What We Do
University Athletic Departments,
NIL Collaboratives, Agencies
and Associations
The Why
"I once had a meeting with J.P. Morgan," he tells the group, "and it was literally like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher."
Retired NFL Player
source: Torres, Pablo. "How and Why Athletes Go Broke." Sports Illustrated, 2009
Athletic department and NIL staff frequently share with me that although they invite accomplished alumni to deliver financial literacy sessions, the athlete feedback is often that the content isn’t always accessible, relatable, or actionable. Athletes will tune out talks that don't speak their language.
Chad Smith has built two professional careers—one as a basketball coach and youth athletic director, and the other as an accomplished wealth management advisor—and is uniquely positioned with an uncommon ability to meet athletes where they are in the field of financial literacy.
Chad understands the culture, the mindset, and the pressure today's athletes face. Chad's background allows him to communicate financial concepts in a way that feels relevant, relatable, and immediately useful to an athlete.
A former coach, he began the original AAU program at Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club, located at the time in the Rainier Vista housing project.
He also served as Co-Head of Social Development through Sports at the Central Area Youth Association (CAYA), during a period when CAYA had three nationally ranked boys’ basketball teams across different age groups.
Chad achieved success at respected firms such as Edward Jones and later as a Senior Vice- President of Wealth Management at UBS, working closely with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. He became known for delivering strategic, practical advice, and for helping his clients stay achieve and protect their goals — even through turbulent markets and uncertain times.
Chad holds a Master's Degree from the University of Washington in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership.
Comprehensive Financial Advocacy:
Empowering you to grasp the intricacies of your finances and investments, enhancing your financial comprehension and decision-making skills.
Interview Preparation Education
We help you prepare for interviews with financial advisors by providing sample questions and coaching on what to look and listen for — so you feel confident in your decision-making.
Interview Support via Zoom (Optional)
If desired, we can join you as a neutral, educational presence during advisor interviews to help ensure your questions are clearly answered and your goals are effectively communicated.
Background Research Support
We can help you navigate publicly available regulatory and professional background check tools (such as FINRA BrokerCheck and the SEC IAPD) to learn more about the professionals you’re considering.
Interview Debrief and Coaching
After your advisor interviews, we offer a debrief session to help you reflect on what was discussed and identify any follow-up questions you may want to ask.
Empowering Financial Education:
Our mission is to elevate and empower athletes and their families with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions and secure their future.
Get Paid. Stay Paid. Learn How.
Fee Education
We help you understand common fee structures used by financial professionals — including what’s typical and what to ask — so you’re better equipped to evaluate costs.
Statement Education
We offer general education to help you better understand the kinds of information found on investment or brokerage statements — empowering you to ask informed questions.
Investment Concept Education
We help you build your financial literacy by teaching foundational concepts related to investments and fees — so you feel more confident understanding the financial landscape. Translate financial jargon to meaningful conversations and gain clarity.
Statement Literacy
We provide education around typical items that are found on financial statements and help you feel more confident asking informed questions during your advisor meetings.
Working Alongside You:
Communication Coaching
We support you in crafting clear, confident communication with your advisor — especially when it comes to asking questions about performance, services, and alignment - reflecting your priorities and letting your advisor know that you are involved and educated.
Annual Review Coaching & Support
If you’d like, we can join your annual advisor meetings as a support presence and help you prepare a list of questions to ask in advance.
With an experienced educator in the room, you're better equipped to stay aligned with your priorities
Trusted Educational Ally
Our mission is to help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. We walk beside you — not as an advisor — but as an educator, interpreter, and advocate for your financial understanding and protecting your interests.
Serving as a point of coordination—not advice—we help support transparency and accountability across your financial relationships.
Bringing an independent perspective to your financial team can enhance clarity and accountability.
Let’s Connect.
Ensuring your best interests are always at the forefront.