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Erin Babineau

Financial Planning Associate

I joined Blakely Financial in June of 2024 as a Financial Planning Associate after working with another advisory firm in the Boston area for several years. My role involves collaborating with clients to develop and enhance their financial plans to fit their individualized lifestyles, goals, and needs. Navigating your finances can be overwhelming, and my favorite part of working in financial services is alleviating that stress from our clients.

I currently reside in East Boston, and I was born and raised not too far away in Framingham, MA. Beyond work, I enjoy reading, cooking, yoga, exploring, and spending time with family and friends. Trying out new recipes and restaurants are both at the top of my list of favorite activities—I’m always open to recommendations!

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • FINRA General Securities Representative Exam – Series 7
  • FINRA Uniform Combined State Law Examination – Series 66

Education

  • University of Rhode Island, B.A. in Business/Finance

 

Personal Points

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

“101 Essays that will Change the Way You Think” by Brianna Wiest, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse” by Charlie Mackesy

My happy hour order is…

A glass of Sauvignon Blanc

My favorite quote is…

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

My superpower would be…

Teleportation

My favorite restaurant is…

Ciao Roma in Boston’s North End - or really any restaurant in the North End!

My dream travel destination is…

Ireland

Cara Johnson

Financial Paraplanner

I joined Blakely Financial in April 2024, bringing with me a wealth of experience in real estate and mortgage lending. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding clients through complex financial decisions. Whether it’s negotiating favorable mortgage terms, navigating intricate real estate transactions, or other complex financial decisions, I’ve always been committed to delivering an exceptional experience.  I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of financial planning, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve clients at Blakely Financial.

I currently reside in Marblehead, MA with my husband and two sons. In my spare time, I enjoy staying active through workouts, yoga and stand-up paddleboarding. I love being outdoors, whether it’s walking my dog, spending time at the beach, or on the baseball and football fields watching my boys play!

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
  • Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator 
  • Studying for the series 65 exam (the NASAA Investment Advisers Law Examination)

Education

  • James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, B.A. in Art and Architectural History

 

Personal Points

My happy hour order is…

Casamigos Skinny Margarita

My superpower would be…

Super Strength

My favorite quote is…

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." – Plato

My favorite restaurant is…

Tonno, Gloucester, MA

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Books: Atomic Habits, Untamed Podcast: The Skinny Confidential

My dream travel destination is…

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Sam Levin

Financial Planning Analyst

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and moved to North Carolina to attend Elon University and play on their football team. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in December 2023, with a major in Finance, I joined the Blakely Financial team in January 2024. My daily responsibilities include preparing for client review meetings, assisting advisors with managing models and client accounts, and updating client financial plans. Outside of Blakely Financial, I enjoy playing golf, listening to audiobooks, and attending live sporting events.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • Securities Industries Essentials Registration

Education

  • Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, B.A. in Finance

Personal Points

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Freakonomics / New Heights Book – I Love Capitalism!

My happy hour order is…

An Old Fashioned

My favorite quote is…

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’" – Eleanor Roosevelt

My superpower would be…

Teleportation (My family is all around the Country, and this would make it much easier to see them)

My favorite restaurant is…

Colt & Alison – Sea Island, GA

My dream travel destination is…

The French Alps

Yesy Blakely Financial

Yesenia Davila CRPC®, FPQP™

Client Services Manager

I joined Blakely Financial in June 2019 in the Client Services Department. After a few years, I went to another firm and truly came to appreciate the level of care and service that the team at Blakely Financial provides their clients. It is the level of care that people should be provided. I rejoined the Blakely Financial team and now oversee the daily office operations and client services department. Knowing that our clients’ life’s work is in the care of a great team and that their loved ones will be taken care of gives me great satisfaction and pride in what I do every day. 

I am bilingual and speak fluent Spanish. I reside in Asheboro, NC, with my husband Juan and our three children. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family & traveling. I love helping/mentoring first-generation College Students. Many believe they cannot afford school; I like to show them how they can qualify for financial aid and loans that will allow them to go to a 4-year university and not settle.

 

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC®, College for Financial Planning
  • Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional, FPQP, College for Financial Planning
  • North Carolina Notary Public

Education

  • Randolph Community College, Asheboro, N.C. – A.A.S. in Accounting and Business/Management

Personal Points

If I wrote my own job description…

Client Service Administrator

My favorite quote is…

Live the life you love, Love the life you live

My superpower would be…

Healer

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Red Table Talk

My happy hour order is…

Mango Colada

My dream travel destination is…

Egypt

Marketing Team

Bubbly Creative

The Blakely Financial marketing team consists of Cara Chatellier (Founder & Creative Director) and Isabel Tomasi (Digital Marketing Manager) from the Bubbly Creative Marketing Agency.

Cara and Isabel are responsible for social media management, the monthly newsletter, blog creation, web maintenance, and overall creative direction. Their goal is to create compelling content for both current and future Blakely Financial clients.

Bubbly Creative has team members in both Massachusetts & New York, and offers digital and content marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses. Cara Chatellier and Isabel Tomasi, and the services they offer, are not affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network ®.

Noah Johnson APMA®

Investment Management Associate

Originally from Tolland, Connecticut, I graduated from High Point University in 2022 with a major in Business Administration and a minor in sales. At Blakely Financial, I’m primarily responsible for providing investment research, assisting advisors as they manage models, and preparing for client meetings. Outside of Blakely Financial, I am an avid hiker, backpacker, and skier, and love traveling and exploring new places.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor, APMA®, College for Financial Planning

Personal Points

My superpower would be…

the ability to see into the future (to pick the best stocks for our clients, of course)

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Podcasts – The Tim Ferris Show / Masters in Business with Barry Ritholtz / Book - Principles by Ray Dalio

My favorite quote is…

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” – M.K. Gandhi

My dream travel destination is…

the Himalaya mountains of Nepal

Causes I’m passionate about…

I am very passionate about environmental conservation and the protection and the protection public lands. I am a frequent donor of non-profits such as the Sierra Club & the Trust for Public land with the belief that nature should be protected, experienced, and appreciated by all.

My happy hour order is…

an ice cold Blue Moon

Larry Albert CFP®, MBA, AIF®

Financial Advisor

I joined Blakely Financial in May 2022 after spending more than 20 years as a human resources and employee benefits executive within both the private and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on retirement plans and compensation. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and earned an MBA in finance from Boston University. I also hold life, accident, and health insurance licenses and am an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. The most fulfilling aspect of my job is when I feel that I have truly earned the trust of my clients and have made a difference in their lives.

My practice spans the entire spectrum of wealth management and retirement plan consulting, although my area of specialty is helping pre-retirees/retirees with planning their retirement goals and assisting them transition from the accumulation stage of their retirement investing to the retirement income distribution stage i.e. developing a strategic distribution strategy which takes into account tax ramifications, proper asset allocation, inflation, social security maximization, and ongoing and long-term health care planning.

I am an advisor with the Pro Bono Financial Coaching Program, a collaborative effort of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts.

My wife, Linda, and I live in Beverly with our golden retriever Ozzie.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®, College for Fiduciary Studies
  • Registered representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®
  • FINRA Series 6 securities registration
  • FINRA Series 7 securities registration
  • FINRA Series 63 securities registration
  • FINRA Series 65 securities registration

Professional Memberships

  • Family Reach organization – Pro Bono financial planning for cancer patients

Education

  • Boston University, Boston, MA – MBA in Finance

Personal Points

My superpower would be…

Being able to fly without using the airlines

My favorite quote is…

“The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself”

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Cloud Cuckoo | Land Premonition | The Code Breaker

My dream travel destination is…

East African safari

My favorite restaurant is…

Abe & Louie’s Steakhouse in Boston

My happy hour order is…

Jameson or Moscow Mule

Commonwealth Chairmans Level

Robert Blakely CFP®, CPWA®, AIF®, ChFC®, CLU®

President, Financial Advisor

I founded Blakely Financial in 1995, driven by a deep commitment to prioritizing clients’ well-being. As the Founder, I dedicated myself to building a firm that excels in comprehensive wealth planning for professionals, business owners and retirees ensuring our team meets the diverse needs of our clients.  Over the years, Blakely Financial has grown into a respected institution, known for its personalized approach and meticulous attention to detail in financial planning.

My vision has always been to provide exceptional financial advice and to foster long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. This approach has enabled us to guide our clients through various stages of their financial journeys, adapting our strategies to meet their evolving needs and unique financial objectives.

I am proud that our firm and team members have been recognized over the years as Leaders and President Club level advisors by Commonwealth Financial Network*. This distinction exemplifies the dedication and hard work our team puts into serving our clients and helping them achieve their financial goals.

Blakely Financial stands as a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence in financial planning and investment management. As we continue to grow our firm, I remain focused on leading our team members with integrity, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to our clients’ success.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community as an active volunteer with several charitable and educational organizations, contributing my time and expertise to support local initiatives. This involvement reflects my belief in the importance of community and the impact we can make when we work together.

I reside in High Point, North Carolina with my wife, Donna. When we’re not working or volunteering in our community, we spend our free time traveling and being anywhere near the water. Our shared devotion to service and philanthropy has been a cornerstone of our lives, enriching our connection to our area and its residents.

*Robert Blakely is proud to have been recognized as a Leaders Level advisor for 2023—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 6 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.
*Emily Promise is proud to have been recognized as a President’s Club advisor for 2023—a distinction based on annual production that places her among the top 11 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by CFP Board
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) Certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute and taught in conjunction with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies
  • Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
  • Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
  • Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), Institute of Business and Finance
  • Registered representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®, FINRA Series 7 securities registration
  • Life and disability insurance licensed
  • Long-term care insurance licensed

Professional Memberships

  • Financial Planning Association
  • Society of Financial Service Professionals

Education

  • Averett University, Danville, Virginia, B.A. in Business Administration

Personal Points

If I wrote my own job description…

Duties Delegation Director

My favorite quote is…

"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

My dream travel destination is…

Jackson Hole, Wyoming and/or a trip to Italy

My happy hour order is…

A very nice bourbon on the rocks with a splash of water

My superpower would be…

Time Traveler – I would travel ahead in time research all major stock market corrections, come back and time the market, which just like time travel, is impossible to do.

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

"Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth" - Nick Murray, "Stay Positive" - Jon Gordon and Daniel Decker, "Think & Grow Rich" - Napoleon Hill

Rebecca Linhart AIF®

Financial Advisor

As an affiliated partner of Blakely Financial, Inc., Rebecca Linhart, AIF® offers investment management services, retirement income planning, financial planning, and wealth management to a myriad of individual clients at various stages in their lives.  Through her years in business, she has helped many people, particularly women going through transitional periods, such as divorce, the death of a spouse, or retirement. Her degree in psychology has given her invaluable insights into the importance and power of the personal side of money and the unique challenges of transitions. She has a rich and comprehensive understanding of how people subjectively experience change and co-creates their highest outcomes with them.

Rebecca Linhart thought differently about financial advice when she founded Light Tower Financial Strategies.  She knew that offering financial advice meant so much more than selling stocks and bonds, that it is more about understanding how money fits into your life and living that life intentionally. She knew that considering the goals and dreams of each client is paramount to helping them navigate through the complex details of planning meaningful lives.

A commitment to serve the community

Becky has a long-time commitment to serve her community. Being involved is what it’s all about to her. To that end, she held the following positions in the Town of Essex, Massachusetts:

  • Board of Selectmen
  • Board Member of the Housing Authority
  • Chair of the Finance Committee

In addition, she served as chair of the finance committee for Glen Urquhart School, a small private school in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts.

She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, a service organization dedicated to giving back to the community.  She founded the “It takes a village” program to help less fortunate people in the community, not just at Christmas time, but year-round.  The family she remembers most is a single mom with five children.  The mom had cancer and, when she was undergoing chemotherapy, the group cooked meals for the kids and set up a schedule of drivers to make sure they got to school on time.

Being a female in a male-dominated industry, Becky understands the challenges women can face when building their careers.  So, she joined the Boston Club, an organization dedicated to advancing women leaders.  A club and a cause, the group offers camaraderie and opportunities for networking; its core belief is that more women in significant and visible leadership roles mean better business performance and strengthened economic health in our communities.  She served as treasurer on its board of directors for six years.

A sailing advocate, Becky served as a board member of Sisters Under Sail, an organization dedicated to teaching leadership skills to teenage girls through a sailing program on a tall ship.  In 2013, many of the tall ships gathered on Lake Erie for a re-enactment of the war of 1812.  Becky was fortunate enough to be on board and had the privilege of shooting the cannon.

Becky is currently the chair of Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Enhanced Scholarship Trust, an organization that gives scholarships to community members.  Many of the scholarships are given to high school seniors, but the group found another pressing need for scholarships: for people who didn’t go to college, who live paycheck to paycheck, and can’t afford a class or certificate program to improve their employment opportunities.  It became known as the 2nd Chance Scholarship.

Becky received a graduate certificate in special studies in management from Harvard University and earned a BS in psychology from Roanoke College.  She has been recognized in Boston Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager [i] in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and the Women’s Choice [ii] award in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017.  She has achieved several professional credentials that speak to her experience:

  • General Securities Registered Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network®
  • Securities Agent and Registered Investment Adviser Representative
  • Managed Futures License
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary®

Stephanie Lanier FPQP®

Administrative Assistant

I joined Blakely Financial in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant, but I affectionately think of myself as the A.M. Administrator because I work early in the morning. I assist the team in daily office operations, including scheduling appointments. I like helping the team so that they have more time to help others.

I reside in Clayton, NC, with my husband and our four homeschooled children. I love homeschooling my children for the strong family bond it builds. I also enjoy reading, puzzles, watching movies/TV, and playing video games with my husband.

Professional Designations, Certifications, Registrations, and Licenses

  • Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional, FPQP, College for Financial Planning

Education

  • Meredith College, Raleigh, NC – B.A. in Spanish & Education

Personal Points

My favorite quote is…

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

My superpower would be…

Invisibility

My dream travel destination is…

England! I really enjoy English history and would love to tour some of the castles.

My top 3 reads and podcasts are…

Mother Culture by Karen Andreola is my current favorite book; I also listen to a lot of Matt Chandler and Voddie Baucham.

Something people don’t know…

I am the mother of a micro preemie. My first child was born weighing in at 1lb 13oz.

My favorite restaurant is…

Houston’s in Atlanta, GA