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
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
Financial Advisor
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
Client Service Manager
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
Client Service Manager
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
Client Service Manager
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
Client Service Manager
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 have one son who keeps us on our toes and always makes us laugh. 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
Customer Service Representative
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
Customer Service Representative
I graduated from Creighton University with a degree in financial planning and management, where I developed a strong foundation in financial planning principles and industry practices. Along the way, I worked through real-world cases that taught me how to problem-solve and connect with clients to provide service support.
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 retriever, in the kitchen baking, or spending time with family and friends.
Amanda Wilcke
Customer Service Representative
After more than 20 years with Principal®, I decided to bring my experience to a more personal setting and am excited to be part of the team that assists Jenny and the clients we serve.
I believe financial advice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income or experience. I joined Smith + Co. because the team’s values align with mine in keeping things simple, clear, and focusing on what matters most to each client.
My husband, Marcus, and I live in Ankeny and have two daughters, Mary and Kendryx. We enjoy live music, ‘beaching’, all types of sports, and making memories with friends.
Saranya Subramanian
Financial Advisor
I’ve worked in the financial services industry since graduating from the University of Iowa. After college, I worked at a non-profit that placed teachers in inner-city Memphis schools. I then moved to Des Moines where I was selected to be part of Principal Financial Group’s® 3 year Leadership Development program. After the program, I moved into management at Principal®, first in the retirement call center and then in group benefits sales.
For the last two years, I shadowed under Jenny Smith as her second chair or “apprentice”. It’s been a privilege getting to know our clients and understanding what’s important to them while learning alongside Jenny and her team. Today, I have joined the Smith + Co team as a financial advisor, helping clients navigate their financial milestones.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and Maya, my spoiled Aussiedoodle. I also do my best to supply my friends & teammates with as many baked goods as possible.

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®.