The Fee-Only Fiduciary Difference

When you work with a financial advisor, you should expect to have a relationship based on trust. At Smith Bruer Advisors, our financial advisors build that trust by working in your best interest, 100% of the time.

Why Financial Planning is Essential

We believe that you deserve better.

  • Clear, unbiased, and comprehensive financial advice.
  • A fiduciary financial advisor who puts your interests ahead of their own.
  • A financial planning relationship based on trust and transparency.
  • An evidence-based investment philosophy backed by financial science and rigorous academic research.

In addition to being a fiduciary firm, Smith Bruer Advisors is also a fee-only firm. That means we are only paid by our clients. We receive no commissions from product sales. We are an independent registered investment adviser and we have no proprietary products.

Financial Planning Process

When you work with one of our fiduciary financial advisors, you will be guided through our comprehensive financial planning process. This process is designed to answer your questions and help you reach your financial objectives. We strive to empower you by providing you with purpose and clarity during your financial planning journey.

There are four pillars to our financial planning process:

Discovery

Before we recommend, we listen. We want to understand your financial goals and life needs.

Planning

We work with you to create a customized financial plan that will guide you from where you are to where you want to be.

Empowerment

We seek to empower you to make informed financial decisions by providing you with the right tools and strategies.

Transparency

All costs are discussed upfront and there are no hidden fees.

Our Team

The Smith Bruer Team

Pictured left to right: George Smith, Beth Bruer, René Bruer, Steven Hiraga, Hannah Lyons, Joseph Sunday

Advisor Qualifications and Experience

Our financial advisors are diversified in life experiences, educational backgrounds, and credentials. As a part of our company’s culture, we emphasize lifelong learning and continued education. Our advisors hold degrees and credentials, to include:

● Advanced degrees in areas such as finance and business management
● CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
● Certified Investment Management Analyst®

As members of leading organizations such as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI), and the Certified Financial Planner Board, our financial advisors are required each year to maintain their memberships “in good standing” by completing continuing education coursework and adhering to strict ethics and professional competency standards.

A Message from Our Co-Chief Executive Officers

Welcome to Smith Bruer Advisors! We hope that the information on our website helps you understand the benefits of working with a fee-only, fiduciary financial advisor. If you have more questions or would like to speak with one of our financial advisors, we would love to hear from you.

Smith Bruer Advisors was created to make a positive impact and to add value in the lives of investors. Our firm’s Purpose Statement is to “Empower People to Make Decisions.” That statement applies to our clients and team members. We believe that when people are empowered they are ready to take positive actions to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

We want to develop client relationships that are based on putting your interests first and allowing our financial advisors to serve you in an environment that aims to avoid conflicts of interest. This approach is a vast departure from the way most of the financial services industry operates. We certainly hope that the industry changes for the benefit of all investors. In the meantime, Smith Bruer Advisors will do our part to make a positive difference.

We hope that your financial planning journey is successful and that you are empowered with purpose and clarity so that you can confidently achieve your goals.

Portrait of George Smith

George Smith, CIMA®
Co-Chief Executive Officer

Portrait of George Smith

René Bruer, CFP®
Co-Chief Executive Officer