Richard Smith is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he leads a Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Team." He works with individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their financial goals through in-depth financial planning, tax mitigation, strategic portfolio management, and personalized guidance tailored to today's dynamic markets. Richard also serves as a Retirement Benefits Consultant, assisting business owners and companies with the design, implementation, and management of 401(k) plans aligned with organizational objectives and employee financial well-being.
Richard began his financial services career in 2008, motivated by his commitment to small business owners and his business acumen, enabling him to guide sophisticated clients through comprehensive wealth management. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University and maintains several professional designations, including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Additionally, Richard retains licenses as a residential and commercial mortgage loan originator and REALTOR®.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Richard resides in Grosse Pointe Farms with his wife and daughters. He is actively involved in his community, coaching varsity baseball at Grosse Pointe South High School, serving on the board of the Grosse Pointe Farms Parks & Harbor Committee, and acting as Commodore of the Grosse Pointe Farms Boat Club. His community involvement extends to volunteering and fundraising for organizations such as Motor City Blight Busters and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In his personal time, he enjoys golfing, playing guitar, fishing, and traveling with his family.