Our Team
The Retirement Smith
We empower you to navigate today’s complex financial world. We help tailor a plan to fit your individual and family needs, as well as the needs of your small or large business. The Retirement Smith serves Fredericksburg, VA and surrounding communities. Making strong commitments to our clients and building life-long relationships are tenets of success at The Retirement Smith.
The Retirement Smith provides investors custom-tailored strategies to meet short- and long-term needs. The Retirement Smith’s mission is to help our clients realize their financial dreams by offering creative strategies through an open and transparent process utilizing innovative strategies to achieve financial independence.
Jeffrey B. Smith | Owner
As the owner of The Retirement Smith, Jeff Smith is focused on helping clients work toward their dreams through a well-thought-out retirement income strategy. Jeff runs his business as he runs his life: Treat others the way he wishes to be treated.
Jeff entered the financial services industry after college in 1998, where he studied political science with an emphasis on economics and conflict resolution. He was referred to a large insurance company, where he discovered how impactful his role is in helping others reaching their financial protection and retirement goals. He realized his calling to do more for the families he worked with and became an independent agent in 2002 by establishing The Insurance Smith agency LLC.
After thorough research and careful consideration, Jeff decided to take his practice in a new direction. In 2017, Jeff passed the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination (Series 65) and affiliated with Gradient Advisor, LLC as an Investment Advisor Representative. While he has always done what was in his client’s best interest, Jeff is now legally bound to provide you and your family with a fiduciary level of service and only offer solutions that serve in your best interest.
In 2021 Jeff created two distinct business entities to service clients in different ways: The Insurance Smith provides insurance products and services, while The Retirement Smith offers investment advisory services. Jeffrey’s mission is to provide personalized, high quality financial services to a diverse group of clients at all income levels. Partnering with the highest quality firms and third-party management firms to provide the best service possible for wealth management and accumulation based on goals and objectives, and risk tolerance.
Jeff has been featured in The Free Lance-Star along with Fortune magazine for his continued efforts to inform the public of the importance of preparing for their financial futures. He produces a podcast called Fitness and Finance with His beautiful wife Jennifer. They live in Fredericksburg and enjoy working together in their respective businesses.
Jeff is a Certified Personal Trainer, top of the table million dollar round table producer, recognized for highest production for several prestigious companies more than a decade. Jeff is an athlete who enjoys century cycling events (100 milers), marathons, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, reading, writing, painting in oils, and spending time with his beloved wife Jennifer.
Chris Keeney | Advisor
Chris Keeney is a financial advisor and Investment Adviser Representative who helps individuals and families bring clarity, confidence, and structure to their financial lives—especially as they approach retirement. Chris blends detailed technical knowledge with practical, real-world guidance. He believes that good financial planning isn’t about chasing hot investments or complicated strategies, but about building durable plans that work through real life: careers, families, market cycles, and unexpected change.
What sets Chris apart is his ability to meet clients where they are. He understands firsthand the pressures of balancing income, family responsibilities, and long-term goals, and he takes pride in helping clients move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control. His planning philosophy emphasizes disciplined saving, smart tax-aware strategies, and intentional decision-making—always aligned with what matters most to the client. Chris is especially passionate about retirement planning, employer benefits, and helping working families make the most of the resources they already have.
Outside of his professional work, Chris is a husband and father of three, which shapes both his values and his approach to advising. He believes financial planning should support a full, meaningful life—not replace it—and he brings that mindset into every client relationship. Through The Retirement Smith, Chris aims to be a steady, trusted partner for those who want straightforward advice, long-term thinking, and a plan they can actually stick to.
To elevate your investment management and financial planning experience, we’ve partnered with Gradient Investments, LLC — a privately owned, SEC-registered investment advisor. Gradient Investments supports financial advisors nationwide, delivering professional money management services, investment research and strategy, and portfolio support based on your unique objectives. Through this partnership, we’re able to offer you innovative strategies and personalized retirement planning services. Please be advised that Gradient Investments, LLC, and The Retirement Smith LLC operate independently.
Our Strategic Partners
MICHAEL BINGER, CFA®
President of Gradient Investments, LLC
As President, Michael is the leader of Gradient Investments and has been with the firm since 2012. He brings more than 35 years of industry experience, including prior roles managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios for an institutional asset manager. Michael is a CFA® charter holder and is a frequent contributor on CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and the Wall Street Journal.
Keith Gangl, CFA®
Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Keith joined Gradient Investments in 2018 and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior roles include senior portfolio manager for a large institutional asset management firm, managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Keith is a CFA® charter holder, managed a Lipper Award-winning mutual fund, and has been featured in media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, Investor’s Business Daily, Nasdaq and Reuters.
Kyle Bergacker, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Kyle joined Gradient Investments in 2025 and has more than 15 years of financial services experience. Prior roles include portfolio manager with a couple of large international institutional asset management firms, also was an advisor with a retail wealth advisory firm. Kyle has developed experience with financial advice, asset allocation, and investment analysis across the asset spectrum. He is a CFA® charter holder and has appeared on the Schwab network.