because life.

 

At Smith + Co Financial, you'll find a small but mighty team that listens first and talks straight. No jargon, no fluff. Just clear answers and informed planning. Whether you’re mapping the future or navigating the unexpected, we keep it simple—and keep it about you.

 

Who we are

Let’s face it, as much as you can try to prepare for the unexpected, real life can throw you...well... the unexpected. On top of that, the world of money can be intimidating. At Smith+Co Financial, we aim to simplify the complexities of financial planning, and help you prepare for the planned and unplanned aspects of life.

We believe everyone deserves a financial plan — whether you’re investing $1000 or $1 million. So, we’re here to help you with your money — saving, protecting, investing, planning, retiring.

We promise to listen to the realities of your life. And we promise to keep the money talk simple and straightforward.

Meet the team

Jenny Smith

Jenny Smith

Financial Advisor

jenny@smithcf.com

For more than 20 years, I’ve helped clients navigate wealth accumulation, long-term investing, retirement planning, retirement income management, protecting financial assets, and small business benefits. 

My approach is rooted in real-world experience—earning my first insurance license at 18 and running my own small business for more than two decades. 

Money talk doesn't have to be dry or intimidating. I focus on making it clear, relevant, and even interesting, so clients feel more confident in both the conversations and the decisions that shape their financial future.

I’m married with four kids, and when i'm not working, I'm usually chasing children, dogs, or both. 


Amy Olson

Amy Olson

Client Service Manager

amy@smithcf.com

Since 2012, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Jenny and the clients we serve. Over the years, this work has become more than just a career—it’s a way to help people feel secure and supported in their financial lives. I value the trust clients place in us and strive to make their experience as seamless and positive as possible.

My husband, Brad, and I live in Norwalk with our two sons, Skyler and Eli.


Mallory Utebay

Mallory Utebay

Client Service Manager

mallory@smithcf.com

I’ve been in the financial services industry for 15+ years. Fresh out of college at the University of Iowa, I got my start at Principal® in the annuities department. After eventually landing myself at the Principal® Financial Network of Central Iowa office, I met Jenny and Amy, officially becoming a part of their team in 2018 as a Client Service Manager.

I’m a big proponent of financial literacy and accessibility – everyone deserves to save and plan for their future, regardless of income, net worth or past investment experience.

My husband, Hasan, and I reside in Waukee with our daughter and cat. We enjoy traveling, gardening, the great outdoors and live music.


Nicole Adair

Nicole Adair

Client Service Manager

nicole@smithcf.com

I grew up in Reinbeck, Iowa, and attended Wartburg College, where I played soccer and earned a degree in Business Finance and Management. I began my career at the Principal® Financial Network of Central Iowa in 2020 supporting other Principal® agents and am now happy to be part of the Smith+Co Financial team.

I currently live in Ankeny and enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family outside of work.


Bethany Scott

Bethany Scott

Client Service Manager

bethany@smithcf.com

After earning my degree in Education at the University of Northern Iowa, I unexpectedly found myself in a client service position within the financial industry. Though this wasn’t my intended career path, I can’t picture myself doing anything else. I love being able to see the benefits of financial literacy firsthand, while also being able to grow in my passion of helping others.

My husband, Colin, and I live in Waukee, Iowa. We recently welcomed our first child and have been loving every minute of parenthood. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cooking, and I am always up for a game of cards.

I’m so pleased to be a part of the Smith + Co team and look forward to assisting each of you!


Rachael Ersland

Rachael Ersland

Customer Service Representative

rachael@smithcf.com

I was born and raised in Belmond and later graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Criminology. While that career path didn’t stick, it led me to a decade-long journey at Principal®, where I found my passion for client service and building efficient processes. I’m excited to bring that same energy and experience to the Smith + Co Financial team.

Outside the office, you’ll usually find me on the trails, hiking with my wife and our dog, soaking up fresh air and good company.


Anna Hernandez

Anna Hernandez

Customer Service Representative

anna@smithcf.com

I graduated from Creighton University with a degree in financial planning and management, where I learned the value of helping clients make informed deisions about their futures. Along the way, I worked through real-world cases that taught me how to problem-solve and connect with clients.

Before that, I gained experience as an intern with Amazon and Viterra US, learning how to adapt, communicate clearly, and always keep people first. I'm here to listen, learn, and assist the financial professionals at Smith + Co help clients make the most of their financial futures.

When I'm not working, you'll find me with my golden retreiver, in the kitchen baking, or spending time with family and friends. 


Saranya Subramanian 

Saranya Subramanian

Financial Advisor

saranya@smithcf.com

I’m from Iowa City and graduated from the University of Iowa. After graduation, I worked at a non-profit, Teach For America, before joining the Principal Financial Group® Leadership Development Program. Now, I’m thrilled to have been selected for its Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship, where I’m training to become a financial professional. As a long-time client of Smith+Co Financial, I’m excited to pursue this career path with the guidance of Jenny Smith and the whole Smith+Co team.

Growing up as a first-generation American, I found the financial and healthcare systems overwhelming. My goal is to be able to help clients like my parents or other first-generation citizens build secure financial futures.

In addition to focusing on financial health, I also work part-time as a personal trainer helping people improve their physical health. Basically, I see my role as a coach – educating and cheering clients on – whether it’s at the gym or in the office.


Melissa Sivertsen

Melissa Sivertsen

Financial Advisor

sivertsen.melissa@principal.com

After a decade in healthcare, “life happened,” and I needed a new career. I was vice president of a large emergency medicine group when my son was born a micro-premie with major health challenges. Flexibility became essential.

Nearly 25 years ago, I was introduced to the insurance industry. After a few years, I took a leap of faith to become a financial services representative—a path I hadn’t planned but turned out to be a perfect fit.

Every day, I get to help people and build relationships. I work hard to understand what’s important to my clients, provide tailored strategies, and help them prepare for the certainty of life’s uncertainties.

My husband and I have five kids. We love wine dinners, spending time in nature, watching sporting events, and taking road trips.

What we do and why it matters

When it comes to life and money, we’re here to help you plan and prepare for the expected, as well as the unexpected. We want to understand the kind of life you want, your goals and dreams, and then together we’ll help you build a plan.

Many of you know us from our relationship with Principal®, which hasn’t changed. We’re still helping clients with their money — saving, protecting, investing, planning and retiring. So, whether you’re looking for insurance or investments or managing retirement income, or you don’t even know what you’re looking for, we can help you navigate the often confusing world of financial planning, products and solutions.

Specifically, we can help with:

  • Insurance — life, health*, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance
  • Retirement — savings, planning, income, annuities, IRAs
  • Business — protection, succession planning, informal business valuation, key employee retention & retirement
  • Investments and mutual funds
  • College Funding
  • Estate planning

Why does it matter? Because life.

*Health insurance providers are not affiliated with or endorsed by any company of Principal Financial Group®.

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Let us help.

We’re here to help make things easier. If you have questions or concerns, want to set up a meeting, change an address or beneficiary, just call or send us an email.