Michael E. Smith

The closer one gets to retiring, the more complicated financial planning can become. Even a comfortable nest egg can start to crack. Decisions that might have been postponed for years, concerning social security, 401(k)s, investment allocation, insurance, legacy planning, real estate and more, need to be made. Tax laws are confusing. The economic landscape is unpredictable. Timing is critical to achieve maximum financial security.
Michael Smith & Associates simplifies the process by providing carefully crafted financial plans for individuals, couples and families in Central Wisconsin. "We explain Wall Street in the language of Main Street," says Michael Smith, Private Wealth Advisor, CFP®, MSFS, founder and President of the Stevens Point-based financial advisory practice. Smith and his highly qualified, 10-member team balance conservative financial principles with the need to continually "think outside the box," offering holistic plans based on each client's unique needs, goals and risk tolerance. Each portfolio is managed by the team, with adjustments made, when needed, as circumstances change.

As an advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Michael Smith & Associates has access to the most up-to-date data from one of the industry's strongest financial firms. Ameriprise's new goal-tracking software enables clients to monitor their retirement goals and progress online. We strive to excel at every step of the wealth management process" Smith says.

Inspired by Innovation

Smith has always been a problem solver, looking for better, more efficient ways to do things. In fact, that's how he became a financial advisor in the first place. While working as a production supervisor at a factory in his 20s, he figured out a way to improve output from a certain machine, doubling the speed of an assembly line. His bosses were so impressed they rewarded him with a cash bonus and sent him back to school to take business classes.
I took an economics course and the instructor suggested we read the Wall Street Journal for a semester" Smith says. l became fascinated with business stories and investments. After about a year, I decided to pursue a career in the investment field." Four decades later, Smith is one of Central Wisconsin's most highly respected financial advisors. He was named to the Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list in 2018, 2019 and 2020, an objective ranking developed by SHOOK Research and based on a wide range of criterion, which is available on request.
"Our clients, especially those who have worked with other advisors, know
our work is a cut above," Smith says. We welcome retirement-minded individuals and couples to make an appointment for a complimentary initial consultation. We also offer a monthly newsletter - call or email our office to be added to the mailing list.


Michael Smith's Awards and Community Participation Recognition:
- Ameriprise Community lmpact Award, 2019
- Barron's Top l,200 Financial Advisors State-by-State, 2018, 2019 & 2020
- Forbes Best-ln-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 20l9 & 2020
- Ameriprise Circle of Success, 1993 - 2020
- Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation Board, 2018 - 2020
- Ameriprise Chairman's Advisory Council, 20l5 - 20l8
- Financial Times Top 400 US Financial Advisors, 20l5 Read Less