Zack Smythe

Financial Advisor

CFP®

Zack Smythe is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional in Allworth’s Bethesda, Maryland, office. He specializes in retirement and comprehensive wealth planning, with particular experience working with federal employees and navigating the complexities of their benefits and long-term planning needs.

Beginning his career at Vanguard, Zack built a strong foundation in financial products and advisory services. He later deepened his expertise in retirement planning at Arthur Stein Financial, a Bethesda-based firm serving federal employees that partnered with Allworth in 2026.

Zack earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Portfolio Analysis from Towson University after beginning his academic career as a student-athlete at Winthrop University. Outside the office, he enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with family. He is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys soccer, pickleball, golf, and disc golf. 

I believe great financial planning begins with listening. Every client has a different story, with unique priorities, concerns, and goals.

My process starts with understanding what matters most—not just financially, but personally. I take the time to learn about each client’s goals, family dynamics, career path, and vision for the future. From there, I develop a personalized strategy that brings together all aspects of their financial life, including retirement planning, investments, risk management, tax considerations, and legacy planning.

Throughout the process, my clients can expect a relationship built on trust, communication, and consistency. I strive to be accessible, proactive, and genuinely invested in each client’s long-term success. My role is to simplify complexity and provide clear, thoughtful guidance, so clients feel informed and confident in the decisions they make.

And as life evolves, so should the plan. I maintain regular communication and ongoing collaboration to help ensure strategies remain aligned and responsive to changing needs over time. 

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my clients’ lives. Financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating career transitions, retirement planning, family responsibilities, and long-term goals. Being able to provide clarity and leadership during those moments is incredibly rewarding.

I also value the relationships that develop over time. Working closely with clients through different stages of life creates a level of trust that goes far beyond numbers and investments. Seeing clients gain confidence, reduce stress, and feel secure about their future is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. 

I believe that financial advice should create clarity and confidence, not confusion. I strive to provide proactive guidance, simplify complex decisions, and serve as a long-term partner my clients can rely on through every stage of life. 

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