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Deaton Smith, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®, WMCP®

Fiduciary Wealth Management and Retirement Planning

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Thayer Financial Deaton Smith, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®, WMCP®
Hickory, NC

Serving Clients Nationwide

Fiduciary Wealth Management and Retirement Planning

Rated 5.0 out of 5
22 Certified Advisor Reviews™
Rate this Advisor

(828) 569-2785

Website

Areas of Focus

  • Estate Planning
  • High Net Worth
  • Investment Management
  • Owning a Business
  • Retirement Planning

About Me

Hi, I’m Deaton Smith, CFP®, and I am the founder of Thayer Financial, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a West Point graduate, and an OEF Veteran.

I named Thayer Financial after the founding father of West Point (he’s a big deal there, and his legacy has had a lasting impact on my life) because I envision my company as something bigger than me. Firstly, it embodies the same values and principles of my time at West Point and in the Army: Duty, Honor, Integrity, and Loyalty. Secondly, these values are at the very core of everything I do and stand for.

✅ Benefits of Being Independent

Unfortunately, the existing business model is drowning in a sea of “trust me” salespeople riddled with major conflicts of interest. To illustrate, the complicated financial products that pay exorbitant commissions that are rarely, if ever, in the client’s best interest.

Consequently, that’s why I created my own firm. My values and beliefs did not line up with any major firms, and I knew that there had to be a better way to serve my clients.

In fact, creating a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser legally obligates my firm to work as a fiduciary 100% of the time… without exception.

✅ Offering Transparency

In contrast, the only way I get paid is through a direct and transparent fee for my services. Thus, allowing me to work solely in my client’s best interest instead of selling products to figure out how I will be paid. Above all, working as a fee-only advisor provides transparency to the true cost of advice and the service they are receiving.

Professional Designations

  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
  • Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP)

Affiliations

  • Fee Only Network
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
  • XY Planning Network

Primary Location

439 4th Street Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, USA

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone
Book Intro Call

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Percentage of Assets Managed
  • Subscription

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free 20-minute phone call to discuss our process. This will give us both a chance to make sure your situation matches our expertise. After all, you wouldn’t go to a dermatologist if you needed heart surgery. If it sounds like we could be a fit for each other, then we’ll set up an in-person (or virtual) meeting to take a deeper dive into what you are looking for help solving. We will also share our educational process to help you determine what you are looking for in a wealth management firm. If we aren’t a good fit for each other, we will gladly introduce you to a firm that is better suited to your needs.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About our Firm

You have spent your life building your hard-earned assets. Now, you want not just a financial advisor but an independent CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ that will help give you the confidence to spend your retirement years pursuing the things most important to you. No matter what your dream is, Thayer Financial is here to help. When you work with us, you’ll know that you are on track to achieve your retirement, tax reduction, and estate goals through our customized planning process, which we call “The Thayer Method.”

To accomplish this, Thayer Financial starts with ongoing financial planning and in-depth tax planning strategies. Then we integrate our fiduciary investment management strategies and process using Nobel prize-winning economic theory to provide clients the best chance of success.

What Makes Us Different:

Not all financial advisors are created equal. Thayer Financial is a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), which means that we have no hidden fees and are fully independent. Firstly, we don’t sell a high-commission investment or insurance product, and we never make a commission… ever. Secondly, the only way we are compensated is through a transparent price structure which aligns our interests; this mean we only do better when you do better.

As a Fee-Only RIA, Thayer Financial is legally held to a FIDUCIARY standard 100% of the time.

Benefits of Using Thayer Financial:

✅ Objective Advice: Fee-only financial planning and investment management by a fiduciary financial advisor

✅ Flexible Meetings: Convenient consultation with your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ – whether in-person, on the phone, or virtual

✅ Tailored Plans: Expert guidance from your financial advisor designed to help you achieve what’s important to you, your family, and your business

✅ Transparent Strategies: Straightforward understanding of where your money goes and the “why” behind every decision

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Geospatial Information Sciences, Environmental Engineering

Badges

Languages

  • English

SEC Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Gen X
  • Living in Retirement

To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. 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™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Nov 27, 2023
I highly recommend Thayer Financial. They have been able to help me navigate how to plan and use my money so it works for me. They are attentive and explain things every step of the way. I feel much more confident knowing that they are helping to guide my financial decisions.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Elizabeth Arney
Elizabeth Arney

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Nov 16, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting with Deaton and Alison. They took the time to understand my financial health and offer strategies that support not only my goals, but comfort level that would specifically benefit me. While they are clearly experts in this field, I am not. Even as a long standing employee of a BIG bank, I have always felt intimidated by managing my money. I can’t emphasize enough the benefit of partnering with a boutique firm who focuses on their individual clients needs. After our thoughtful discussion, I am much more knowledgeable and actually feel empowered. Thayer Financial is truly in the business of helping and investing in people! I am extremely fortunate to have found a team who will guide me successfully as I transition into retirement. Thank you Deaton and Alison. I look forward to our future partnership!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: This reviewer has never been a client.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Beth OSullivan
Beth OSullivan

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Nov 10, 2023
We could not be more pleased with the financial planning support Deaton and his team of professionals provides. His process includes several meetings designed to get to know your financial goals and needs. Then, strategy meetings provide suggestions and insights designed to help achieve your goals. His personal touch and interactive financial tools are designed to give clients an informed, hands-on experience. We could not be more pleased with our decision to work with Deaton Smith.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Heather Mullins
Heather Mullins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Oct 3, 2023
I'm extremely happy that we made the decision to entrust our financial planning with Thayer. They are super responsive to our needs and worked with us closely to get everything set up. Highly recommend if you are in the market for a financial planner.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kenneth Foret
Kenneth Foret

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Oct 1, 2023
Excellent experience as Hubs and I retired together. Great communication, available for questions and discussion any time. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Teresa Akins
Teresa Akins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 29, 2023
Everything we wanted in a Fiduciary. Very friendly and attentive to our needs.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Liam Akins
Liam Akins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 26, 2023
Personable and Outstanding Service - Service to clients is the Number 1 Priority
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jim Lawson
Jim Lawson

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 25, 2023
We have entrusted Thayer Financial for several years now and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Deaton and Kelly while being very professional adds a personal element that we very much needed in dealing with our financial future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Rusty Huffman
Rusty Huffman

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 23, 2023
Thoughtful, personal service and capable financial planner.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for B A
B A

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 23, 2023
Very professional and always has my best interest at heart.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Sandra Moffitt
Sandra Moffitt

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 22, 2023
Five stars.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for B Kate
B Kate

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Sep 22, 2023
Deaton and Kelly are the best!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jesse Lott
Jesse Lott

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Dec 14, 2022
Kelly and Deaton have been very professional and extremely helpful with their financial advisory services. We have been extremely pleased and feel that we can truly entrust them with our financial futures! And it helps that they do not mind working with clients like us that are not technologically inclined.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Robbin Bass
Robbin Bass

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Dec 12, 2022
Thayer Financial is the best. Robert will take care of you. He takes pride helping his clients. A Company you can trust.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Roger Chester
Roger Chester

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Dec 11, 2022
Although we’ve just begun our journey with Thayer, our confidence in Kelly and Deaton is tremendous. From the very beginning, our experience through the consideration of their services and then onboarding has been first class and professional. They are always responsive to our questions, and they provided excellent references for us to personally contact. I thought I had done a lot of investment homework, but Kelly and Deaton have already provided insight on income management, insurance and taxes that will have long term benefits. With their analysis and projections, I have been able to move ahead with my retirement decision.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Rob Glynn
Rob Glynn

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Dec 10, 2022
Thayer Financial is the best at what they do. Offering good and sound advice, consistent follow through, and quality service. They never hesitate to answer any questions we may have and go above and beyond to ensure we understand everything that is happening at all times. I wouldn't trust my financial wellbeing with anyone else. You are in the absolute best hands with Thayer Fiancial!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: This reviewer has never been a client.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Laura Tipton
Laura Tipton

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Dec 10, 2022
Thayer Financial has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Deaton and Kelley are available to meet as much or little as you request, and are LITERALLY a phone call/email away at all times. They make a point to be transparent about current portfolio valuations as well as providing a comprehensive overview of long term planning goals and expectations. If you’re looking for MORE than somewhere to simply “set it and forget it” I would HIGHLY recommend Deaton and Thayer Financial!!!!!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Juliet Good
Juliet Good

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Dec 9, 2022
Deaton and Kelly are great they have your best interest at heart and in this day and time that is very important and hard to find. You want be disappointed in them they work hard you and are always there when you need them ... Great business with great people..
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Shawna Deyton
Shawna Deyton

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Jun 6, 2022
Deaton and Kelly are great to work with! I highly recommend Thayer Financial.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: Chong is my mother
Avatar for Chong Smith
Chong Smith

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Jun 15, 2021
Deaton and Kelly have done phenomenal work for us and offer an amazing experience. Highly recommend to any business owner or soon to be retiree.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: Teresa is my mother-in-law
Avatar for Teresa Shook
Teresa Shook

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Nov 16, 2020
I chose Deaton and Kelly to be my financial advisors as they both truly care about their clients, in addition to their attention to detail and knowledge in the industry. They both earned my trust from the first meeting. They put my mind at ease regarding my financial future by taking the time to explain the market and how we would invest to maximize my returns for retirement. Great personal touches during the onboarding process as a client that you will not get from the cookie cutter firms in corporate America. Highly recommend them both!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Amanda Donnell
Amanda Donnell

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Oct 23, 2020
Deaton really cares about his clients and Kelly always pays attention to the details. They make a great and trustworthy team. Truly the best around.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Hillary LeGrand
Hillary LeGrand
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