Ben Simerly, CFP®

Retirement Planning For More Time At The Lake

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Lakehouse Family Wealth Ben Simerly, CFP®
Mentor, OH

Serving Clients Nationwide

Retirement Planning For More Time At The Lake

23 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

Areas of Focus

  • Estate Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Multi-Generational Wealth
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax-Smart Accumulation Planning
  • Tax-Smart Distribution Planning
  • Women & Wealth

About Ben Simerly, CFP®

A proud Cleveland native and Eagle Scout, Ben Simerly earned his bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University with dual specializations in Finance and Personal Financial Planning.

In 2019, Ben moved back to Ohio from the Washington D.C. region to help families pursue their values in time spent with family into a financial reality as Financial Advisor in Cleveland, Ohio, especially on the water…

In 2022, Ben founded Lakehouse Family Wealth, LLC., to help families across America reach their family financial dreams.

Lakehouse Family Wealth is a Cleveland Ohio, comprehensive financial advising firm, where Ben offers fee-based, financial advising, wealth management, and financial planning services.

Raised by a corporate exec turned business professor mother, and father in international business, and a veteran of the United States Air Force, Ben was raised on finance, duty, and discipline from birth.

With extensive experience in small and medium-sized business operations, including growing & starting company operations in multiple states, countries, and two continents, as well as having owned his own IT and technology consulting businesses, Ben is no stranger to the challenges of both business and personal finances.

Coming from a family with a long history in business ownership, Ben spent his childhood alongside his Grandfather analyzing Value Line Investment stock research and helping keep his Grandfather's small business accounting books.

By age seven, Ben was buying his own school supplies and growing his accounts by selling Organic produce and candy door to door in NE Ohio, long before Organic anything was considered “hip.”

Oh, and he grew the produce himself…

Benjamin A. Simerly is a Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Lakehouse Family Wealth is not affiliated with Cambridge.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®

Affiliations

  • Estate Planning Council
  • Financial Services Institute
  • The AGC

Primary Location

7993 Buckthorn Dr, Mentor, OH 44060

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Based
  • Flat Fee
  • Percentage of Assets Managed
  • Subscription

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free introductory call. We have a three step proccess to help you assess if we are the right fit for your needs, and provide a comprehenisve assessment of what steps you need to take next in your investment management, tax planning, retirement planning, and any other areas important to you.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Lakehouse Family Wealth

As a proud Cleveland Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner®, also known as a CFP®, Benjamin Simerly offers investment management, tax-planning, retirement planning, financial planning, estate planning, and specialized services for Woman-led and Single-Women households.

We believe that wealth is something for all to build, and dedicate our time to ensuring our measure of success is the wealth of not just your generation, but the generational wealth that your children earn to build for themselves.

We proudly dedicate ourselves to advanced estate, trust, and tax planning, and ensure we are present at all meeting with your estate attorney and tax preparers, in addition to advanced ealth care planning all along the way. We even help clients find these professionals, and attend introductory meetings as well.

We also help train clients in having family financial and estate planning meetings, as well as lead family financial and estate planning meetings for clients. The family is at the heart of every signle one of our goals, and how we make every single plan.

Familys aren't just a statement, but the ultimate measure of how well we achieve the goals we build with you. And we regualry meet with client families to our efforts to the test. As a part of both estate and financial planning, meeting with family members to both build the plans, and communicate the plans, are the most important steps we take in the process.

From families just getting their start, to high-net-worth families with multi-generational wealth, we are involved for the entire life-cycle of a families financial needs.

As COVID-19 😷 continued in 2022, I was continually reminded of the importance of getting back to the core values we have as Americans, and how we spend our time with family.

I founded Lakehouse Family Wealth, LLC. to focus specifically on families (And the individuals in them...) that value family time at the lake.

And don't worry; beaches 🌴, mountain cabins 🌄 , and ski slopes ⛷️ are O.K. 👌 too...

I know what that time can mean and do for families, and I have devoted my life to helping families achieve it.

Whether you are at the beach now or just dreaming of it in the future, Millie (Chief Happiness Officer...), and the rest of the team at Lakehouse Family Wealth are here to help you focus on your retirement, your life, and time spent with family.

And we can do the worrying about your financial plan...

BE THE HERO OF YOUR FINANCIAL STORY.

You can be the hero, we can be the guide.

✔️ The Financial Plan: We plan for the full retirement financial picture. Investments are just the tip of the iceberg.

✔️ Focus On Generations: Our first question isn't about your investments; it's about their purpose for you: Your family's goals, values, and future.

✔️ LIVE Life: What good is a financial plan if you don't take action to use it?

AS A FIDUCIARY, FEE-BASED WEALTH AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR, I OFFER A NUMBER OF SERVICES:

✅ Tax and Retirement Planning

✅ Estate Planning and Charitable Contribution Strategies

✅ Income Planning

✅ Social Security Timing

✅ Executive Benefits

✅ Investment Management

Serving clients all over the United States via Zoom, and and locally in NE Ohio

Education

Bowling Green State University, Bachelors of Science, Finance and Personal Financial Planning

Volunteer Experience

-Leadership Lake County (Ohio) Class of 2022', Chairman of the Tech Committee, Alumni Committee Member -Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, Membership Committee Member -Ronald McDonald House, kitchen volunteer -Society for Financial Awareness, Founder of the Heartland Chapter, sofaneo.org

Hobbies and Interests

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cooking
  • Eating Out
  • Family
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Volunteering
  • Woodworking
  • Working Out

FINRA Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Blended Family
  • Business Owners
  • Christians
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • Divorce
  • Dual Income Family
  • Families
  • Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Individuals
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Living in Retirement
  • Parents
  • Single Women
  • Veterans
  • Widow
  • Women in Transition
  • Women Professionals
  • Young Families

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


By clicking submit, you acknowledge this review is based on your own experience and reflects your genuine opinion. You also agree to our review policy, privacy policy, and terms and conditions, and give this financial advisor permission to publicly display your review on their website.

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 15, 2026
Even while only working with Ben for a short period of time, he has already given me so much comfort, confidence and insight regarding my finances. I was so anxious and worried looking for help and I don’t think I could’ve found it any better than I have at Lakehouse Family Wealth.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 15, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Lewie O'Neill
Lewie O'Neill

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 12, 2026
Ben's been a rockstar to work with – flexible scheduling, crystal-clear explanations, and I trusted him instantly. He and his team's got my back, and I'm sleeping better knowing I'm in good hands 😊.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 12, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Keith Gliesman
Keith Gliesman

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 14, 2025
Ben has exceeded my expectations of a financial advisor. He has been thorough and guided me through the process and explained everything in an easy to understand manner. I look forward to a seamless transition into my retirement,
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 14, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Melody Pack
Melody Pack

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 10, 2025
Working with Ben and Lakehouse Family Wealth has been an absolute game-changer for us. The depth of knowledge and ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear, approachable way has given us a far better understanding of our financial situation. We’ve genuinely enjoyed every interaction. Ben is professional, insightful and always focused on helping us make informed decisions. We feel more confident and empowered than ever, and we’d recommend Ben and Lakehouse Family Wealth to anyone looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable advisor who truly cares.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for The Shorts
The Shorts

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 17, 2025
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 17, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Lauren Parker
Lauren Parker

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 9, 2025
This review is long overdue, but I've had a hard time putting into words how thankful I was for Ben and Lake Family Wealth this spring. My family recently experienced one of those events that you hope will never happen - a sudden phone call from an emergency room, asking me to make end-of-life decisions. As I drove to the hospital we contacted Ben, knowing that we had recently established the advanced directives for my loved one. He forwarded the documents to me immediately so I would have quick access to them when I reached the ER. Over the next 24 hours, I clung to those documents, reading and rereading to assure myself that I was making the right choices. Ben had helped my family member to prepare a plain language letter, explaining his wishes in his own words. I read that letter 100 times, so grateful to have it, every single time. Ben also followed up with us, reassuring that he was there for whatever we needed through this traumatic event. I cannot explain how absolutely PRICELESS Ben's services were to us when we needed them. I'd give him 10 stars if I could.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for nancy parker
nancy parker

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 6, 2025
We love working with them!! Was very nervous about my finances before working with Ben. I now have peace of mind that we will reach our goals.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 6, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Melanie Goddard
Melanie Goddard

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 1, 2025
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 1, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Tim Larson
Tim Larson

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 16, 2025
Ben is very personable and professional and trustworthy.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 16, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Mary Ellen Lyon
Mary Ellen Lyon

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 2, 2025
I’ve been working with Ben for the past several months and I couldn’t be more impressed with his expertise, professionalism, and passion for helping others. From the very first meeting, Ben took the time to understand my financial goals and concerns, crafting a tailored plan that really suits my needs. What I appreciate most is his clear communication and ability to explain complex financial concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Ben truly has the heart of a teacher. Ben offers sound advice, for investment strategies, retirement planning, budgeting, or networking, and I always feel like my financial well-being is his top priority. I highly recommend Ben and his team at Lakehouse Family Wealth to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and genuinely caring financial advisor.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 2, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Alec Singerman
Alec Singerman

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 4, 2024
Ben is a complete financial planner! He has gone way beyond helping me with my investments (which he is great at) to assisting me with budgeting, purchasing a new car, and even job searching. Ben has exceeded my expectations every time I contact him. He makes himself readily available and has really taken the time to get to know me and my goals. Ben treats his customers more like friends or family. Even though it's about the numbers, I never feel like one!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 4, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Jodi Santillo
Jodi Santillo

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 24, 2024
I have known Ben for over 20 years since he was in my Scout Troop and can state that he is impeccably honest and conscientious and knows his way around the investment world
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Scott Stefl is an attorney we have proudly worked with on a number of client cases.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for scott stefl
scott stefl

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 23, 2024
Ben is a great resource for any financial planning and wealth management questions you have. He’s been helping me plan out how to best invest the proceeds from a house sale, being super patient and providing very helpful analogies and explanations for financial terms. He’s spent time going through terms and conditions documents page by page with me, helping me understand exactly what I’m signing. He’s also helped with budgeting and preparing for possible life events, by helping me with planning how much I should set aside for various things. Overall, highly recommend Ben Simerly of Lakehouse Family Wealth.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 23, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: Ashraf is family! Love ya Ashraf!
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Ashraf Soltani
Ashraf Soltani

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 19, 2024
I highly recommend Ben Simerly and Lakehouse Family Wealth. Ben is proud to be an educator, not just a financial advisor. He’s patient and passionate about his business and his customers. He encourages questions and follows up personally and frequently with both myself and our mutual clients to ensure everything is consistently on track, and our clients are confident throughout the process. I would recommend Ben to family and friends and know for sure that he would look after their investments as if they were his own.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Joe Finucan runs the best Mortgage loan team I have ever worked with as a financial advisor. He actually treats my clients like family. You will find, that Joe is the only mortgage broker, at the time of writing this, for which I have ever left a review. I have worked with Joe on a number of client cases, and I am sure I will work many more.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Joe Finucan
Joe Finucan

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 16, 2024
Ben listens carefully to his clients' wants and needs and works diligently to achieve a sound financial plan for his clients and their families.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: May-Lis Manley, J.D., Principal of Landsman Law Group, is a Elder and Disability law attorney we are proud to work with on client cases.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for May-Lis Manley
May-Lis Manley

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 13, 2024
Highly recommend Ben and Lakehouse Family Wealth. Met Ben a couple years ago to discuss retirement planning. Went to meeting with little knowledge of my employee retirement account and came out of meeting with complete understanding how my account was being managed. He is very easy to talk to and will clarify answers to all of your questions. He is quick to respond to messages and has very flexible scheduling. Not only has Ben advised me with retirement, he has set up future investments and helped me budget to save money towards a new home. He gets to know his clients on a personal level and assist with all stages of life. After my mother suddenly passed away, Ben provided me resources to create my own will and designate a POA. Very thankful for his assistance during a such a difficult time.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 13, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Samantha
Samantha

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 23, 2024
Ben is a great listener and communicator. He answers every question and makes sure we are understanding each other. Ben always answers my texts and phone calls promptly. He has set me up with an investment program I trust
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 23, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for jan beran
jan beran

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 11, 2024
Ben is very personable easy to get along with customizes for your focus on retirement
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 11, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Don Chuha
Don Chuha

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 9, 2024
Ben has been so incredibly supportive and informative. He truly goes the extra mile in making sure we are confident in the decisions we’re making for our future. I cannot recommend Ben and Lakehouse Family Wealth more highly!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 9, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Tessa Irvin
Tessa Irvin

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 8, 2024
Simply put, Ben is brilliant! He’s an excellent financial advisor because he knows the industry inside and out. He’s also an excellent financial advisor because he knows how uncomfortable the subject of money can be, yet he still manages to make the overall experience enjoyable. Ben will tell you the truth and be your biggest cheerleader. The systems he has designed work! Ben is patient, knowledgeable, consistent, dedicated, professional and supportive. My family and I are so glad he is our financial advisor, and we plan to stick with him for many, many many years to come!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 8, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Beth Turner
Beth Turner

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 1, 2024
Hiring Lakehouse Family Wealth has, without a doubt, been one of the most life changing decisions I’ve made. As a single mother of two young children, I knew that I needed to hire a trusted advisor to help guide me on my wealth building journey. Before I could true start building wealth, though, I knew I needed to first change my mindset and ultimately my behaviors. In addition to helping me establish a budget and manage my investment, Lakehouse has been instrumental in my overall “big picture.” I’ve been working with Lakehouse for over two years and they have been by my side during many life events including but not limited to selling a home and moving, purchasing a new car, and starting a new job. I recommend Lakehouse to all my loved ones. I feel more confident in my financial future because of the wealth building mindset I’ve established and, most importantly, the behaviors and discipline I’ve developed. I give significant credit to Lakehouse. I’ve done with work but Lakehouse coached and guided me. Lakehouse has gotten to know me on a deep personal level. I consider this company an extension of my family and plan to be a client for the rest of my life and same for my daughters. If you are ready to level up and build true generational wealth, do not hesitate to contact Lakehouse. Your life will forever be changed! Note: Ben is “my person” and I’m grateful for the relationship we’ve built.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 1, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from our Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for India Clark
India Clark

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 14, 2024
I’ve been working with Ben for about 4 years. I was lucky enough to be referred to him at a really tough time, I lost my job of over 15 years during Covid, and being on disability and just a few years before I would be aloud to retire. Ben is so patient , I didn’t have a lot of financial knowledge and Ben talked me through some very confusing times. He talked to me so I could understand and didn’t make me feel like any questions were stupid(and I had a lot of questions). Not only did he help me get my finances in order, but actually helped me search and purchase my car. His knowledge is astounding.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 14, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from the Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Ginny Bee
Ginny Bee

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 11, 2024
Ben is wonderful to work with, he is willing to review all options in details that are understandable. They go above and beyond in helping with all transitions in life. I recently had a life change and Ben personally is available to meet after hours, and during business hours. This team has a depth of knowledge well beyond their years, they do in-depth research before recommending any investments. Ben is very practical in his approach and is willing to help in a myriad of ways.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 11, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: Review imported from the Lakehouse Family Wealth company page on Google.
Avatar for Loretta
Loretta