Christopher D. Smith

Co-Founding Principal

Chris is a co-founding principal of Marmaras & Smith, LLC, specializing in financial planning for corporate executives and business owners. He focuses on educating clients about strategies, options, and costs while directing the firm’s investment review process and leading fund and securities research. Chris also regularly reviews the organization’s asset allocation policies and is a registered representative of Cetera Advisor Networks.

Chris began his career in 1983 at Dean Witter Reynolds as a fixed income trader, later managing the Personal Financial Planning Department at E.F. Hutton & Company. In 1987, he established his independent financial planning practice. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association and has developed educational retirement programs including Going for the Gold, The Road to Smart Investment Planning, and The Road to Successful Retirement.

A dedicated Rutgers alumnus with a B.A. in Economics and Finance, Chris enjoys sports, youth coaching, and community programs, including developing Buddy Ball, a special needs athletics program. He lives in Warren, NJ, with his wife, Pam, and their three children.

"Financial planning works best when clients understand their choices."

– Christopher D. Smith

Qualifications

Areas of Expertise

  • Financial planning for executives and business owners

  • Investment research and portfolio review

  • Asset allocation strategy

  • Client education and retirement planning

Education

  • B.A. in Economics and Finance – Rutgers University, 1983

Experience

  • Co-founding Principal – Marmaras & Smith, LLC

  • Directed investment review process and fund/securities research

  • Managed Personal Financial Planning Department – E.F. Hutton & Company

  • Fixed Income Trader – Dean Witter Reynolds, 1983

  • Created and contributed to retirement education programs: Going for the Gold, The Road to Smart Investment Planning, The Road to Successful Retirement

Affiliations

 

  • Financial Planning Association (FPA)

  • Rutgers University Alumni

  • Youth sports coaching and community programs, including Buddy Ball

Philosophy

Chris believes that effective financial planning combines education, strategy, and clarity. By helping clients understand their options and the potential outcomes, he empowers them to make confident decisions that align with their long-term goals and values.

Philosophy

Chris believes that effective financial planning combines education, strategy, and clarity. By helping clients understand their options and the potential outcomes, he empowers them to make confident decisions that align with their long-term goals and values.