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Social Security strategies for retirees, pre-retirees, and couples.

Aim to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits for a More Secure Retirement

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What's Being Said About W.A. Smith Financial Group

"Largest Wealth Financial Firms"
Crain's Cleveland Business
(2019 - 2025)
"One of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies"
INC. 5000
(2019 - 2022, 2025)
"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 2025, 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.

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7 Questions to Help Know if You're Ready to Retire

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Green Light Retirement Checklist

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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.
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John Carter

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Sophie Moore

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Matt Cannon

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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

"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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

Social Security Planning Tailored to Your Goals

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Unlock Potential Benefits

Identify the age to claim for greater lifetime income.

Strategic Claiming Options

Evaluate spousal, survivor, and restricted filing strategies.

Integrated Income Roadmap

Combine Social Security with your full retirement plan for more confidence.

Meet the Rise in Retirement Team

Andrew Toccaceli

RICP®, MRFC®
Co-Host

Jarrett Lang

RICP®, RFC®
Host

Leighton Medved

Series Producer

Nicole Clements

Video Editor

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Rise and Retirement Set

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.

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