Gary Smith
Advisor at Merrill
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Some details may be added by the advisor after claiming their profile. Refreshed daily • Updated today.
Advisor at Merrill
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Some details may be added by the advisor after claiming their profile. Refreshed daily • Updated today.
Location
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Credentials
Series 63, Series 66
Industry experience
43 years
Gary Smith is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing extensive experience in financial planning and portfolio management since 1981. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2007 and holds professional designations including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Gary employs a planning-based approach that assesses risk tolerance to develop financial strategies aimed at optimizing certainty while minimizing risk. His expertise encompasses retirement income planning, managing sequence of returns, and wealth transfer to intended beneficiaries.
Gary’s approach involves a comprehensive review of clients’ financial lives, emphasizing a clear understanding of their priorities to create personalized strategies aligned with their goals. He focuses on client segments such as individuals near or in retirement, those undergoing divorce transitions, widows and widowers, and professionals seeking tailored financial guidance. Gary also incorporates Total Merrill’s resources to address all facets of clients’ financial situations and conducts regular reviews to ensure alignment with changing circumstances.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College and a Master’s degree in Teaching from Antioch University. Gary has contributed articles to national magazines and authored a weekly financial column for the Syracuse Herald Journal from 1991 to 1997. Beyond his professional role, he is active in community organizations including Rotary International and Learn To Read St. Johns County. Gary’s personal interests include golfing, racquetball, woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and five children.
Based on Merrill
$0 - $2,000,000: 1.10% (for Managed Strategy with MFSA under $2 million) $2,000,000+: 1.00% (for Managed Strategy with MFSA at and above $2 million)
Account minimum: $2,000,000 minimum to qualify for Premium Access Strategy per SEC data and Merrill brochure context; no other firm-wide minimum clearly stated
824 A1 A N
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Connecticut · Florida · Texas
Bank of America,N.A.
2011 - Present (15 years)
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
2007 - Present (19 years)
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Is active or affiliated with:
Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Is not active or affiliated with:
Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through — whether you ultimately need an advisor or not.
Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly — so you can choose with confidence.
Warmer provides personalized recommendations and introductions to independent fiduciary advisors. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
Each advisor listed on our site is an independent fiduciary responsible for their own advice. Warmer may receive fees from advisors for participation or referrals; these fees are paid by advisors and do not affect the fees clients pay for advisory services.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before entering into an advisory relationship.
By using our service, you agree to Warmer's Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement and Privacy Policy. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")