Carolyn Smith

I began in this industry in 2010 in the aftermath of the financial crisis, working in a largely transactional, commission-based role during my first year. My employer at the time focused heavily on investments and placed little emphasis on financial advice. My following employer was fee-based - favoring the AUM business model - and focused much more on financial planning. At face value, this was a great change for me. However, as my career progressed and I learned more about our industry, my feelings on the AUM business model began to evolve. Over time, I became disenchanted with the notion that an advisor should be entitled to a cut of a client’s portfolio. It also began to dawn on me that – in this industry – most employers would value me based on how much money I brought in each year, and not necessarily on how much I was helping my clients. This ultimately is what led me to breakaway, become fully independent, and establish Fair Asset Management. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Back in 2010 when I got my start, this was considered the “gold standard” credential of the financial planning profession. This designation - while important & valuable - represents minimum, baseline knowledge, and serves as a starting point to furthering your expertise through continuing education. I went on to become a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional. The CPWA® curriculum focuses on serving the needs of clients with a minimum net worth of $5 million and goes far deeper than the CFP® into areas like high-net-worth estate planning strategies, and planning for corporate executives. My experience as a CPWA® professional uniquely qualifies me to develop specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize & protect assets, maximize growth, and transfer wealth. I then became admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent (EA). Enrolled Agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. As taxes are intertwined with virtually every aspect of financial planning, having such a broad base of knowledge & expertise allows me to help clients navigate an ever-changing tax landscape. Enrolled Agents, like tax attorneys & CPAs, are unrestricted as to what types of tax matters they can handle. In addition to the above credentials, I am also a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®).