Co-founder: Barry H. Sacks, PhD, JD

Tax Attorney and Retirement Portfolio Expert Barry Sacks, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in semiconductor physics from M.I.T. before teaching at U.C. Berkeley. He later earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and became a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law through the California Board of Legal Specialization.

With 35 years of experience as an ERISA attorney specializing in qualified retirement plans, Barry now applies his expertise to exploring how home equity can extend the longevity of retirement portfolios. His law practice also offers specialized services to tax professionals handling “Offers in Compromise” for retirees relying on 401(k) accounts or investment portfolios.

In collaboration with his brother, Professor Stephen Sacks, Barry published a groundbreaking research paper in the Journal of Financial Planning (February 2012), introducing a strategy that uses reverse mortgage credit lines to mitigate the risks of adverse investment returns in retirement accounts. A follow-up paper, co-authored with Peter Neuwirth, FSA, and Stephen Sacks, further expanded the applications of this strategy.

During his research, Barry recognized the unique financial challenges faced by retirees and those approaching retirement in divorce cases. These concerns are particularly significant when retirement savings must be divided or when one party retains most of the retirement assets while the other holds a greater share of home equity.

Barry frequently speaks on these topics at live events and webinars, addressing financial planning groups, estate planning and trust attorneys, accountants, reverse mortgage lenders, and graduate tax seminars at law and business schools. When not working, he divides his time between San Francisco and Sonoma—unless he’s off exploring faraway, exotic destinations.

To contact Barry:
Email: Barry Sacks