The financial markets have always operated in extremes – that’s precisely why we don’t.

Investors have always had to contend with a market capable of ecstatic highs and sobering lows – sometimes in the space of a single session. But in today’s environment, they also face an overwhelming amount of information – information that travels quickly and, very often, loudly. And not all of that information is useful, or even accurate. That’s why it’s so important to find a place that helps you pinpoint the truth in between the extremes and take a purely rational approach to investing.

At M.J. Smith and Associates, our goal is to be that place. Our firm was founded on the belief that beyond any product or service, what affluent investors need most is unadulterated knowledge – a clear head in a crowded world. So, we’ve built a practice focused on sharing insight and experience, and we’ve filled it with intelligent, highly qualified professionals.

As a team, our first priority is to educate – to give our clients the information they need to make important decisions and the support to help them make those decisions with confidence.

M. J. Smith and Associates offers fee-based asset management services with a comprehensive financial planning approach that includes income tax planning. The firm is an independent registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

In a fee-based account clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the services of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm’s Form ADV Part II as well as the client agreement.