Reduce future taxes.
Convert smarter.
Retire with confidence.

Strategic Roth conversion and tax mitigation planning for high-income pre-retirees.

Meet our President

Over 50 years of helping families & business owners keep more of what they’ve earned

Patrick Smith

President & Senior Advisor

Patrick Smith founded Bering Financial in 1986 with a clear mission: help families and business owners protect their wealth through smart, tax-efficient retirement planning. With more than five decades of experience, Patrick specializes in tax-mitigation strategies that reduce your tax burden, maximize income, and preserve your legacy.

Patrick began his career in 1972 with Investors Diversified Services and later served 6,000 clients with E.F. Hutton before establishing Bering Financial. He is passionate about financial education, having taught retirement planning courses at North Lake College and appearing as a featured guest on Believers in Business (100.7 FM, KWRD). He holds a Series 65 license, as well as life and health insurance and annuity licenses.

Outside the office, Patrick enjoys time with his wife Carol (married 50+ years), their seven children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. You’ll find him on the golf course, fishing, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Patrick believes retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about living the life you’ve worked so hard to build.

Book Your Roth Conversion Strategy Call

Our services

How we work with you

Analyze

Review current assets, tax exposure, and future projections

Strategize

Design a personalized Roth conversion and tax mitigation plan.

Clarify

Have a clear understanding of the plan and how you may be able to benefit.

Implement & adjust

Execute strategically and adapt as tax laws evolve.

Experience. Discipline. Long-term thinking.

Strategic retirement planning built around tax efficiency and clarity.

At Bering Financial, our approach is proactive — not reactive. We help clients:

✔ Identify hidden future tax risks in retirement accounts
✔ Evaluate Roth conversion opportunities with long-term projections
✔ Reduce lifetime tax exposure through structured planning
✔ Improve retirement income predictability
✔ Make decisions based on 10–30 year outcomes — not yearly noise

Every strategy begins with a full-picture analysis of your financial situation and a clear plan designed around your long-term goals.

Because protecting wealth requires more than growth — it requires strategy.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Roth Conversion, and why does it matter?

A Roth Conversion moves funds from tax-deferred accounts into a Roth IRA, allowing your money to grow tax-free. Done strategically, it can reduce long-term taxes and increase retirement flexibility.

Who should consider a Roth Conversion?

High-income pre-retirees, retirees, or anyone looking to manage future tax liability, protect retirement income, and leave a tax-efficient legacy.

How do you determine if a Roth Conversion is right for me?

We analyze your current accounts, future tax projections, and retirement goals. Every recommendation is personalized — no generic advice.

Will converting to a Roth increase my taxes this year?

Potentially, yes. That’s why strategic timing and careful analysis are critical. Our goal is to minimize immediate tax impact while maximizing long-term benefit.

How much does a Roth Conversion Strategy Call cost?

Nothing. It’s a no-cost, no-obligation session designed to help you understand your options and whether a conversion strategy makes sense.

Can you help with other retirement and tax planning besides Roth conversions?

Absolutely. We also help with tax mitigation planning, retirement income structuring, and wealth transfer strategies — all integrated into a long-term plan.

How long does a strategy session take?

Typically 45–60 minutes. You’ll walk away with clarity about your tax exposure and actionable next steps.

Do you provide ongoing support after the strategy call?

Yes. If you choose to move forward, we can implement your plan and provide ongoing guidance to adapt as tax laws and financial goals evolve.

See if a Roth conversion or an alternative strategy makes sense for you

Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation strategy session to explore your tax mitigation opportunities.

Roth Conversion Strategy Call

Contact Us

Reduce future taxes.Convert smarter.Retire with confidence.