The Retirement Pros - About Us

Shelby Smith, Ph.D.

Shelby Smith has over three decades of hands-on experience working in financial and retirement services. Smith earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 1972 following Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics from the University of Wyoming.

During his professional careers Smith has been a College Professor of Finance, insurance and real estate; Chief Economist for a Federal Home Loan Bank; Chief Financial Officer of a large financial institution; Chairman & CEO of a large mortgage banking company; founder of a financial services company that specialized in serving banks; and consultant to insurance and brokerage firms. Smith is currently involved in insurance marketing nationwide in affiliation with Futurity First Insurance Group.

Smith has written extensively in the financial services trade journals as well as speaking frequently to industry groups. He has held several NASD and insurance licenses and routinely advises and coaches financial planners. Smith is a regular contributor of articles and seminar videos to consumer web sites for the retirement-minded. Smith advocates a common sense approach to financial planning and encourages the retirement-minded to stay within their risk tolerances by learning as much as they can on their own before working with a financial planner. Smith resides in Houston, Texas.