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Boutique financial planning and investment management, tailored to your unique priorities


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About Us

Scott A. Marx, CFP®

Co-Founder & Financial Planner

Scott A. Marx serves as a Co-Founder of SMP Financial Planning, LLC. Scott has over 20 years of experience helping families and individuals plan, strategize, prioritize, and meet their financial goals. The idea of still being able to continue this passion but do so in a way that he feels works best for his clients, Scott knew that establishing an independent Registered Investment Advisor was the only way forward. His work through SMP Financial Planning LLC will allow him to put more time, effort, and advice into every relationship.

Scott lives in Falls Church, VA with his wife Ann. He enjoys travel, golf, and is pursuing jazz guitar.


Mitchell R. Poirier, M.S.F.

Co-Founder & Financial Planner

Mitchell R. Poirier serves as Co-Founder of SMP Financial Planning, LLC. Prior to creating SMP Financial Planning, LLC, Mitchell worked for large institutional investment managers in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Why  switch to independent financial planning? Mitchell made the switch as a commitment to maintaining the highest level of integrity and a client-centric focus that means aligning solely with his clients' interests in all recommendations.

Mitchell earned a Master's in Finance (M.S.F.) from Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School. Prior to pursuing his Master's degree, Mitchell was awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship, which recognized academic and professional achievement, by Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School. 

On a personal note, Mitchell enjoys spending time with his wife Dobrina, and their two children Harry and Teddy. As an avid tennis player and golfer, Mitchell believes an active lifestyle is a key component to long term happiness and overall well-being. Separately, Mitchell has not missed an issue of the Wall Street Journal in nearly a decade, which to him has been time well spent.


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Custodial Services

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, is the preferred custodian PFM utilizes for the firm's clients. We selected Schwab as the custodian for our client’s assets based on their outstanding history of serving investors, as well as their  commitment to data security and privacy.

Portfolio Management

Capital Directions, LLC, is one of the Southeast’s oldest and largest independent RIAs. Founded in 1985, Capital Directions manages and advises on more than $3 billion. Capital Directions offers a robust platform for delivering a world-class client experience with fully outsourced portfolio management and back-office support.



Founded in 2015, First Ascent Asset Management's (FAAM) primary business is to manage portfolios for independent financial planners.  FAAM works alongside SMP Financial Planning to act as investment manager to clients of SMP Financial Planning. FAAM acts as a fiduciary to all client relationships, meaning their interests are aligned with our clients' interests in every recommendation. FAAM does not have any material relationships that present a conflict of interest for clients or investment advisors. 

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Benefits of Working With Us


Our interests are aligned with yours.

SMP Financial Planning, LLC is a fee-only fiduciary financial services firm that is committed to always work in your best interest. Being a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we embrace our legal obligation to provide exceptional financial advice that is always in our client's best interest and motivations.

We strive to exceed your expectations every day.

While our efforts will be focused on helping you achieve your financial objectives, our ultimate goal is for you to surpass them. After all, you’re investing time, money and energy into working with us, and we want to make sure you’re getting maximum value out of our relationship. My team will  constantly look for creative ways to further assist you and your family.

Our Process

Step One: Introductory Meeting and Data Gathering

This time spent together is all about you. The introductory meeting is an opportunity for you to tell us about you, your family, and your unique circumstances and financial priorities. We will begin to gather data to create your initial Financial Plan. We will obtain quantitative as well as qualitative information and help you to prioritize. Each financial plan is unique, so this is your opportunity to share with us YOUR goals, concerns and dreams.

Step Two: Financial Plan Creation

SMP Financial Planning will analyze your data and current course of action. We will use this information to create your Financial Plan. The plan will determine if you are on track and more importantly will outline some alternatives that will maximize the potential for you to meet YOUR goals, both short-term and long-term.

Step Three: Financial Planning Meeting

In this highly collaborative meeting, SMP Financial Planning will present our analysis, discuss your options, and provide our professional recommendations. While innately complex, our financial plans are presented in a manner that will be easy for you to understand. Together, we will prioritize next steps based on your goals and timeline, and work with you to implement YOUR plan.

Step Four: Implementation Meeting

As your financial partner, we will work together in making your financial goals, aspirations, and priorities a reality. In this meeting, we will identify the necessary steps to put YOUR plan in motion. We will implement the strategies we developed on your behalf to give you peace of mind.

Step Five: Monitoring and Updating

Life is not static. Likewise, financial plans need to change over time. Your goals and priorities will change, and SMP Financial Planning will be there for you when that occurs. Our team will continuously review your strategies and provide proactive communication and support. We will perform expert periodic review meetings to ensure YOUR continued financial success.

Begin By Scheduling Your Initial Consultation

Solutions

 SMP Financial Planning, LLC partners with Capital Directions, LLC and First Ascent Asset Management, LLC two of the US' most respected independent investment managers, to provide portfolio management services for our clients. Collectively, Capital Directions, LLC and First Ascent Asset Management, LLC manages and advises on more than $4 billion, much of it through selective affiliations with independent investment advisors like us.

We believe professional collaboration is essential to providing superior service to our clients.

Our partnership with Capital Directions gives us access to a firm that has twice been named one of the "Best Managed Firms" in the country in studies done by Moss Adams, LLP on behalf of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Capital Directions works closely with SMP Financial Planning, LLC. to provide tailored portfolios for each of our client's unique needs, goals and values.

Whether you’re five years away from retirement or decades away, we’ll help guide you through the steps necessary to secure enough assets for your optimal retirement lifestyle. After evaluating your current financial situation, we’ll identify the income sources and opportunities that are most advantageous for you as you prepare for your life past employment. 

SMP Financial Planning, LLC provides comprehensive financial planning services, which include cash flow and retirement planning, gifting and charitable giving strategies, educational funding, and legacy estate planning.

We work closely with your tax planners and estate attorneys to structure your finances according to their guidance.

As part of our comprehensive planning process, we will review your current tax and estate strategies to ensure they align with your customized financial plan.


Would you worry less if you had more money to save toward your goals? Discover how much more money you could be keeping for yourself and your future. Contact us today for a no-cost review of your prior three years’ tax returns.

Intergenerational wealth planning brings a unique set of challenges, and beneficiaries, regardless of age, are often unprepared for the responsibilities of inheriting wealth. Our team can help you and your family navigate the complexities and considerations of intergenerational wealth.




Would you worry less if you had more money to save toward your goals? Discover how much more money you could be keeping for yourself and your future. Contact us today for a no-cost review of your prior three years’ tax returns.

Every family is unique. Our comprehensive financial planning process is tailored to each family's unique situation. Our team is equipped to assist and guide in even the most complex scenarios:

  • Employer benefit plans
  • Employer plan rollovers
  • Qualified plan and IRA strategies
  • Unique family trusts
  • International citizenship/visa considerations

While every conversation is different, you should expect to cover some general information and get a sense of what it’s like to collaborate with us.

To help prepare for this meeting, you should have a basic idea of your current financial picture and financial goals. How are things now? Do you have any concerns? What do you hope to accomplish in the next few years and beyond?



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