Joel T Barlow

Joel has been in the financial services industry for the past 30 years after graduating from the University of Alabama in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. Practicing as a Certified Public Accountant for the first decade of his career with Wilkins, Miller, P.C. in Mobile, AL.   Joel assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer of a multi-state holding company called IPC Industries, Inc., also based in Mobile, AL. For the next dozen years, Joel worked for several different large investment companies (Hartford Life Insurance Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., e.g.) to assist with securing capital for their lines of investment products. In that role, he acted in an advisory role to many financial advisors/planners across the southeastern United States.  He received his Certified Financial Planner designation in 2011 and was awarded his ANSI National Accreditation of Certified Financial Fiduciaries in 2023 and has been assisting individuals and families with holistic financial and tax planning for many years.

Joel formed Barlow Wealth Advisory Group (BWAG) in 2021 to establish the highest level of independent professionalism and enhance the value of financial planning with a holistic approach.

Joel and his wife, Kara, who is also a Certified Public Accountant, serve as sponsors and mentors for the Young Catholic Professionals Birmingham Group (YCP).

Joel and Kara have parented two lovely young women, MaryGlynn, 20 and Tanner, 18. For balancing work and play, Joel enjoys watching the Tide play, hiking at Red Mountain with his trusted dogs, Oliver and Winston or playing golf.

Our Mission Statement

As an investment, wealth management and tax firm we strive to offer a complete assessment of each client’s financial objectives and life goals before developing a comprehensive plan. We will adapt and reshape the plan depending on life changes, offering a holistic view, and offering you informed, intelligent advice appropriate for your circumstances with the goal of protecting & growing your wealth. 

To create the potential in helping you generate a better
return on life through unique, and systematic guidance.

Privately-owned and independent, we take a
long-term approach and are focused on creating personal,
enduring relationships with our clients.
We have never focused on sales or size;
we always focus on service.

Investment advisory and financial planning services offered through Apex Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, coaching and education services offered through Barlow Wealth Advisory Group. Apex Wealth Advisors, LLC, and Barlow Wealth Advisory Group are separate and unaffiliated entities.