Brien Smith, CFP
Owner/Partner
Brien Smith is a Texas A&M graduate, Class of 1981, and has over thirty years of experience in financial and investment services, and twenty-three years practicing financial planning. He is the founding partner of Spirit Fiduciary Partners, Spirit Stewardship Ministries and Traditions Wealth Advisors. As a practitioner of Investment Planning, Brien specializes in retirement, estate, and income tax planning as well as investment planning for non-profits. He is a member of many Christian associations including their finance councils, and is currently overseeing a $40MM foundation at the Catholic Diocese of Austin. He believes in giving back to the community through his involvement with Texas A&M students, as well as being an active member of the Association of Former Students; in 2011 he was president of the Brazos County A&M Club. He is a current Boy Scout executive, a former Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout.
Owner/Partner
Brien Smith is a Texas A&M graduate, Class of 1981, and has over thirty years of experience in financial and investment services, and twenty-three years practicing financial planning. He is the founding partner of Spirit Fiduciary Partners, Spirit Stewardship Ministries and Traditions Wealth Advisors. As a practitioner of Investment Planning, Brien specializes in retirement, estate, and income tax planning as well as investment planning for non-profits. He is a member of many Christian associations including their finance councils, and is currently overseeing a $40MM foundation at the Catholic Diocese of Austin. He believes in giving back to the community through his involvement with Texas A&M students, as well as being an active member of the Association of Former Students; in 2011 he was president of the Brazos County A&M Club. He is a current Boy Scout executive, a former Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout.
Sarah D. Buenger, MPAS®, MSPFP, CFP®
Director of Financial Planning
Sarah Buenger joined the Traditions Wealth Advisors team in September 2018 as director of financial planning. Buenger brings more than 20 years experience in serving high net worth clients through comprehensive financial planning.
Sarah received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She later earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation after successfully completing the education component and passing the board exam in 2003. In 2015, Sarah completed a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning through the College for Financial Planning where she was awarded the Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®) designation in recognition of her extended course studies.
Director of Financial Planning
Sarah Buenger joined the Traditions Wealth Advisors team in September 2018 as director of financial planning. Buenger brings more than 20 years experience in serving high net worth clients through comprehensive financial planning.
Sarah received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She later earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation after successfully completing the education component and passing the board exam in 2003. In 2015, Sarah completed a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning through the College for Financial Planning where she was awarded the Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®) designation in recognition of her extended course studies.
Michael Maerz
Client Services and Marketing Director
Michael is a 1982 graduate of Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) where he received his Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Prior to joining the staff at Traditions Wealth Advisors, Michael worked for Courtyard by Marriott in guest services, offering guests outstanding service during their stay at the hotel. He worked for 29 years in various capacities for the TJX Corporation, (T. J. Maxx). He worked as an area lead, cash office manager and a new store trainer before moving to College Station where he worked as both the Store Operations Manager and the Store Merchandising Manager. At T. J. Maxx, Michael worked daily providing outstanding customer service to his customers as well as providing a satisfying work place for the associates.
Outside of work, Michael is very active in his church. Michael teaches faith formation and volunteers at the Aquinas Bookstore. He is a member and officer in the Knight of Columbus and participates on the Men’s (ACTS) Retreat Team. Michael has served as co-director of the retreat. He has also served as the co-facilitator, retreat coordinator, and supply inventory coordinator of the retreat core group.
Client Services and Marketing Director
Michael is a 1982 graduate of Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) where he received his Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Prior to joining the staff at Traditions Wealth Advisors, Michael worked for Courtyard by Marriott in guest services, offering guests outstanding service during their stay at the hotel. He worked for 29 years in various capacities for the TJX Corporation, (T. J. Maxx). He worked as an area lead, cash office manager and a new store trainer before moving to College Station where he worked as both the Store Operations Manager and the Store Merchandising Manager. At T. J. Maxx, Michael worked daily providing outstanding customer service to his customers as well as providing a satisfying work place for the associates.
Outside of work, Michael is very active in his church. Michael teaches faith formation and volunteers at the Aquinas Bookstore. He is a member and officer in the Knight of Columbus and participates on the Men’s (ACTS) Retreat Team. Michael has served as co-director of the retreat. He has also served as the co-facilitator, retreat coordinator, and supply inventory coordinator of the retreat core group.