# Eric Smith > Eric Smith is a fee-only financial advisor at Ridge Falls Financial Planning in Bellingham, Washington, who holds the CFP and MBA credentials. Eric charges hourly fees (no asset minimum) and focuses on retirement planning and tax planning. Page: https://find.wellspent.co/advisors/eric-smith/ Built from public directory listings; last checked April 21, 2026. ## Facts - **Firm:** Ridge Falls Financial Planning - **Based in:** Bellingham, Washington - **Fee model:** Hourly - **Fees (firm's website):** no asset minimum - **Fees (Advice-Only Network profile):** from $250 an hour - **Works virtually:** Yes (firm's website) - **Accepting new clients:** Yes (Advice-Only Network profile) - **Credentials:** CFP, MBA - **Specialties:** Retirement planning, Tax planning - **Works with:** Pre-retirees - **CRD:** 8060520 (https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/individual/summary/8060520) - **SEC registration:** Investment adviser representative in WA - **Exams passed:** Series 65 (2024) - **Firm size:** 1 employee - **Disclosures:** None reported - **Website:** https://ridgefallsfp.com ## About Eric Smith, CFP, MEd, MBA, founded Ridge Falls Financial Planning for aspiring DIY investors and validators: people who manage their own finances but want a professional second set of eyes on their path to retirement. The idea came from his own life. He and his wife wanted an hourly fiduciary to review everything from cash flow and insurance to investments and estate planning, without asset management. Eric now offers those holistic, hourly, advice-only reviews, with transparent pricing and passive, low-fee investment strategies. He spent 12 years in financial services as a branch manager, community banker and business lender, and mentored entrepreneurs through SCORE. More than 15 years as an educator, including teaching at Western Washington University and Peace Corps service in Mongolia, shape how he explains complex ideas. Eric has lived in Bellingham, Washington, for over 25 years. The firm is named for two local trail systems: Galbraith's Ridge Trail and Whatcom Falls Park. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Eric Smith a fee-only financial advisor? Yes. Eric Smith is listed in the Advice-Only Network (advice-only practices, no product sales) and the XY Planning Network directory (XYPN members are fee-only). SEC records as of October 27, 2026 show no broker registration and no commission compensation reported by Eric's firm. ### How does Eric charge for financial advice? Eric charges hourly fees. ### How much does Eric charge? According to Ridge Falls Financial Planning's website, checked October 28, 2026: no asset minimum. ### Does Eric work with clients virtually? Yes. Ridge Falls Financial Planning says on its website that it works with clients remotely. ### Where is Eric Smith based? Eric Smith is based in Bellingham, Washington. ### What does Eric specialize in? Eric's specialties include retirement planning and tax planning. Eric works with pre-retirees. ### What credentials does Eric Smith hold? Eric Smith holds the CFP and MBA credentials. ### Is Eric Smith registered with the SEC? Yes. Eric Smith is registered as an investment adviser representative in WA (CRD 8060520), per SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure data as of October 27, 2026. ### How do I contact Eric Smith? Through Eric's website, ridgefallsfp.com. ## Sources - Advice-Only Network listing (https://adviceonlynetwork.com/advisors/EricSmith): advice-only practices, no product sales - XY Planning Network directory listing: XYPN members are fee-only - SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure and Form ADV: registration, exams, and firm facts, data as of October 27, 2026 - The firm's website (https://ridgefallsfp.com/): specialties, clients served, and fees, checked October 28, 2026 --- Source: Wellspent, the public graph of fee-only advisors (https://find.wellspent.co). No paid placement.