We work
For You
At Clearfork Financial Planning, our team of professionals helps identify your needs while accounting for your dreams. Then, we get to work to build a plan that fits your unique lifestyle. While we offer our professional guidance, you’re in control every step of the way.
Michael H. Ryan, J.D.
Managing Director | Financial Advisor
With a distinguished career spanning over 33 years in the financial industry and 28 years in the legal profession, Michael H. Ryan is the driving force behind Clearfork Financial Planning. As the managing principal and founder, Michael has assembled a team of professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive estate, retirement and financial planning services.
Guiding Your Financial Journey
Michael understands that success is rooted in deliberate preparation. From wealth accumulation and preservation to distribution during retirement, ending in a seamless wealth transfer to the next generation, he helps navigate the intricacies of the financial landscape with a singular mission: to help empower clients to make the best decisions at every stage of their financial journey.
Experience That Matters
Michael has over 28 years of experience in risk analysis/reduction, tax strategies, estate planning, 401(k) rollover strategies, life insurance and long-term care planning. This experience helps him equip his clients with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently approach each phase of their financial life cycle.
Education and Credentials
Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in finance from Texas A&M University, where he distinguished himself as a member of the esteemed business school honors program. He furthered his academic pursuits by earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law School. Before embarking on his legal career, Michael worked in the banking sector, gaining knowledge and experience that he applies to his practice today.
Community-Centric Commitment
A proud resident of the DFW area for over 48 years, Michael, along with his family, is deeply engaged in his local community.
Steven W. Smith
Chief Operating Officer
With a distinguished career spanning three decades in education, Steve brings a wealth of experience, dedication and passion for empowering individuals. This skill set is crucial to his role in the financial services sector and as the leader of our team.
Knowledge-Driven
Having served as a teacher and coach, Steve understands the importance of knowledge and guidance in shaping futures. His extensive background in education has instilled in him a deep appreciation for learning, mentorship and the power of informed decision-making. Spending his last years in education as an administrator enhanced Steve’s ability to manage people and processes and it may be his most powerful contribution to our firm’s and our clients' success.
Education and Credentials
Steve earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in marketing from the University of Texas, where he served his university on the union finance committee and as a member of the Texas Wranglers honorary service organization. He furthered his educational journey by obtaining a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, which was the foundation of his expertise in leadership and organizational development. This foundation was solidified by his many years as an educator/administrator.
Community Engagement
Beyond his professional pursuits, Steve remains an active member of the community, recognizing the importance of giving back. Whether through coaching, mentorship or involvement in local initiatives, he continues to make a positive impact on those around him.