Founded in 1988 as an independent firm, HMS Financial Group is committed to ethical and personal financial planning and wealth management. Operating as an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) for one of the largest, independent investment broker/dealers* in the United States, HMS does not have proprietary products, and has no vested interest other than the financial success of its clients.
In our financial planning and investment philosophy, HMS Financial Group separates itself from mainstream brokerage firms and other financial planners. HMS maintains market objectivity and caters solely to the needs and goals of each client because we operate without quotas, proprietary products, incentive commissions, or production schedules. At HMS, compensation is structured around our clients’ individual circumstances and comfort levels. HMS Financial Group has no vested interest other than the success of our clients.
For our clients facing divorce, HMS offers the Circle of Support, led by Barbara Shapiro, President at HMS, and CFP® Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. We specialize in comprehensive financial planning that will assist our clients to transition from marriage to independence with peace of mind and confidence. Barbara may work with the individual client, with the client and his or her attorney, or with the divorce attorney alone.
The HMS Financial Group mission is to serve all of our clients with both the highest ethical values and cutting-edge financial savvy. We work every day to earn the trust of our valued clients and at the same time maximize our clients’ financial positions. Ongoing close communication, in conjunction with our deep knowledge of economic trends, tax laws, and investment products, keeps our clients’ vision clearly in view.
Sadly, our founder, Vice-President and Barbara’s husband, Herb Shapiro, passed away in October 2016. His core values of providing personal service, maintaining market objectivity, and high standards of integrity and honesty with the clients he served, are deeply ingrained in the HMS Philosophy.
*Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. HMS Financial and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.
The Team
President, EdM2 MSF CFP® CFS CMC CDFA CeFT®
Barbara is a Certified Financial Planner™ and one of the first Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA) in Massachusetts. In 2016, Barbara received additional training as a Certified Financial Transitionalist (CeFT®) which has further enhanced her ability to help people going through all types of major life changes.
Barbara’s late husband, Herb Shapiro founded HMS Financial Group in 1988 after being in the financial services industry for almost 20 years. Barbara trained alongside her husband, learning all aspects of the business from the ground up. She was named President in 2010. Barbara has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and is a Graduate of the Securities Industry Association Institute at the Wharton School. She holds a Master of Science in Finance from Suffolk University, a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University and a Master of Education in Moderate Special Needs from Northeastern University. Barbara has her Series 7, 63, 24 in addition to her EdM2 MSF CFP® CFS CMC CDFA CeFT® and insurance broker license.
An experienced teacher, Barbara has written, developed and taught courses on financial planning and investments. She has written and contributed to several articles for Kiplinger, ThinkAdvisor, and many other publications. In addition, Barbara co-authored a book , ‘He Said: She Said: A Practical Guide to Finance and Money During Divorce’, which was published in 2015.
Barbara is an active lecturer to professional groups and educational institutions. She spoke at the 2016 IDFA Conference in Orlando on divorce ethics and has been a guest on New England Cable News’ “Business Day” program, and Fox TV news, serving as an authority on women and finance. A well-known, highly respected professional in the field, Barbara has been interviewed by USA Today, the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe, the Boston Business Journal, Worth , the New York Times, Kiplinger’s Retirement, Investment News, CNN Lookout, NPR and WBZ News Radio, as well as many others.
Among her many recognitions, Barbara has served as a National Board Member of the Securities Industry Foundation for Economic Education, past member of the Boston Jewish Community Women’s Fund, and the past Treasurer of both the Divorce Center and the Massachusetts Council of Economic Education. Barbara is the current Treasurer of Hope High School’s Dollars for Scholars, an affiliate of Scholarship America.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys swimming and is also an avid reader.
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor and Member FINRA/SIPC. HMS Financial Group and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.
Dena Mao
Registered Client Service Specialist
Dena joined HMS Financial Group in 2016 to assist Barbara in providing exceptional customer service to our clients. Dena acts as a liaison between the clients, vendors and various internal departments to effectively manage communications and streamline processes.
Dena holds a B.S. in Finance from Rhode Island College and has over 6 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds the Life and Health insurance license as well as the Series 7, 63 and 65.
In her free time, Dena enjoys baking and trying new restaurants.