Meet the professionals who can help you Pursue Your Goals
We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.
Mission Statement
Barnett Financial & Tax provides individuals and families with the highest level of Retirement, Tax and Investment Planning. We do this with great purpose and passion for the achievement of our client’s goals and objectives and we serve them by assisting in the development of financial stewardship in their lives.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Rick Barnett Founder & CEO
RICK BARNETTFounder & CEO
Rick Barnett, founder of Barnett Financial & Tax, began his financial services career in 1990. Since then, he’s grown his firm into a one-stop financial hub for hundreds of individuals, families and businesses in Michigan and beyond.
You may recognize Rick from his financial radio show, the “Barnett Financial Hour,” Saturdays on WWCK and Sundays on WSNL. He also frequently appears on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox 66.
Rick and his firm provide a variety of products and services to assist clients in achieving their financial goals and objectives. Through its affiliations, Barnett Financial & Tax also provides estate document preparation and tax preparation services. The company is proud to be an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and a member of the National Ethics Association.
Rick holds several professional designations, including Certified Estate Planning Professional (CEPP), Master of Estate Preservation (MEP) and Christian Financial Consultant and Advisor (CFCA).
Rick gives back to the community he serves in many ways through board participation and charitable service for over 20 different organizations. He and his wife, Leah, have four children: Parker, Gabrielle, Harrison and Broderick.
Jeffrey V. Covert, CPAExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
JEFFREY V. COVERT, CPAExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Ask what’s important in life, and Jeff Covert answers with one word: Family. He grew up as the seventh generation on the family dairy farm, where he learned the value of hard work. His biggest influences were his grandparents, both teachers who demonstrated the importance of helping others with love, warmth and a sense of humor.
Jeff employs that same approach as one of the firm’s Investment Advisor Representatives as well as the firm’s tax specialist, where he focuses on building client relationships based on a foundation of integrity and honesty. With more than 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he has prepared and reviewed tax returns for hundreds of individuals, families and businesses. He specializes in strategic tax and retirement income planning, and he strives to provide the clarity and confidence clients need to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Jeff holds his Certified Public Accountant, Life, Accident, Health, and Property & Casualty insurance licenses, and he has passed the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities exams. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, and also attended the Agriculture Technology Program at Michigan State University.
Jeff lives in Rochester, Michigan, with his wife, Michele, and their three children: Mitchell, Justice and Vivian. He spends his spare time enjoying bike rides, playing games and watching movies with his family. He also tries to get in a few rounds on the golf course as often as possible.
THE BARNETT ALLSTARS
Parker Barnett Director of Planning
PARKER BARNETT Director of Planning
Parker joined the Barnett Financial & Tax team in June of 2018. Since joining the company, Parker has grown to love the financial planning process and the role of helping craft specific financial plans for clients.
Parker is a registered Investment Advisor Representative, has his Series 65 license, Life Insurance license and Accident and Health license. He is motivated and passionate about making a difference in the everyday aspects of people’s lives.
Parker graduated in 2018 from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois with a degree in Accounting. He was a member of Judson’s baseball team and was the Judson Student Organization Commuter President his senior year.
Parker has lived in the Grand Blanc area his whole life and enjoys time with his wife Kate, trips to visit friends, golfing and Detroit/University of Michigan sports.
Michele M. Covert, CPA Accounting & Tax Manager
MICHELE M. COVERT, CPAAccounting & Tax Manager
Bio coming soon!
Charlene FreebornClient Development Coordinator
CHARLENE FREEBORN Client Development Coordinator
Charlene Freeborn has been using her communications skills within the financial retirement world for the last 13 years. It has always been her belief that correct information will help make the right decisions. As a retired minister's wife, her goal is to be sure that everyone she connects with realizes that they are important and valued in our world.
Sarah FletcherClient Service Coordinator
Sarah Fletcher Client Service Coordinator
Sarah joined the Barnett Financial and Tax team in January 2022. Sarah has over 15 years of experience in customer service- 10 of those years included owning and operating a business. Originally from Milford Michigan, Sarah and her family have lived in Fenton for 20 years. Sarah has 4 children and loves to spend time with them. Sarah also enjoys traveling, live music, reading, and taking her dog for walks. As the New Business Processor/Client Service Coordinator, Sarah enjoys interacting with our clients to ensure a smooth and positive interaction.
Karen HathawayDirector of First Impressions
Karen Hathaway Director of First Impressions
Karen joined the Barnett Financial & Tax team in September 2022. She grew up in Southeastern Michigan and attended Central Michigan University. With a background in employee benefits and workers’ compensation, Karen has spent the last 12 years honing her customer service skills in the retail world. She credits her most recent employer with teaching her the art of entertaining – skills she hopes to bring to the BFT Team and clients in the office. Karen looks forward to connecting with clients and hearing their stories about hobbies, family, and life. Her goals as the Director of First Impressions are to get questions answered as quickly as possible on the phone and to make you feel at home in our office - so take her up on the offer of a snack or a beverage (but please, use a coaster).
Karen lives in Warren, Michigan with her husband Chris, their two children and 2 slightly neurotic dogs. When she’s not in the office, Karen enjoys traveling, watching her kids play sports, and reality television.
Jacob LoucksParaplanner/Advisor Support
Jacob Loucks Paraplanner/Advisor Support
Jacob is the newest member of the Barnett Financial and Tax team. Jacob is receiving his degree from Bob Jones University Accounting and Finance in May and was also a member of the men’s basketball team. Jacob works with the BFT accounting team and will be an associate paraplanner. He will be growing and gaining experience to work his way to become a Financial Advisor in the firm.
Jacob’s inspiration was his time spent with the Founder, Rick Barnett over the years and Jacob’s desire to help people financially. Jacob grew up in Burton, MI where his family still lives today. He will be getting married in June of 2023 to his high school sweetheart Brianna.
Jacob enjoys spending time honing his financial knowledge, working out at the gym, playing basketball and spending time with friends and family…preferably outdoors.
OUR AFFILIATES
CRAIG FIEDERLEIN Estate Planning Attorney
CRAIG FIEDERLEIN Estate Planning Attorney
Craig Fiederlein, partner and attorney at Christenson & Fiederlein, PC, started his firm in 2006. The focus of the firm is Estate Planning. However, they do spend a good deal of time and resources handling probate and trust administration, Medicaid and Elder Law as well as Business and Civil Litigation matters. Craig graduated with a B.A. with honors in 1993 from Michigan State University Business/Pre-Law school; graduating in the top 5% of his class. Craig went on to attend the University of Toledo College of Law graduating “Cum Laude” with his Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Craig is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and has a residential builders license. His Bar admissions include: The United States Supreme Court, State Bar of Michigan and the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Craig is a member of multiple County Bar Associations, the Rotary Club, The Builders Association, Genesee Landlords Association. He also serves as a Board Member of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee County Bar Association. Craig is a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion.
Craig was attracted to practicing law when he was introduced to the importance of law for his uncle’s property management business in the Bronx, NY. Craig’s passion lies in helping clients achieve their goals through the Estate Planning Process. His desire is to help people finish well. Craig and his lovely wife Nancy have been married 24 years and have two daughters Melanie and Emma. They and their Golden Retriever, Lucy Live in Grand Blanc.
ELISIA HOWARD Certified College Counselor
Certified Financial Aid Advisor
ELISIA HOWARD Certified College Counselor, Certified Financial Aid Advisor, Master’s in Education
Elisia is the founder and CEO of College Insights, a private college consulting company based in the greater Seattle area, but works with families across the country. She has a Master’s in Education, specializing in education policy, is a Certified College Counselor, and is the only Certified Financial Aid Advisor in Washington State. She has been in education for almost 20 years and has worked in college admissions for 10 years.
What does this mean? Certified College Counselors help students get into college. Certified Financial Aid Advisors help students and families pay for college. These are two completely different areas of expertise, yet Elisia is equally strong in both, which is what separates her from other education experts.
Elisia has been featured in a number of news outlets and podcasts and is frequently invited to speak at high schools, community organizations, and businesses throughout the US.
For more information on Elisia and College Insights, please visit https://collegeinsights.com/ or call her directly at 425-507-9069.