W. Earle Smith, BFA™, AWMA™, CIS™

W. Earle Smith is a Behavioral Wealth Advisor and Financial Planner with Custer Burish Financial Services in Madison, Wisconsin. He brings a distinctive blend of financial expertise and behavioral insight to his work, helping individuals, families, and non-profit organizations make thoughtful financial decisions aligned with their long-term goals and values. His approach reflects a deep commitment to empathy, integrity, passion, innovation, and excellence, grounded in the belief that successful financial outcomes are driven as much by behavior and discipline as they are by strategy.

Earle joined Custer Burish Financial Services in 2018, following a diverse professional journey spanning the performing arts and financial services. Through a career of more than 30 years in the performing arts, including leadership roles as Artistic Director and Executive Director of Madison Ballet, he developed a deep appreciation for both disciplined execution and human connection. He also built financial and operational expertise through roles as a financial analyst in New York City and with Group Health Cooperative in Madison, Wisconsin. These experiences shaped his ability to combine analytical rigor with a nuanced understanding of human behavior, which now defines his work with clients.

Drawing on the principles of behavioral finance, Earle partners closely with clients to design and implement comprehensive financial strategies that integrate investment management, planning, and behavioral coaching. He is known for building trusted relationships through active listening, clear communication, and a steady, disciplined approach. His work helps clients navigate complexity, manage risk, and remain focused on long-term objectives through changing market environments.

Earle has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and nonprofit leadership. His service includes board and leadership roles with organizations such as Ballet, Inc. in New York City, Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus, and Capital City Theatre in Madison, Wisconsin, along with various appointments to community agencies and arts committees. His contributions to the arts and community leadership have been recognized through distinctions including the Marvin Rabin Award for Artistic Excellence and the Wisconsin Dance Council Recognition of New Leadership Award.

Earle holds the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA™), and Certified Income Specialist (CIS™) designations, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional development and innovation in client service. He believes financial planning is most effective when it begins with understanding what matters most to each client and helping translate financial resources into meaningful outcomes for their lives, families, and communities.