Brian P. Smith is a financial consultant, a Registered Representative (NASD Srs. 7), and a Registered Investment Adviser (Srs. 65). Mr. Smith is a Certified Financial Manager (CFM) and a California Life agent. He is also a Certified College Planning Specialist assisting families with financial strategies to meet the cost of higher education. From mid 2001 to the present Brian Smith has worked as an independent financial adviser and consultant providing investment and retirement planning strategies to businesses, families and estates. Brian is the President of Olmsted Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Brian holds the CCPS (Certified College Planning Specialist) designation from The National Institute of Certified College Planners, the nation’s sole authority conferring this credential to financial professionals.Brian Smith began his financial services career with Merrill Lynch in 1995 through 2001. Prior, from 1991 to 1994 Mr. Smith was a schoolteacher in San Diego and maintains a credential in secondary education from National University (1992). In 1986 Brian Smith was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty with the 1st Marine Division through 1991. He also served in the USMC Reserves to 1995. Mr. Smith graduated from Carthage College in Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science in 1986. While an undergraduate, Brian completed one year of work-study in Washington, D.C. as an aide to a senior member of Congress.Mr. Smith resides in north San Diego county with his wife and two children. Brian Smith is originally from Chicago, Illinois.Specialties: Securities-based-lending within programs offered through Merrill Lynch International Bank, utilized derivatives as a hedge for private bank clients seeking maximum liquidity and leverage from equities portfolios, including loans made to the owners of restricted stock. He serves as an investment consultant and fiduciary adviser to the sponsors of both qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, such as 401k and 457(b)(f). Mr. Smith works with families on financial planning for higher education.