Who I Am
My name is Carlton Smith and I am a husband, a dad of three, and a financial advisor who's been exactly where many of my clients are starting from. I don't just talk about financial freedom; I've lived it. And now my job is to help you get there too.
My Journey
My path to financial advising wasn't a straight line, and that's exactly why I'm a good fit at this. I've worked on the broker line at Charles Schwab, run my own ecommerce business, and spent time in community banking before finding my calling in financial services. Along the way, my wife and I did the hard work ourselves: paid off our house in 10 years and eliminated nearly all our debt. I didn't stumble into financial security, I strategized my way there. Now I want to help you do the same.
What Drives Me
What drives me isn't numbers, it's people. My faith shapes how I show up for my clients: with integrity, with patience, and with a genuine investment in their success. I believe money is a tool, and a good financial advisor helps you use that tool in a way that actually reflects what matters to you. Whether your goals are rooted in family, legacy, generosity, or simply getting out from under financial stress, that's where I want to start the conversation.
Who I Serve
I work with families and individuals who are ready to take their financial life seriously, whether that means getting out of debt, building wealth, protecting what they've worked for, or planning what they'll leave behind. My clients come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: they want a partner who listens first and advises second. If you're looking for someone who will take the time to understand your whole picture, you're in the right place.
How I Can Help You
At Thrivent, I help clients build financial plans that can work for you, using protection, growth, and generosity all in one picture. That can mean having the right life insurance in place, a strategy to grow wealth over time, and a retirement plan that gives you confidence about the future. I hold my Series 7, 66, and 63 licenses, which means I can help you navigate a full range of investment and insurance solutions. But beyond the products, what I really offer is a straightforward look at where you are, where you want to go, and exactly how to get there.
Working With Me
I come to financial services from a coaching background, which means I lead with education before I ever lead with a product. My job is to help you understand your options so you can make decisions with confidence, not just trust me blindly. I'm direct, I'm honest, and I make complicated things simple. I'm also in this for the long haul: I'm not here to close a sale and disappear. I'm here to be the financial advisor you call when life changes, because it always does.
Beyond The Office
When I'm not helping people build better financial lives, you can find me being outnumbered at home by my wife and three kids, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a Type-A guy with a sense of humor and a genuine love for people, and I believe giving back is also a big part of who I am. Through my mentorship with Boys2Men, I have the opportunity to work with boys in our community, helping them build confidence, character, and the tools they need to become the men they’re capable of becoming. Being able to motivate the next generation is something I find incredibly rewarding. I believe the best conversations happen when there's trust, laughter, and zero judgment in the room. That's the environment I try to create every time, whether it is with you, my family, or the people and community around me.
Next Steps
Ready to take your first step toward financial clarity? Let's talk. I offer complimentary consultations — no pressure, no pitch, just a real conversation about where you are and where you want to go. Book a time that works for you and let's get started.
Meet My Team
