In a world where financial stability often feels elusive, Barry offers a refreshing perspective: “Money grows when managed with wisdom.” His expert advice on increasing savings, spending wisely, and investing intelligently lays out a clear path for anyone looking to build a secure financial future.
Barry Gross, founder of BillCutterz, has a wealth of experience in marketing and sales.
In this interview, he generously shares insights into his life’s journey, from his early beginnings to his current ventures.
Early Life and Education
Barry’s life journey is a remarkable tale of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Reflecting on his past, Barry said, “I’ve had a very fruitful life.” Born and raised in Texas, Barry graduated from the University of Houston in 1975 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in marketing.
His career in marketing and sales spans five decades, making him a seasoned professional in his field.
Barry’s upbringing in Texas shaped his character and values.
“My dad always said luck is having the tools to seize opportunities,” Barry shared.
This philosophy guided him through challenges and opportunities alike.
Early Career and First Job
Upon graduating, Barry’s first job was short-lived. He worked for six months renting cars, which he quickly realized was not his calling.
“I’ve only worked one job and that was straight out of college for six months, where I was on a salary,” Barry explained.
This brief stint was followed by a position at a plastics company in Texas, where he took on the challenge of marketing a product called Banner Guard. “Banner Guard was in its infancy when I took it over,” Barry recalled.
Through his efforts, he transformed the product’s sales from $2,000 a month to $250,000 a month within a year and a half.
Barry’s success with Banner Guard ignited his entrepreneurial spirit.
He preferred commission-based roles, explaining, “If I could earn based on my efforts without a cap, it would be very fruitful for me.”
This mindset led him to roles like a decade-long stint as a stockbroker with EF Hutton and founding his investor relations company, Gross Capital.
Founding BillCutterz
In 2009, Barry founded BillCutterz. Driven by his frustration with rising bills and personal need to negotiate lower monthly bills, Barry saw an opportunity to help others do the same. Starting with meticulous research and testing, he fine-tuned a business model that effortlessly saved consumers money on recurring expenses.
This venture, initially envisioned for a short lifespan due to economic uncertainties, defied expectations, and quickly became a leader in bill negotiation services.
“I saw a need for people in America, and maybe Canada and internationally, who were overpaying on their bills,” he explained.
The company negotiates with service providers to save customers money on monthly bills.
Starting BillCutterz posed challenges; visibility was a struggle for the first five years. “We struggled until about 2014,” Barry admitted.
Barry’s focus on financial well-being shines through BillCutterz. His philosophy is simple: “People always want to save and make more money. They want to increase their bank account.”
BillCutterz, under Barry’s leadership, revolutionized how individuals manage their expenses, leveraging long standing relationships with service providers to secure better rates without altering existing plans—a winning formula that continues to resonate with consumers today.
Barry’s commitment to customer savings and simplicity has garnered widespread acclaim, with BillCutterz consistently recognized as a top service in its field.
Challenges and Growth
Starting BillCutterz was not without its challenges. Barry spent the first five years struggling to gain visibility for his company.
“We struggled with that for about the first 5 years until about 2014,” he said.
Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, Barry remains optimistic about the future. “There’s still so much ground to cover,” he explains, emphasizing the untapped potential in reaching out to the remaining 50-60% of North America who have yet to engage with bill negotiation services.
The turning point came when an article about BillCutterz was featured on Lifehacker, which caught the attention of ABC World News Tonight.
This exposure led to a surge in enrollments and established BillCutterz as the leader in the bill negotiation space.
Barry’s approach to growth is simple yet profound: set ambitious goals, adapt to change, and maintain a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. This ethos has sustained BillCutterz and also propelled it to a prominent position in its industry, boasting a stellar reputation and a loyal customer base.
Beyond business, Barry extends his philosophy of listening and learning to personal finance.
He emphasizes the importance of financial discipline and smart money management, principles which resonate throughout his professional and personal life.
Investing: Buy Value and Add Patience
With 50 years of experience in the business world, including a decade as a stockbroker (1980–1990) and a lifetime of investing, Barry’s investment advice is refreshingly straightforward.
“Buy value and be patient.” He advises investing in established companies and weathering market fluctuations for long-term growth.
“I hope to see solid returns despite volatility,” he added, reflecting on 25 years of success.
Barry explained that one of the most impactful financial moves you can make is increasing your savings by 25-35% annually. “If we can put an extra $20 per month per bill into a person’s pocket, that accumulates to a substantial amount of money over time.”
Barry said, “This approach involves saving money and making strategic financial decisions to ensure long-term stability.”
Advice For Beginners
For newcomers, Barry advises starting small and staying consistent. “Even putting away fifty dollars monthly adds up to six hundred yearly,” he noted.
Starting early and staying committed builds a robust nest egg over time.
Looking ahead, Barry aims to grow BillCutterz and explore new opportunities. “It’s still the Wild West out there for us with ample growth opportunities,” he observed.
With a solid foundation and a dedicated team, Barry looks forward to continuing to positively impact people’s financial lives.
Barry emphasized the importance of safeguarding your income for future needs. “As you get older, you realize how crucial it is to take care of the money you earned earlier in your career,” Barry said.
“Avoiding wasteful expenses and making wise spending decisions can help secure your financial future.”
Barry recalled advice from a wealthy client: “Conservative recklessness.” This principle means not risking more than 50% of your net worth on a single investment. “If you lose all of it, you’ll still have the other 50% to start over,” Barry explained. This approach encourages diversifying investments to minimize risks while still allowing for growth opportunities.
Planning For Retirement
Barry underscored the importance of early and consistent retirement planning. “You can’t start when you’re 60 or 65; your best days are behind you, and you don’t have the longevity to add patience.”
Barry said, “Starting retirement savings early can leverage compound interest, creating a more secure financial future.”
Balancing Enjoyment and Savings
He advised balancing the need to enjoy life now with the necessity of securing your future. “Treat yourself for your hard work because you need to be rewarded, but don’t let short-term pleasures compromise long-term financial stability,” Barry explained.
Seeking Guidance and Mentorship
Barry recommended seeking advice from experienced individuals to guide your financial journey.
“Surround yourself with somebody that’s smarter than you and has already lived and breathed finance for years,” Barry said.
He stressed the importance of learning from mentors and trusted advisors who can provide valuable insights tailored to your financial situation.
The Value Of Trusted Relationships
Barry emphasized the significance of building strong relationships in personal and professional life. “My dad told me, if you die with five true, loyal friends, you’ve lived a very successful and wonderful life,” Barry shared.
These relationships can provide emotional support and practical advice throughout your financial journey.
Final Thoughts: Learning and Growing
Barry concluded by stressing the ongoing nature of personal finance. “It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart and making your money work for you,” Barry said. By making thoughtful financial decisions, investing wisely, and seeking guidance, you can build a secure future while enjoying the present.
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