Financial Advisor
.Higher Education Planning
Young Families
Retirement Planning
Business Owners
My name is Carlton Smith and I am a husband, a dad of three, and a financial advisor who's been exactly where many of my clients are starting from. I don't just talk about financial freedom; I've lived it. And now my job is to help you get there too.
My path to financial advising wasn't a straight line, and that's exactly why I'm a good fit at this. I've worked on the broker line at Charles Schwab, run my own ecommerce business, and spent time in community banking before finding my calling in financial services. Along the way, my wife and I did the hard work ourselves: paid off our house in 10 years and eliminated nearly all our debt. I didn't stumble into financial security, I strategized my way there. Now I want to help you do the same.
What drives me isn't numbers, it's people. My faith shapes how I show up for my clients: with integrity, with patience, and with a genuine investment in their success. I believe money is a tool, and a good financial advisor helps you use that tool in a way that actually reflects what matters to you. Whether your goals are rooted in family, legacy, generosity, or simply getting out from under financial stress, that's where I want to start the conversation.
I work with families and individuals who are ready to take their financial life seriously, whether that means getting out of debt, building wealth, protecting what they've worked for, or planning what they'll leave behind. My clients come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: they want a partner who listens first and advises second. If you're looking for someone who will take the time to understand your whole picture, you're in the right place.
At Thrivent, I help clients build financial plans that can work for you, using protection, growth, and generosity all in one picture. That can mean having the right life insurance in place, a strategy to grow wealth over time, and a retirement plan that gives you confidence about the future. I hold my Series 7, 66, and 63 licenses, which means I can help you navigate a full range of investment and insurance solutions. But beyond the products, what I really offer is a straightforward look at where you are, where you want to go, and exactly how to get there.
I come to financial services from a coaching background, which means I lead with education before I ever lead with a product. My job is to help you understand your options so you can make decisions with confidence, not just trust me blindly. I'm direct, I'm honest, and I make complicated things simple. I'm also in this for the long haul: I'm not here to close a sale and disappear. I'm here to be the financial advisor you call when life changes, because it always does.
When I'm not helping people build better financial lives, you can find me being outnumbered at home by my wife and three kids, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a Type-A guy with a sense of humor and a genuine love for people, and I believe giving back is also a big part of who I am. Through my mentorship with Boys2Men, I have the opportunity to work with boys in our community, helping them build confidence, character, and the tools they need to become the men they’re capable of becoming. Being able to motivate the next generation is something I find incredibly rewarding. I believe the best conversations happen when there's trust, laughter, and zero judgment in the room. That's the environment I try to create every time, whether it is with you, my family, or the people and community around me.
Ready to take your first step toward financial clarity? Let's talk. I offer complimentary consultations — no pressure, no pitch, just a real conversation about where you are and where you want to go. Book a time that works for you and let's get started.
- Bachelors of Finance, Florida Atlantic University
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative
- Series 63 - Licensed Securities Agent
- Series 66 - Investment Adviser Representative
- Securities Industry Essentials
- Florida
- South Carolina
Insights
Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Retirement, Reimagined: Grow & Protect Your WealthSep 29, 2026, 9:00 PM UTC - Sep 29, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC
Ready to build the retirement you want? Join Thrivent for an educational webinar presented by nationally recognized experts Michael Finke and David Blanchett.During this presentation, you will discover how to turn savings into confidence, optimize taxes, and enjoy a secure retirement with expert strategies and actionable insights to help you grow, protect, and make the most of your wealth in any market.Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration in advance is requested.No products will be sold.David Blanchett and Michael Finke are not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. The views expressed in this presentation by David Blanchett and Michael Finke are their own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates. See thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures. 8562564.1200 E Kennedy Blvd, Eatonville, FL
Thrivent's Market and Economic Update LunchOct 20, 2026, 3:30 PM UTC - Oct 20, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC
Join Thrivent for an afternoon of great food and valuable market insights at Seasons 52.Are the current markets making you wonder how to best navigate your financial strategy?Join us for an exclusive Thrivent’s Market and Economic Update presentation, presented by top Thrivent leaders. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Thrivent’s perspective and what the latest trends may mean for you.You and your guests will enjoy a complimentary dinner while we watch the presentation.This is a FREE event! Seating is very limited, so reserve your spot today and invite a guest!Disclosure:No products will be sold.Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. A registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only. Thrivent.com/disclosures.36378M R11-25463 East Altamonte Drive Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Office location
Winter Park Location
167 S. Edinburgh Dr.
Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone904-687-3009HoursWinter Park, FL 32792
M – F: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations
Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.
Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.
Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.
Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations