Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the families and businesses we serve with innovative financial strategies, solutions and planning that result in financial clarity, security and overall financial health. Making strong commitments to our clients and building lifelong relationships are tenets of success at Federal Retirement Coach and its partner fiduciaries.

We provide investors custom-tailored strategies to meet short- and long-term needs. Our goal is to help our clients realize their financial dreams by offering creative solutions through an open and transparent process utilizing innovative solutions to achieve financial independence.

Meet Our Team

Barb Gulin

President & Owner

Originally from Chicago, Barbara spent most of her childhood living throughout the US while her parents were Civil Service employees. Kansas City became her adopted home, where she was fortunate enough to attend college and raise two daughters. Although she studied electrical engineering in college, she knew she was destined to choose another career path. She eventually found her calling in the financial services industry, where she has had the privilege of helping other federal employees like her parents and others create their version of a successful retirement. Her ability to take complex financial concepts and explain them in down-to-earth language puts her clients at ease.

To Barbara, clients become like family. When she isn’t helping others achieve their financial dreams, you can find her with her nose in a book, spending time outdoors with friends and family, or cooking a meal (or dessert) to share. Her dog and cat keep her amused at home, and she loves serving at her local church.

Michael “Mike” Porembski

Investment Advisor Representative

Michael (Mike) Porembski is an Investment Advisor Representative & Fiduciary. His credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Biology, and a Master of Science degree in Banking and Financial Services Management from Boston University. Additionally, Mike was a financial Controller for a company in KCMO with $10M+ in revenues for 17 years. Concurrent to that, he has been a firefighter for 21 years with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department. As such, his unusual background has resulted in having a unique perspective in understanding the benefit options of KPERS, as well as the many opportunities afforded by the 457(b) plan, and the HSA.

Kristina Shewmaker

Junior Advisor

Kristina Shewmaker, a dedicated junior advisor and licensed agent, rooted in the heart of the Kansas City metro area, started her career in the financial industry at the age of 18. Kristina later took a 12-year hiatus to be a devoted stay-at-home mom to her two children. As a married mother of two kids actively involved in sports, she has reentered the industry with a renewed mission – not only to build her own retirement but to assist others in catching up for a comfortable retirement. Beyond her financial expertise, Kristina is often found playing chauffeur to her kids and cherishing family time with her husband. With a relatable understanding of the challenges families face, Kristina Shewmaker is your dedicated ally in working towards securing a prosperous financial future.

Walter Meierarend​

Investment Advisor Representative​

Walter Meierarend is an Investment Advisor Representative and fiduciary, with a bachelor’s degree in business. Committed to guiding clients towards financial prosperity, he also serves as an active firefighter/EMT, embodying a spirit of service. A proud husband and father of two, Walter values family and financial security.

Amanda Moore

Schedule Coordinator

Amanda uses her organizational skills to keep things moving in our office. With over twenty years of experience working with small businesses, she ensures communication with clients is easy and efficient. If you’ve attended a webinar or scheduled an appointment, Amanda is the voice behind the texts, emails and phone calls. When she isn’t busy coordinating everyone at BG, you’ll find her spending time with her family, binging her favorite show or walking her favorite trails.

Adriana Cruz

New Business Administrator

Adriana Cruz is our New Business Coordinator with exceptional communication skills and a keen attention to detail. Before transitioning to the financial industry, she earned a degree in Veterinary Technology, which honed her precision and care in all aspects of her work. Outside of her professional life, she cherishes time spent with family, especially her role as a doting aunt to four nieces. You can often find her working out, binge watching detective dramas, or cheering on her favorite sports teams.