w a smith financial group logo
Helping you make informed retirement decisions.

Think You’re Ready for Retirement? Let’s Put Your Plan to the Test.

Schedule my 30-minute call
Retirement Solutions with Bill Smith helps pre-retirees and retirees stress-test real financial plans so you could potentially retire with clarity, confidence, and the right strategy.
An Experienced Team working for you
3,000+ Families Served since 2008
25+ Team Members working for you
$944M+ Assets under management

Talk to a real advisor and start building a custom plan.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from W.A. Smith Financial Group. You can opt-out at any time.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
We will reach out to you shortly regarding your consultation.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

One Advisory team with one Vision

to be the last advisor you ever need

Heading

This is some text inside of a div block.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Heading

This is some text inside of a div block.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Schedule my 30-minute call

See what our clients say

We're proud of the relationships we build with our clients and the results we achieve together. Read their stories and discover why they trust us with their financial futures. We invite you to join our community of empowered individuals.

Displayed testimonials were provided by current clients. No compensation of any kind was provided for these testimonials.
Book my consultationSee all testimonials

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

John Carter

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

Sophie Moore

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

Matt Cannon

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

Andy Smith

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

John Carter

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

Sophie Moore

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

Matt Cannon

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet conse ctetur adipiscing lectus a nunc mauris scelerisque sed egestas pharetraol quis pharetra arcu pharetra blandit.”

Andy Smith

"Very good and helpful. They take the time to explain your portfolio so you understand it. Would recomend highly them."

Theresa H. | Client Since 2015

Former Dental assistant for Dr. Myers and Dr. Nicely
"I am very pleased at the ease, professionalism, customer service, and friendliness. I feel confident with W.A. Smith I will reach my retirement goals."

Denette C. | Client Since 2023

Executive Admin., Parker Hannifin
"Local company - speaking with a local rep face-to-face is always a good asset"

Martin L. | Client Since 2023

General Manager, Try Auto Sales-All Family of companies
"It's been great. Andrew and his team are always ready to help me with any questions or needs. That definitely reduced my anxiety regarding retirement."

Jill G. | Client Since 2018

Former Director of MIS
"Was a very professional experience. Feel comfortable with the Group handling my resources, as I want."

Paul G. | Client Since 2023

Former Owner of insurance agency
"Excellent very helpful and have chose wise decisions with finances as well as retirement planning"

Scott A. | Client Since 2017

Administrative nurse O'Neill health care

Why Viewers Turn Into Clients

Find Out How a We Can Help

Schedule my 30-minute call

You’ll See the Gaps Most Advisors Miss

We don’t just talk strategy—we show it. Every episode features real financial plans under the microscope, helping you spot blind spots in income, taxes, healthcare, and more.

We’re Not Guessing—We’re Planning

Bill's team brings years of experience and a strategic planning process to the table. It’s not about products. It’s about a custom-built retirement plan that works for you.

It’s Not Too Late—Or Too Early—to Get a Second Opinion

Whether you’re already working with someone or just starting to think seriously about retirement, our Retirement Tune-Up helps you know exactly where you stand—and what to do next.

Our Process for building Your financial plan

01
Discover

Understanding Your Vision

We start by listening to understand your financial goals and dreams.
02
Analyze

Unveiling Potential Opportunities

We analyze your financial situation to find areas for improvement and potential opportunities for growth.
W A Smith Financial Group Team Working
03
Implement

Crafting Your Personalized Plan

We'll create a customized financial plan that fits your goals and needs.
04
Evolve

Guiding You Every Step of the Way

We offer continuous support, regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan to keep you aligned with your financial goals.
"Largest Wealth Financial Firms"
Crain's Cleveland Business
(2019 - 2025)
"One of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies"
INC. 5000
(2019 - 2022)
"America's Top RIAs"
Financial Advisor Magazine
(2019 - 2024)
"Smart Culture Honoree"
SMART BUSINESS
2025
Largest Wealth Financial Firms" by Crain's Cleveland Business (2025) – This rating was awarded based on 2025 data and rankings, with placement obtained through both qualification and paid participation. Rankings include: 24th in 2025, 24th in 2024, 16th in 2023, 17th in 2022, 19th in 2021, 21st in 2020, and 22nd in 2019. "One of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies" by INC. 5000 (2023) – This recognition was given based on 2023 growth data for private companies, with placement secured through qualification and paid participation. Past awards include rankings in the top 5000 for the years 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Although we did not rank in the top 5000 for the past two years, we are still eligible to use the INC. 5000 logo due to prior awards. "America's Top RIAs" by Financial Advisor Magazine (2024) – This rating was awarded based on 2024 performance criteria for registered investment advisors, with placement obtained through qualification and paid participation. Rankings include: 306 in 2024, 373 in 2023, 377 in 2022, 417 in 2021, 477 in 2020, and 6th in the top 50 fastest-growing in 2019. "Smart Culture Honoree Award" by Smart Business (2025) – This recognition was awarded based on our workplace culture that drives performance and establishes us as an employer-of-choice, with placement obtained through qualification and paid participation.

Explore Other resources

Join our Ascend360TM Insider community, book a free consultation and receive free guides and resources.

Schedule my 30-minute call
ascend 360 insider logo

Join the Ascend360TM Insider community with weekly videos

Download Our Free Book

Free Guides and More
ascend 360 insider logo

Join the Ascend360TM Insider community for financial planning weekly tips

Join for free today
Join Ascend 360 insider today.
Get weekly videos from W.A. Smith Financial Group CEO Bill Smith—packed with timely insights and actionable steps for those planning for or in retirement.

Retirement Tune-Up:
Plan Well and Prosper
in Retirement

Download for free
Retirement Tune Up Book Cover
In Retirement Tune-Up: Plan Well and Prosper in Retirement, Bill Smith shares practical strategies to help you plan confidently across income, investments, taxes, healthcare, and estate planning—whether you're nearing retirement or already there.

Empowering Your Financial Journey

Download free guides today.

Explore guides, tax strategies, and professional insights built to support every stage of your financial journey—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Explore Content and Guides

Start Building a Plan That Works for You

By submitting this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from W.A. Smith Financial Group. You can opt-out at any time.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
We will reach out to you shortly regarding your consultation.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., operating under the DBA W.A. Smith Financial Group, is the sole SEC-Registered Investment Advisory firm. This website is owned and operated by W.A. Smith Financial Group. Investment Advisory Services are offered exclusively through Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. SEC registration does not imply an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate a specific level of skill or qualification. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not directed toward any individual or tailored to any particular financial situation. Content provided should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any specific security. Opinions and projections expressed are as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice. No representation is made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided, and Great Lakes Retirement, Inc., its officers, directors, or affiliates assume no liability for errors or omissions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy guarantees a profit or prevents loss in declining markets. Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax or legal advisers before entering into any advisory agreements. Insurance and tax planning services are offered through W.A. Smith Financial, LLC.

Medicare Advantage Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply. Plans purchased after initial enrollment period are subject to eligibility requirements. We are not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. By contacting us, you will be connected with a licensed insurance agent. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Product and feature availability may vary by state and issuing company.

© GREAT LAKES RETIREMENT INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

DISCLOSURES
|
Privacy Policy
|
Form CRS