People often ask me why I entered this industry and became a financial advisor. Like many people, I didn’t grow up knowing what I wanted to be or what I wanted to do with my career. What I did know is that I liked the idea of working with people and the concept of business fascinated me.
With my interest in people and what drives their decisions, psychology seemed like the most fitting college major for me. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology and business, I started my career in advertising. I quickly discovered it was not a fulfilling role for me. I felt my knowledge of business and human psychology was being wasted.
However, I also learned what I did enjoy. Without realizing it, I started giving advice to my colleagues on our company’s 401(k) plan and took a keen interest in the investment lineups available. I decided to take a deeper look into the financial services industry and, with some repeated prodding from my mother, changed careers and joined The Vanguard Group as a financial planner.
Starting My Career
During my four years at The Vanguard Group, I learned so much and worked with a number of clients of all backgrounds. Along with assisting Investment Managers with account management with AUM of over $100 million, I produced asset allocation models for trust and high-net worth clients and implemented investment strategies.
I quickly discovered that financial planning was my true passion. With a desire to work even more closely with individual families and clients, I joined TGS Financial Advisors as an advisor where I proactively served a select group of families with financial leadership and insight by offering rigorous, relentless financial discipline in order to deliver a higher level of predictability.
As I gained more experience and knowledge, I discovered my background in business could come in handy with allowing me to run my own firm. I wanted to serve my clients in the way I saw best for them, and this required flexibility and independence.
In 2014, with more than a decade of experience in the industry under my belt, I co-founded Newbridge Wealth Management with Christopher Wiegand, CFA, as a private financial counseling firm. Our goal with this firm was to serve as fiduciaries, acting in a professional capacity of competency and trust while delivering counsel to our clients.
My Role as an Advisor
While I serve a broad range of people, I specialize in working with mid-level executives who seek more from life, be it a new career, time to travel, or more time with their family. They’ve worked hard to get to where they are today and want to make a positive impact in their life and the lives of others. Whether they’re early in their career or approaching retirement, they seek comprehensive and lifelong financial guidance as they travel through life’s many milestones.
Working closely alongside them, I take a genuine, empathetic, and open-minded interest in their life because I want to see them succeed. I care about their goals and concerns and strive to provide the dependable and trustworthy service that they deserve.
Whatever their questions or needs, I bring a personal touch to the planning process in the hopes that I can help them feel more at ease and less stressed about their finances. I’m not just providing financial advice; the real benefit of my work is helping my clients pursue a life with fewer worries, more clarity, and greater financial flexibility.
While it can be difficult working with people who don’t have realistic expectations or who aren’t unwilling to change to pursue a more fulfilling future, I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful clients. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being there for our clients and helping them find their desired life path.
Working Together
I always enjoy meeting new people and seeing if we would be a good fit for one another. Whether you have questions about investing or your financial dreams, I’d be happy to speak with you and review your concerns and goals. To get started, email me at vincent@newbridgewealth.com or call 610.727.3960.
About Vincent
Vincent R. Barbera, CFP®, MSFS is a managing partner and co-founder of Newbridge Wealth Management, a private financial counseling firm located in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Believing in a patient, disciplined approach to investment management that delivers value and peace of mind, he utilizes a process-driven approach to financial planning that provides comfort and clarity to his client’s long-term goals. Along with a bachelor’s in psychology and business, he has a master’s in business and financial planning and Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Learn more by connecting with Vincent on LinkedIn or send him questions at vincent@newbridgewealth.com.
