Daniel Smyth is a Lead Advisor for North Berkeley clients. He is well versed in financial strategy and works with clients to develop financial plans and implement investment strategies to reach their long-term goals.
Before joining North Berkeley, Daniel worked in institutional sales at Litman Gregory Asset Management. There he developed an understanding of mutual funds and alternative investments. Daniel transitioned into personal finance because he wanted to have a more impact on a personal level.
Daniel is a Los Angeles native and moved to the Bay Area to attend Saint Mary’s College of California. Soon after moving, he fell in love with the Bay Area and its melting pot of community, culture, and food. Daniel is an avid car enthusiast, athlete, and foodie; and is committed to his family that stretches from Los Angeles to Mississippi.
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Education, Certifications, & Affiliations
- CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) certification
- CPWA® (Certified Private Wealth Advisor®) certification
- B.S. in Business and Administration & Economics, Saint Mary’s College of California
- Study Abroad Freie Universität in Berlin
- Graduate, Yale School of Management Executive Education Program, Investment Management Theory & Practice
- Board Member, Angel City Aerospace Foundation
- Member, Financial Planning Association (FPA)
- Member, Association of African American Advisors (AAAA)
The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified Financial Planner™ in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
More About Daniel
I became an Advisor to be a thought partner with my clients and community. By having a dedicated resource and sounding board for their goals, our community can free themselves of financial stresses to pursue the opportunities that are most meaningful to their lives.
I serve my local community by volunteering to speak to teens and young adults about saving and good money habits. As an active member of the NAACP since childhood, I have seen several powerful people of color come in and advise our group on various topics of interest, and I always knew that one day I would have a topic of value to bring my community.
In my free time, I like tooling on classic cars and going on long drives along the coast. Growing up, my grandfather and I used to work on cars in his garage together. I can remember going from being the tool boy, to “here, you want to take it for a spin?” Although he is no longer here, I can still feel him smiling down on me every time I am backing out of the driveway with that smooth deep rumble.
Articles by Daniel Smyth, CFP®, CPWA®
Student Loans As a Planning Tool
Even when you have sufficient assets to cover the cost of college, it doesn’t automatically mean that now is the best time to use them. There are still timing considerations that can significantly impact both taxes and liquidity. One strategy to consider in these scenarios is having your child take out student loans.
Powered By the Sun
Taking steps to develop independence from the power grid saves energy and money and can also bring you peace of mind. Whether you are ready to make the change to solar energy or just beginning to explore your options, we can help you understand your financial landscape and provide support as you engage with experts to assess your personal situation.
Charitable Gifting in a Volatile World
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are powerful tools for charitable giving and legacy planning. They help with organizing a giving strategy, allow for potential asset growth, benefit yearly tax planning, and help mitigate gains from appreciated stock.