Bill Smith

Are you a fellow GenXer who feels like you missed the boat on retirement planning? Are you trying to launch your kids, care for your parents and plan for retirement, all while trying to live well today? Are you getting ready to retire from the military or federal service and re-imagine the next phase of your life? I am here to help you stress less about your money and live more. Financial planning is the key to financial security. Financial security is the key to freedom; the freedom to change jobs or launch a new business; the freedom to move to a new neighborhood; the freedom to live life on your terms. I can guide you on your journey to financial freedom, security, and peace. Life doesn’t always go according to plan. As a military spouse, I learned to be adaptable, agile, and tenacious. My own financial journey started when it was suddenly up to me to plan for my family’s financial future while my husband was frequently deployed. Over the past ten years, I have helped countless military service members, law enforcement officers, and a whole lot of GenXers navigate life transitions, career changes, relocations, and retirements. As a Financial Planner, I get to make the world a better place, one family, one person at a time. I am a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional, Chartered Financial Consultant™ and Accredited Financial Counselor®. I started Clear Insight Financial Planning so that I could help more families achieve financial security and freedom. True to my counseling roots, I want to collaborate with you to help you find your path. If you are ready to worry less and live more, schedule a free consultation, call 509-847-4079 or email hello@myciwm.com.

Hugh Severs is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving clients across more than 20 states. He specializes in helping successful families, business owners, and executives navigate complex financial transitions such as business succession, stock option planning, and retirement and estate planning. Hugh customizes investment portfolios spanning equities, fixed income, and alternative investments, while coordinating with clients’ CPAs, attorneys, and the firm’s trust professionals to align tax minimization and estate strategies. He also provides access to lending solutions through Bank of America. Before joining Merrill in 2022, Hugh spent 12 years with Northwestern Mutual in advisory and leadership roles, including serving as COO for a private wealth team. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and maintains professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Hugh and his wife live in Liberty Lake, Washington with their two sons. An outdoor enthusiast, Hugh enjoys activities such as fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, boating, and camping. He is actively involved in his community, currently serving as a board member for HUB Sports Center and the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Justin Lutz is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he helps clients develop and pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. His client focus includes college education planning, corporate benefits, retirement income strategies, family wealth management, legacy and tax minimization planning, and business transition support. Justin provides comprehensive financial advice and access to specialized banking and lending solutions to support his clients’ financial well-being. Justin holds an Associate's Degree from Spokane Falls Community College and a Bachelor's Degree from Montana State University System. He has earned professional designations including Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Originally from Washington State, he currently lives in Spokane Valley with his fiancée and their dog. Outside of his professional work, Justin is involved in baseball coaching and supports the Wishing Star Foundation. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as baseball, football, skiing, hiking, biking, golf, boating, camping, and hunting, aligning with his passion for sports and spending time with family.

Jay Kirkpatrick is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director for the Kirkpatrick-Violette Group, a Spokane-based team within Merrill Private Wealth Management. He leads the group in providing tailored wealth management strategies to ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions nationwide. Jay and his team offer specialized services including family office capabilities, advanced estate planning, philanthropic strategy, and personalized banking and lending solutions. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1996, Jay has developed expertise in areas such as private company succession planning, executive compensation strategies, retirement income, and complex estate transfer techniques. He holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). Jay is a graduate of Eastern Washington University. Jay is active in his community, serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Spokane County and the Eastern Washington University Foundation. He and his wife Chelsey live in Spokane with their two grown sons and enjoy outdoor activities, supporting EWU athletics, and spending time in the Pacific Northwest.