Sara Glakas

Founder & Managing Partner

Sara Glakas is the founder of Black Barn Financial, where she leads investment management and portfolio strategy for the fee-only, Austin-grown registered investment advisory firm.

Sara has over 20 years of experience in investments, including advising institutional clients through the 2008–2009 financial crisis while working in the hedge fund industry. She holds an MBA from St. Edward’s University and a BA from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was a four-time NCAA national champion on the women’s basketball team.

At Black Barn, Sara builds portfolios that are clear, liquid, and structured so clients understand exactly what they own and why. The firm is fee-only: no commissions, no product sales. Black Barn outcomes are tied directly to client outcomes.

In 2011, Sara founded Austin Women’s Investing Group, now one of Austin’s largest investing communities with over 3,000 members. The New York Times featured her work in 2020, noting: “Women were being underserved by financial advisers with a significant blind spot… We seek to create simplicity, clarity and give people control.”

Sara partners with Kacie Swartz, Black Barn’s Managing Partner, to deliver financial planning alongside investment strategy. Together they serve clients navigating long-term wealth building, retirement planning, and major financial transitions.

Credentials and Education

• MBA, St. Edward’s University

• BA, Washington University in St. Louis (Women’s Basketball, 4x NCAA National Champion)

• Featured in The New York Times, April 2020

• Austin Woman Magazine Small Business Grant Award, 2014

Professional Affiliations

• Founder, Austin Women’s Investing Group (AWIG), 2011–present

• Finance Committee, Ann Richards School for Young Woman Leaders

• Board Member, Northwest Austin Youth Basketball Association

• Co-host, Women on the Verge of a Financial Breakthrough podcast