Financial group among nation's best firms

PERKINS TWP. — W.A. Smith Financial Group — which serves clients in northeast Ohio, including in the Sandusky area, and across the country — was recently named to USA Today's list of the Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026. It's a national recognition developed in partnership with Statista that highlights top-performing registered investment advisory firms across the U.S. The annual list evaluates firms based on two key factors: recommendations from financial advisers, client and industry experts; as well as the development of assets under management, reflecting both short-term and sustained growth. "Our mission has always been to ensure our clients can focus more on their lives and less on their money," said Bill Smith, a Sadusky resident as well as founder and CEO of W.A. Smith Financial Group. "From the beginning, we set out to bring a more complete, holistic approach to financial planning: Something that historically wasn't widely accessible," Smith added. "This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust our clients place in us, and it would not be possible without their continued loyalty and willingness to refer others to our firm." More than 30,000 individuals — including clients, peers and industry experts — participated in the independent survey used to inform the rankings. Firms were evaluated using publicly available data from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database to assess growth trends over time. W.A. Smith Financial Group manages more than $1 billion in assets with three offices across northern Ohio and one in Sarasota, Florida. This would include the local office on Timber Commons Drive near the Sandusky Mall. "Guided by its mission to help clients focus more on their lives and worry less about their money, the firm delivers personalized financial planning and investment advisory services to clients nationwide," according to a company statement. "W.A. Smith Financial Group is a holistic financial planning and investment management firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals and secure their future." Additionally, "The firm is deeply committed to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others," the statement added. "This commitment is exemplified by its annual Make-A-Wish charity event, which has raised more than $1 million since 2017, helping grant over 100 wishes to children facing critical illnesses."