Please read our bios to learn more about us.

Bios

At First Nebraska Financial Services we offer a unique approach to investing for individuals committed to planning their financial future, families and small businesses. Since 1981, our advisors have a proud history of providing personalized, independent financial advice and guidance to our clients.

Please read our bios to learn more about us.

Bios

John W. Smith

President
John W. Smith

John has enjoyed 30+ years in the financial services and insurance industries. He founded First Nebraska Financial Services Inc. in 1981 and currently serves as the President.

Utilizing the principles of Nobel Prize winning "Modern Portfolio Theory" John explains Core and Tactical investing with his clients.* While every investor has unique financial objectives and risk tolerance levels, he feels there are five concerns investors have in common:

  • Reducing your risk
  • Enhancing your return
  • Having a dependable future income stream
  • Reaching a specific financial objective
  • Liquidating your investments quickly

John is a registered representative who offers securities through Osaic Wealth Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through First Nebraska Advisory, LLC. He holds securities Licenses 6,7, 22 and 63 and a separate insurance license as well.

Education and Professional Certifications

  • Series 6, 7, 22 and 63 securities licenses

* Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

Darrel C. Smith

Executive Vice President
Darrel C. Smith

Darrel Smith, Co-Owner of First Nebraska Financial Services Inc. is a 1981 graduate of Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Following graduation, Darrel entered the financial services industry with EF Hutton & Co. In 1987 he and his brother John formed First Nebraska Financial Services Inc.

Throughout his career Darrel shows a seasoned understanding of meeting the needs of individual investors, business owners, successful professionals, and retirees.

Active in the industry, Darrel holds membership in the Financial Planning Association, Fidelity Investment Leadership Council, and the Loring Ward Advisor Council. He often shares his knowledge and insight by conducting workshops on financial planning.

Darrel is a registered representative who offers securities through Osaic Wealth Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through First Nebraska Advisory, LLC. Securities Licenses held are series 6, 7, 22, 24, 63 and 65 and a separate insurance license as well.

Education and Professional Certifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Kearney State College
  • Series 6, 7, 22, 24, 63 and 65 securities licenses

Darrel is Executive Vice President of First Nebraska Financial Services Inc. and Chief Compliance Officer of First Nebraska Advisory LLC.

Tonya Miller

Operations Manager
Tonya Miller

Tonya lives in Hershey, Nebraska. She has been with our firm since 1994 and handles all aspects of administration, accounting and compliance to support our team. Tonya is committed to operating a smooth and efficient office as well as providing our clients with excellent customer service.

Stevi Rawles

Account Assistant
Stevi Rawles

Stevi lives in North Platte, Nebraska. She joined our firm in 2015 and brings 10 years of financial knowledge to our office as she worked in the banking industry for over a decade. Stevi understands the importance of client needs and is committed to providing the highest level of customer service to our clients.

Working Together

With the many demands on your time and the complexities of the financial decisions you face, the comprehensive wealth advisory approach we provide can help make a real difference, both for your family and your business.

Team of Professionals

We understand that your investment portfolio is only one aspect of your whole financial picture, which is why we work with a team of professionals, including your CPA and Estate Attorney, to determine the most beneficial course of action and strategy for all of your wealth needs. And if you don’t have a CPA or an Estate Attorney, we can help you find the right one, based on your specific goals.

We also work with Third-Party Administrators, Custodians, Record Keepers and other professionals in order to help meet all of your retirement plan needs.

It is our goal that by having a team of professionals working closely together, we maximize the effectiveness of your plan to help ensure that it stays in synch, with every item properly addressed.

Comprehensive Approach

In order to help you maximize your potential for success in all areas of your financial life, we focus on these important areas:

Wealth Enhancement

This process can be key to creating and maintaining your financial comfort. It can include:

  • Managing resources and your portfolio
  • Tax planning and tax efficiency issues
  • Personal savings
  • Simplifying your financial life
  • Education funding

Wealth Transfer

Proper estate planning is the most effective way to help ensure that you are able to provide for the financial health and well-being of your family. It also can reduce or prevent much of the stress that so often occurs when heirs attempt to sort out a family member’s estate.

Retirement Plans

We also offer a comprehensive range of retirement plan solutions, from 401(k) plans to profit sharing plans, defined benefit plans and many other qualified plan types, we provide the options you need and the guidance you deserve. This means we can help you plan for — and enjoy — a more secure retirement, both personally and professionally.

Charitable Giving

We help you fulfill any philanthropic goals you might have and maximize the effectiveness of your charitable legacy.