of FIG Marketing.
“Individuals who qualify for membership are not only incredibly successful advisors, but also embody the sharing mentality that is so central to Forum 400’s mission,” said Barbara O’Connor, the organization’s executive director.
While undergoing evaluation for membership applicants participate in a seven-step interview process to ensure potential candidates fully understand the high expectations of the organization.
Byars said he is honored to become a member of such a respected professional organization.
“I am ready to share my ideas and principles with other professionals across the country and excited to be included among the leaders in our industry that continue to raise the bar to a higher level,” he said.
“The best of the best have to vote for you. Joining the team is a huge honor, and serves as recognition of your standing in the industry,” said Rao Garuda, member of the Forum’s Board of Directors, who described the group as an all-star team.
Byars was named in Georgia Trend Magazine’s 2012 “40 Under 40” list which is comprised of the top professionals in business, government, nonprofits and the arts.
Access North Georgia: Area financial planner named to Forum 400
ATLANTA – Brian Byars, founder of Advanced Retirement Planning (ARP) with offices in Gainesville and Covington, has been asked to join the elite Forum 400 organization.Comprised of leaders in production and innovation in financial services, Forum 400 is restricted to 400 professionals, but there are only 280 advisors nationwide who meet its rigorous qualifying criteria. Byars joins eight other members from the state of Georgia, and is one of two advisors to be named from the Atlanta/north Georgia area.”Individuals who qualify for membership are not only incredibly successful advisors, but also embody the sharing mentality that is so central to Forum 400’s mission,” said Barbara O’Connor, the organization’s Executive Director.”Brian Byars exemplifies this. We are excited to have him join us and look forward to his contributions to Forum 400.”Byars said he is honored to become a member of such a respected professional organization.”I am ready to share my ideas and principles with other professionals across the country and excited to be included among the leaders in our industry that continue to raise the bar to a higher level,” he said.In addition to his selection to Forum 400, Byars was listed in Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” for 2012, comprised of the top professionals in business, government, nonprofits and the arts.
Buckhead Patch: Atlanta Financial Planner, Brian Byars, Named to Forum 400
Local Financial Planner Named to Forum 400
Brian Byars Recognized as Top Producer in the Atlanta Area
ATLANTA – Brian Byars, Founder of Advanced Retirement Planning (ARP), has been asked to join the elite Forum 400 organization, comprised of leaders in production and innovation in financial services. The organization is restricted to 400 professionals, but there are only 280 advisors nationwide who meet its rigorous qualifying criteria.He joins eight other members from the state of Georgia, and is one of two advisors to be named from the Atlanta area. “Brian and his team are one of the few groups I know in Georgia that have the ability to truly qualify and participate in Forum 400,” said Phil Graham, Chief Sales Officer of FIG Marketing.“Individuals who qualify for membership are not only incredibly successful advisors, but also embody the sharing mentality that is so central to Forum 400’s mission,” said Barbara O’Connor, the organization’s Executive Director. “Brian Byars exemplifies this. We are excited to have him join us and look forward to his contributions to Forum 400.”Byars is honored to become a member of such a respected professional organization. “I am ready to share my ideas and principles with other professionals across the country and excited to be included among the leaders in our industry that continue to raise the bar to a higher level,” he said.A seven-step interview and application process was established to ensure potential candidates fully understand the high expectations of the organization while evaluating their suitability for membership.Rao Garuda, member of the Forum’s Board of Directors, described the group as an all-star team. “The best of the best have to vote for you. Joining the team is a huge honor, and serves as recognition of your standing in the industry.”
Georgia Trend Magazine named Byars to the “40 Under 40” list for 2012, comprised of the top professionals in business, government, nonprofits and the arts. His invitation to join Forum 400 further reinforces his reputation in the financial services field.
About Advanced Retirement Planning (www.arpllc.com)
Founder Brian Byars and the professional advisors of Advanced Retirement Planning (ARP) are committed to excellence in service and results for each client. With offices in Gainesville and Covington, Georgia, ARP serves all of metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
Gwinnett Business Journal: Prepare to navigate 2013 tax changes
By Brian Byars
With all the uncertainty in the world today, there’s one thing we know for sure: taxes are increasing in 2013. However, with effective tax planning, there is no need to despair. It is possible to limit the effects of increased tax rates and even secure a better financial position than before.Let’s begin with a simple observation: there is very little time between now and the end of the year for proper tax planning. Congress has yet to determine tax rates on a variety of assets. It’s possible that an agreement on total tax reform may be reached, but it is more realistic to assume that numerous tax breaks will expire, leaving your assets vulnerable and taxable.Some expected changes on the horizon include: increases in tax brackets by several percentage points depending on income; increases in capital gains taxes as well as increases in FICA and Medicare taxes. Qualified dividends will be treated as ordinary income, which is a significant change.Life insurance is considered part of an individual or family estate, making the reduced $1 million exemption mark much easier for many to hit. Estates with a balance in excess of $1 million will be taxed at a rate of 55 percent, a change that will affect many families.The solution? Work with a qualified financial planner before December 31! If your tax professional only completes forms, stop working with him or her. Work with an advisor capable of performing a comprehensive tax review that includes your income and assets – one who will deliver a plan with new tax-savings strategies. Trust planning, Roth IRA conversions and capturing lower gains are all areas that should be considered.You do not have to be a victim; be proactive! Demand more from your financial team. If you don’t have one, now is the time to get one. With the right plans in place, you can thrive financially in 2013.
Covington News: Tax increases coming in 2013
By Amber PittmanNo matter what happens to the fiscal cliff, Newton County residents can expect a tax increase next year, according to Brian Byars of Advanced Retirement Planners.The key to making sure you’re prepared is to have a plan, because taxes will increase in the coming year.”Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty of what’s going to happen to the tax code, but it is pretty obvious that taxes are going to increase. Without a doubt in 2013, you will be paying more for taxes, just how much we don’t know,” said Byars.Byars said a way to combat that – or to at least get a handle on it – is by sitting down with a professional, not going to a place that simply fills out taxes for you, because then you will end up paying more.”Plan to pay more unless you work with a professional,” he said.With estate taxes, a new estate tax exclusion is set to reduce from a $5.2 million exemption for a married couple, to $1 million. And while that may sound high for most, Byars said that most people don’t realize how quickly they can hit that mark if they have things like life insurance and retirement accounts.”If you take a middle income family that has a mom and a dad working and they have $200,000 each saved up in a retirement account and a $200,000 Covington home and life insurance on each other for $500,000 – if both of them pass away, under the new state tax provision, you’re looking at an estate of $1.6 million, and you will be getting a bill from the IRS for $330,000, due within nine months of death… Unless people do something, that could affect a lot of people.”In addition to personal and estate taxes, capital gains taxes will also increase and dividend interest will be treated as ordinary income, which could affect many retirees. People are scheduled to pay more for Social Security and Medicaid, payroll taxes, and for those receiving a child tax credit, it could from $1,000 to $500.Byars stressed that none of these anticipated changes are set in stone and they are constantly changing, but the one thing that remains, expect to pay more in 2013.
Newton Citizen: Covington businessman named to Georgia Trend 40 Under 40
By Crystal Tatum
COVINGTON — Covington businessman Brian Byars has been named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list.
The annual list recognizes outstanding Georgians making their marks in business, government, politics, nonprofits, the arts, finance and the military.
Byars, 39, is a co-founder and senior partner with Advanced Retirement Planning LLC, which maintains offices in Covington and Gainesville. Byars lives in McDonough. Founded in 2006, ARP offers investment, retirement, estate and legacy planning, tax and legal assistance, trust management, insurance services and assistance to veterans.
Byars said his business principle is “to operate on a level our competition doesn’t know exists.” As a result, Byars said his business hasn’t suffered a down year due to the economy and 90 percent of his customers are referrals.
Byars attributes his success to customer service — listening to what customers want versus trying to push them in a certain direction and finding the most effective and least costly way to get that for them. Or, as he put it, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.”
“If you listen, customers will tell you what they want,” he said.
Byars was nominated by the daughter of a veteran for whom he helped secure veterans benefits, after the family was turned away by other financial advisors because they didn’t have money to invest.
“We’ve always been committed to helping veterans no matter what their financial circumstances,” Byars said. “We just feel like it’s our responsibility to them and it’s our honor to do it.”
Byars said his focus is on the customer, not how much money they have. “At the end of the day, we pretty much work with everybody,” he said. He was even once called upon to examine two estimates for roof repairs and advise a client on which one to accept.
Coming up, Byars will be hosting a series of seminars in Atlanta, Stockbridge and Gainesville aimed at educating consumers on upcoming changes to personal and estate taxes as well as tips on building wealth, preparing for retirement and protecting assets.
Outside his professional life, Byars volunteers as an instructor of defensive tactics and firearms as a Certified Georgia Peace Officer. He volunteers with police departments, founded the Georgia Tactical Officers Association and is vice chairman of the Atlanta Metro Medical Strike Team.
Rome News-Tribune: Roman honored in magazine
Brian Byars, who grew up in Rome, was recently named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, honoring top professionals across the state.
Byars is founder and partner of Advanced Retirement Planning (ARP).
After 17 years in the financial planning industry, Byars has learned that an unwavering commitment to the core values of service and compassion sets ARP apart from its competition: “Our goal is to operate at a level of customer service and value that the competition doesn’t even know exists,” said Byars.
Founded in 2006, ARP offers investment, retirement, estate and legacy planning, tax and legal assistance, trust management, insurance services and assistance to veterans.
A reception to honor Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40” 2012 winners will be held Oct. 24. For more information about Brian Byars, visit www.arpllc.com.
Covington News: Covington businessman featured in ‘Georgia Trend’
By Gabriel Khouli
Covington business owner Brian Byars, of Advanced Retirement Planning, was recently named to “Georgia Trend” Magazine’s ‘40 Under 40’ list, honoring top professionals across the state. This year’s group represents what “Georgia Trend” considers the state’s most successful up and coming men and women in business, government, education, nonprofits and the arts.After 17 years in the financial planning industry, Byars has learned that an unwavering commitment to the core values of service and compassion sets ARP apart from its competition: “Our goal is to operate at a level of customer service and value that the competition doesn’t even know exists,” said Byars.
Byars grew up in Rome, and began his professional career as a licensed insurance agent in 1994 before realizing he could better serve his clients by offering comprehensive financial plans instead of one product. “I wanted them to look to me as their trusted advisor,” said Byars.
Founded in 2006, ARP offers investment, retirement, estate and legacy planning, tax and legal assistance, trust management, insurance services and assistance to veterans. Client needs and expectations provide focus to the ARP team. Under Byars’ leadership, the advisors and staff work to meet their clients’ needs in the most cost-efficient manner, uphold the highest customer service standards, and, at all times, treat clients with respect and dignity.
Byars’ commitment to professional excellence and service is also evident in his personal life. He volunteers his time as an instructor of Defensive Tactics and Firearms as a Certified Georgia Peace Officer, and also serves with several nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
A reception to honor “Georgia Trend’s” ‘40 Under 40’ 2012 winners will be held Oct. 24. For more information, visit georgiatrend.com.
Henry Daily Herald: Local financial planner makes ’40 Under 40’ list
By Johnny Jackson
McDONOUGH — Brian Byars has been named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list which honors top professionals across the state.
This year’s list represents the state’s most successful up-and-coming men and women in business, government, education, the arts and nonprofits.
Byars, 39, is co-founder and partner of Advanced Retirement Planning, LLC, which has offices in Gainesville and Covington. He has lived in McDonough the past 13 years with his wife, Sasha, and their sons, Will Byars, 12, Matt Byars, 8, and Vitaly Zesirov, 23, a corporal in the Marine Corps.
He began his career as a licensed insurance agent in 1994. He helped start the company with David Allred in 2006.
Georgia Trend Magazine’s October edition credits Byars with having a successful career of 18 years in the financial planning industry.
Byars’ firm offers assistance in investment, retirement, estate and legacy planning, trust management, insurance services and veterans, tax and legal assistance.
“We wanted to excel in customer service,” Byars said. “We understand completely what our clients’ goals are because we actually sit and listen to what our clients have to say. We actually understand God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.”
Byars said he noticed the absence of holistic planning for people planning for their retirement.
“I learned that if I would work to solve my clients’ problems, offering them solutions rather than trying to sell products, I would find success,” he told the magazine.
He said his objective was not to provide cookie-cutter service to retirees and would-be retirees but to tailor to their individual needs.
“The recession affected a lot of investment houses and companies and we did nothing but thrive through it,” Byars said. “We work for our clients and I think that’s a huge difference in our world, compared to a lot of other investment advisors.”
Some of his firm’s clients are young but others are retired or approaching retirement and several are veterans.
“We will work with any veteran whatever their financial circumstances,” said Byars. “We don’t advertise a lot but I’d say about 95 percent of our business is strictly referrals.
“Our goal is to operate at a level of customer service and value that the competition doesn’t even know exists,” he continued. “I want them to look to me as their trusted advisor.”
State Rep. Steve Davis (R-McDonough) wrote a recommendation for Byars’ “40 Under 40” honor.
Davis said he wrote a letter to Georgia Trend Magazine to acknowledge his friend’s good works over the years to the community. For example, he wrote about a family in his district that lost more than $1 million “after bad advice from a large financial institution.”
“Brian Byars of Advanced Retirement Planning stepped in to assist them, not only with beginning to put the pieces of their financial life back together, but also as an expert witness during the family’s litigation against the bank at no charge,” said Davis.
Byars said his firm has reaped the spoils of its labor to help those in need, particularly veterans.
Byars volunteers his time with Meals on Wheels. He is a member of Southside Christian Fellowship in McDonough.
Byars also volunteers as a certified Georgia peace officer and certified senior instructor of defensive tactics and firearms. He is vice chair of the Metro Medical Strike Team based in Atlanta.
Byars will be honored Oct. 24 at Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” reception in Atlanta.
Gainesville Times: ARP co-founder Byars makes ‘40 Under 40’ list
By staff reports
Brian Byars, founder and partner of Advanced Retirement Planning, 340 Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville, recently was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” honoring top professionals across the state.
The listing represents a sample of the state’s successful up-and-coming men and women in business, government, education, nonprofits and the arts.
Byars grew up in Rome and began his professional career as a licensed insurance agent in 1994. In 2006, he and partner David Allred founded ARP, which operates offices in Gainesville and Covington and serves all of metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
ARP offers investment, retirement, estate and legacy planning, tax and legal assistance, trust management, insurance services and assistance to veterans.
“Our goal is to operate at a level of customer service and value that the competition doesn’t even know exists,” Byars said.
A reception to honor the “40 Under 40” honorees is set for Oct. 24.
For more information about ARP, visit www.arpllc.com. To view the “40 Under 40” winners, visit. www.georgiatrend.com.
Georgia Trend: 2012 40 Under 40: The Best and Brightest
By Bobby Nesbitt
Brian Byars, 39
Senior Partner
Advanced Retirement Planning, LLC
McDonough
Brian Byars has a simple but successful business principle. “Our goal is to operate on a level our competition doesn’t know exists,” he says. “Our focus is on the person, not how much money they have.”
Before starting his own firm, Byars worked for a medicare supplement company. “I learned that if I would work to solve my clients’ problems, offering them solutions rather than trying to sell products, I would find success.”
His company offers investment and retirement planning, but also many other services, including veterans benefits assistance.
“I have a policy to never turn a veteran away,” Byars says. “They served us, therefore we serve them. No exceptions.”
Police officers are also special to Byars (his mother was an officer for more than 30 years). He has logged countless hours volunteering with police departments, founded the Georgia Tactical Officers Association and is vice chairman of the Atlanta Metro Medical Strike Team. – BN
Atlanta Business Chronicle: Radio show addresses retirement issues
By Tonya Layman
For about eight months, radio listeners in markets in and around Atlanta have been getting answers to their retirement and estate planning questions from three industry experts.
Mark Lloyd, president and founder of The Lloyd Group Inc., and Brian Byars and David Allred of the Estate Planners of Georgia have been hosting “Focus on Your Retirement.” They have tackled topics including retirement planning, asset preservation and estate protection and structure.
Listeners can learn about avoiding probate and estate taxes, finding safe retirement plans, reducing or eliminating income tax, retirement income and asset protection strategies and 401(k), IRA and pension plan rollover options.
Other issues include long-term care, all taxes related to retirement, retirement distributions and balancing the portfolio.
Lloyd, who is a certified estate planner and registered financial consultant, said the show is not only for the retired.
They get questions from all ages, especially from members of what he calls the sandwich generation, who are both raising children and taking care of elderly parents.
“A common question is, how do you go from growth-oriented strategy in your investments to a preservation/conservation strategy,” Lloyd said. “People want to make sure the retirement dollars will last and they don’t outlive it.”
The questions for the prerecorded show come from real people with real issues. Questions can be e-mailed in or you can call a toll-free number.
“There are enough questions every week that we can’t get to them all,” Lloyd said, adding the show has gained in popularity.
On the air
“Focus on Your Retirement” can be heard:
Atlanta – Business Radio 1160 WCFO-AM; every Saturday from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Encore at 8:30 to 9 a.m. Sunday mornings.
Athens – News Talk 1340 WGAU-AM; every Saturday from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Rome – News Talk 1470 WRGA-AM; every Saturday from 8 to 8:30 a.m.