Who We Are

Brian Smith is founder and President of Resonant Insight, an independent financial planning and investment advisory firm that offers services by the hour or on a retainer basis – whichever is right for you. As a member of the Garrett Planning Network, Brian is pleased to serve clients in all ages and stages of life. He specializes in working with people in all income levels and especially enjoys helping people prepare for career change and/or retirement. His experience and expertise also provide a strong skill set from which to serve entrepreneurs,small business owners and government contractors.

“Our social contract is changing. Business and government increasingly expect individuals to bear the burden of managing their retirement, education, and health care. As a result, the services of personal financial advisors will have a growing importance for many families."

The firm provides confidential, objective advice for people who are dealing with a range of financial, career and life challenges. “All these challenges are interdependent to some degree and maintaining a proper perspective is important,” Brian says. “We realize that sometimes you need more than family or friends to deal with sensitive financial questions. We are here to help when you need professional advice.” Brian also emphasizes that all his clients, regardless of their net worth, are treated as if they are the firm’s biggest client.

Background and experience

Before founding Resonant Insight, Brian served as a Principal in an international venture management firm, ANGLE Technology Group plc, that is focused on commercialization of technological intellectual property through the formation of start-up companies. Brian also was responsible for assessing advanced technology investments and advising executives from a technical, financial and human resource perspective.

In addition, he was a senior management consultant in the professional services industry with one of the world’s leading technology and management consulting firms, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., working on behalf of clients in government and business.

Brian is one of the more unique financial planners you’ll find in the marketplace. He earned his graduate degree in Physics from the University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical & Physical Sciences. His approach to financial independence is based on a combination of business consulting, executive coaching and analytical experience acquired over 23 years of delivering professional services to a wide range of clients.

A Registered Investment Advisor and NAPFA-registered affiliate, Brian provides fee-only financial advice. This means you never have to worry about conflicts of interest regarding compensation. No commissions are ever accepted. In addition, his firm does not require account minimums. “We do not sell financial products or take referral fees on recommendations, as may be the case with other specialty service providers,” Brian says.

In the media

Brian has been quoted in various prestigious publications such as BusinessWeek, The Financial Times, and the Washington Post. He has been sought-after as a speaker on topics related to early-stage venture development, entrepreneurship and investment in emerging technologies.

Other interests

In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening and soccer. He also participates and supports Habitat for Humanity, Alternative House, and sponsors two foster children through Plan USA. His family is happy to contribute their time, funds and talents to troubled youth and families in distress.