Perry L. Smith, CLU, ChFC, MS (Tax)

I have made it my life's work to help people accumulate and retain wealth. As a Wealth Advisor in Bellevue, Washington, I assist high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and business owners design and develop asset protection plans, asset and estate planning and tax strategies. 

As a 30 year steward of this profession, in my words, “I believe individuals with substantial wealth face unique challenges. They need the assistance of a financial advisor who can analyze their asset protection plans, asset and estate planning, tax strategies in the present as well as assist in forecasting into the future those issues relevant to their success. In the process I will build financial models to better understand how these integrate personal and business goals. I accomplish these objectives by taking the time to understand each client's particular needs.  Then I work with you, your attorney, and accountant to custom tailor a Wealth Plan that employs for your benefit the full capabilities of some of the nation's most respected and trusted financial institutions. I am committed to creating and providing this fiduciary service.”

I attended Gonzaga University and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor's degree in Business and Finance. It is important to note that I stay up-to-date with developments in the financial services industry through continuing education. My securities licenses Brokers and Principal are held at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., and I am associated with their Registered Investment Advisor for Asset Advisory Services. I also hold a current Real Estate Broker's License with Coldwell Banker Bain.

I had the opportunity to co-author a book titled Wealth Preservation For the Affluent, which was released in March ‘06 and often share my expertise by conducting seminars on advanced asset and estate planning. I am licensed and registered to practice in Alaska, California, Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Pennslyvania, Washington, and Wyoming. 

I hold the following advanced degrees and professional designations:

• Master of Science in Taxation (MS Tax) from Golden Gate University

• B.A. Business from Eastern Washington University
• CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) from the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP), The American College 
• ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) from The Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP), The American College

• RFC (Registered Financial Consultant) from the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC)

My understanding of the importance of real property and its value in qualified plans, as well as business and tax plans, for my clients are evidenced by my professional preparation as:

• A member of the National Association of Realtors,
• The Seattle-King County Association of Realtors--often shares his expertise by conducting seminars on advanced asset and estate planning.
• Member of the Commercial Brokers Association (CBA)

*See below for additional licenses and professional associations.

My career has been highlighted by being a multiple recipient of the FIVE STAR Award* as a Wealth Manager in King County for ten years and again for the 2023 year (FIVE STAR Award Wealth Manager 2013-2023). This national recognition, but locally sponsored, Award places me in a league of top investment advisor representatives limited to less than 7% of wealth managers in our area.

The April 2023 issue of Seattle Magazine will be where I'm recognized for this prestigious FIVE STAR Award! My selection, which relies on a range of sources including financial firms, peers, and valued clients but most importantly the confidence and praise of my service to my clients are the major factors in receiving this Award.

I am extremely humbled and yet proud for being selected for this FIVE STAR Award!

However, life is more than this Five Star award. My wife, Barbara, and I live in Redmond, Washington. We feel blessed in our relationship, family and friends, and mutually enjoy many activities: hiking, boating, scuba diving, and sports.

What makes this business so enjoyable at this point in my life? As a result of the type of work I do for my clients and the relationships built in the process, I am very grateful to those who value my business friendship and consequently refer me to others—relatives, business associates, neighbors, friends—to those who would benefit from my investment advisor relationship.

My Motto: I take the time to understand you. With 30+ years of knowledge and experience, I match client values with wealth strategies and establish fiduciary relationships.

*I have the following licenses:

• Series 7 – Registered Representative – FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
• Series 24 – Principal's License - FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
• Series 63 – State license – Uniform Securities State Law Examination
• Health, Life, Long Term Care and Property Casualty Licenses
• Real Estate Broker's License

I am a member of the following professional organizations:

• The Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP), The American College (CLU & ChFC)
• Financial Planning Association FPA
• The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants

• Completed courses in Certified Wealth Preservation and Certified Asset Protection from the Wealth Preservation Institute (WPI)
• The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC)
• A member the East King County Estate Planning Council (EKCEPC)
• King County Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors
• King County Commercial Brokers Association CBA
• Bradford Tax Institute Member
• Leimberg Information Services Member

 

*(To receive the Five Star Wealth Manager award, individuals must satisfy a series of eligibility of evaluation criteria associated with wealth managers who provide services to clients. Recipients are idenitfied through research conducted by industry peers and firms.  Third party rankings and recognitions from rating services or publications are not indicative of past or future investment performance.  For more information, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com.)