Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
When I first walked into the office of Smedley Financial in Salt Lake City, I said to Roger M. Smedley and Sharla J. Jessop, "Hey, we've met before." They looked so familiar to me. Well, after visiting for a few minutes I had to admit that I had not met them before but I felt I knew them because I had seen them so many times on Channel 2 where they guest spot every Monday giving financial and investment advice to viewers.
Roger Smedley started Smedley Financial Services over 21 years ago and joined forces with Sharla Jessop 9 years ago. Roger has been listed by Worth magazine as one of the top 250 financial advisors and by Mutual Funds magazine as one of the top 100 financial planners in America. What makes this remarkable is that Roger is the only financial advisor in Utah to be honored on either list.
I personally am very aware of how disastrous the economy has been for many investors. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and have watched their net worth dissipate in a dramatic way. I asked Roger and Sharla if the economy has had a negative impact on their business. "Quite the contrary," they told me. "In an economic climate like we are experiencing now, there is more concern and need for realistic strategies and proactive investment management. Smedley Financial seeks to preserve assets in down markets and grow assets in up markets." And who wouldn't like that!
During our visit, I learned that Smedley Financial is really adept at helping people manage their investments within individual 401K plans, regardless of where people work. They have become experts in this investment vehicle and are thoroughly familiar with dozens of company-sponsored 401k plans to better assist their clients. Besides 401K plans, Smedley Financial utilizes its proactive investment strategies with all portfolios, both retirement and non-retirement.
My visit with Roger M. Smedley and Sharla J. Jessop was both enjoyable and educational. I went right back to my office and started a comprehensive review of my personal portfolio.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
