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Get Organized with a Free Calendar Planner

Staying organized and on top of your tasks can be difficult, especially when you have a busy lifestyle. Having a calendar planner is essential to help you keep track of your daily activities and stay on top of your goals. Fortunately, there are plenty of free calendar planners available online that can help you stay organized and productive. Here are some tips for getting the most out of a free calendar planner.

Set Up Your Calendar

The first step to using a free calendar planner is to set it up to fit your needs. Start by adding important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other events that you need to remember. Then add any recurring tasks or appointments that you have on a regular basis. You can also use the calendar to set reminders for yourself about upcoming deadlines or meetings. Once you’ve added all the necessary information, you’ll be ready to start using your calendar planner.

Organize Your Tasks

Once you’ve set up your calendar planner, the next step is to organize your tasks into manageable chunks. Break down large projects into smaller tasks and assign each task its own due date in the calendar. This will help keep you focused on one task at a time and ensure that everything gets done in a timely manner. You can also use the calendar planner to track your progress on each task so that you can see how far along you are in completing it.

Stay On Track

Finally, make sure that you use your free calendar planner regularly so that it can help keep you on track with all of your tasks and goals. Set aside time each day or week to review what needs to be done and plan out what needs to be accomplished in the coming days or weeks. This will help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks and that everything gets done in a timely manner.

Using a free calendar planner is an easy way to stay organized and get things done efficiently. With just a few simple steps, you can set up your own personalized calendar planner and start getting organized today.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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How to Find a Financial Advisor Near You

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Table of Contents

How to find financial advisors near you

How to find a virtual financial advisor, what to keep in mind when finding a local financial advisor.

If you search “financial advisor near me,” you’ll probably end up with a long list of financial advisory firms in your area.

You’ll want to select several to call and vet, perhaps setting up an initial consultation to ensure the firm, and any advisor who works for it, meets your financial planning needs and has expertise in the areas where you need help. You’ll also want to double-check the firm and/or advisor's credentials and confirm you understand the pay structure.

via Zoe Financial

If you don’t want to jump through those hoops on your own, you can work with a matching firm that will help you find a financial advisor near you, or you can use a robo-advisor.

» Ready to get started? See our full list of the best financial advisors

You'll want to carefully vet a financial advisor before working with them, making sure you understand their pay structure and planning approach. We've compiled a list of 10 questions to ask a financial advisor to get you started.

1. Use an online financial advisor matching service

It can take a while to find the right financial advisor, but some services will match you with an advisor in your area for free. Typically, the advisors pay to be part of the service's network, and the service vets the advisors for you. When you sign up, most services prompt you to take a quiz that determines which advisors would be the best fit for your financial needs and budget.

Here are four of the best financial advisor matching services according to our 2023 review of financial advisors. Each matching service has a wide network of financial advisors, planners, CFPs and other financial pros across the U.S.

2. Check the CFP Board website

The CFP Board is a professional certifying organization that sets the standards and requirements for earning a certified financial planner (CFP) designation. To become a certified financial planner, candidates must prove their competency by passing a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of financial planning topics. They must also fulfill a professional experience requirement.

The CFP Board allows you to search for certified advisors on their website using several criteria, including planning services, client focus and preferred language. [0] CFP Board . Let's Make a Plan . Accessed Apr 19, 2023. View all sources

3. Look into professional finance advisor organizations

There are national and local financial planner associations you can use to help you find the right financial planner. Here are just a few.

The Financial Planning Association

The FPA is a professional organization for financial planners, but it offers help for consumers as well, including access to pro bono services, and assistance finding a financial planner near you. The organization offers a location-based search for certified financial planners on its website. [0] Financial Planning Association . Find a Financial Planner . Accessed Aug 11, 2023. View all sources

Association of African American Financial Advisors

The AAAA is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to help Black investors grow generational wealth through expert guidance. The organization can help you find a Black advisor who can assist you with all your financial needs. You can access its financial advisor directory via the organization's website. [0] Association of African American Financial Advisors . Find a Financial Advisor . Accessed Apr 19, 2023. View all sources

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

NAPFA was founded in 1983 and supports over 4,400 financial planners and advisors across the country. NAPFA members are fee-only advisors and follow a strict code of ethics guided by their fiduciary duty , which means they must look out for your best interests when providing financial planning services. [0] NAPFA . Find an Advisor . Accessed Apr 19, 2023. View all sources

4. Tap into a financial planning network

The garrett planning network.

The Garrett Planning Network's member advisors must be fee-only, offer financial planning services on an hourly or as-needed basis, be financially accessible, hold or be working toward a CFP, CPA or PFS designation and adhere to a fiduciary oath. [0] Garrett Planning Network . Search Member Profiles . Accessed Apr 19, 2023. View all sources

XY Planning Network

Every XY Planning Network advisor offers virtual services. Advisors hold the CFP designation and work on a commission-free basis [0] XY Planning . Find a Financial Advisor . Accessed Apr 19, 2023. View all sources .

CHIP is a financial network focused on matching clients with Black, Hispanic and Latinx financial advisors and professionals, locally and virtually. The network's advisors work for a variety of financial advisory firms and can assist with estate planning, tax strategy and overall financial planning. [0] CHIP . Search For a Pro . Accessed Jun 9, 2023. View all sources

5. Consider robo-advisors

Robo-advisors are automated services that invest your money for you. If you're just looking for investment management, a robo-advisor may be a good choice. Their fees are much lower than typical financial advisors (around 0.25% to 0.50%) and some come with extra features including access to human financial advisors and banking.

» Get started: Check out the best robo-advisors

6. Ask for a recommendation

Check in with family, friends or colleagues and see if they can make a recommendation. Often, people have long-term relationships with their financial advisor. If your friend has worked with an advisor for ten years and loves them, it's probably a good sign.

If you can’t find an advisor you like in your area, you may want to try an online service. Some offer videoconferencing, which makes it easier to connect virtually.

Most financial advisors who operate virtually are fairly competitive from a price standpoint, with a few charging fees as low as 0.30% or 0.40% of assets under management. These lower-cost advisors often offer investment management and access to a team of financial advisors, rather than pairing you with a dedicated advisor.

There are also online planning services that offer similar services as in-person advisors, such as comprehensive retirement planning, college planning, home buying and estate planning in addition to investment management . Some advisors include tax help and preparation services.

If you’d prefer to work with an advisor in your community, and you’re prepared to do the legwork yourself, here’s how to approach the process.

Know which services you’ll need. Financial advisors often have certifications that correspond to the types of services they offer, so make sure you know exactly what kind of help you want. Think about whether you’ll need assistance with estate planning, tax help or managing beneficiaries. If you’re just looking for investment management, you may want to consider using a robo-advisor or learning how to invest on your own.

Double-check an advisor’s certifications. Before you even make an appointment to talk with an advisor, you’ll want to look up and verify any certifications they have. “Financial advisor” is just a general term that anyone can call themselves. Aim to work with a CFP for financial planning and a CPA for tax preparation , and verify those credentials on the respective licensing board’s website.

Show up with questions. It’s a good idea to interview an advisor before committing to working with them. This ensures not only that you like their strategies and options, but also that your personalities mesh and that you feel comfortable talking to them about your finances.

Verify their fee. At the end of the day, your financial advisor is offering a service you’re paying for. Make sure you’re OK with the fee they propose, and be sure you understand how their fee structure works. Many traditional advisors charge a percentage of your assets under management, typically around 1%, but some charge flat fees.

» Need more help? Read our cheat sheet on how to choose a financial advisor

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Small Business Financial Planning

Does your business plan align with your personal financial goals, ep wealth helps small business owners envision the future, personally and professionally.

Some small business owners face unique challenges since their personal and business finances are closely tied together. But this often provides synergies that may lead to investment, tax, and retirement opportunities. With EP Wealth’s team, you’ll discover the difference between personal and business financial planning and learn how integrated strategies may meet both your personal goals and professional needs.

DREAM BIGGER WITH FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Financial planning for small businesses can help protect your personal wealth.

As a small business owner, you can put an amazing amount of time and energy into providing for your employees, trying to meet the needs of your customers or clients, and making your business a success. But what about your personal financial situation?

•   Do you have enough cash flow?
•   Is your asset/liability ratio balanced?
•   Do you have sufficient insurance coverage?
•   What does your retirement and succession plan look like?
•   Can better tax planning and preparation your annual returns?
•   Is charitable planning important to you? How about saving more for your heirs?
•   Might an investment portfolio analysis help your potential for returns and income while reducing your portfolio risk?

By taking a comprehensive look at your business planning, taxes, investments, and retirement needs, a financial advisor for business owners can help you clarify your goals, make informed decisions, and build the future you envision.

Tax Planning Cost Segregation Pension Planning Debt Analysis Real Estate Analysis Buy/Sell Agreements Risk Management Corporate Finance Asset Protection Exit Planning

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Cash Flow Management Investment Management Marriage Planning Children’s Education Mortgage Analysis Protection Planning Education Planning Retirement Planning Divorce Transition Estate Planning

WHY HAVING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR BUSINESS PLANNING IS IMPORTANT

Customized solutions for your unique financial situation.

What business owners need to know.

•   Are your revenues, costs, profits, and profit margins healthy?
•   Have you recently done a strategic business assessment?
•   Are you tracking expenses, payroll, and tax obligations efficiently?
•   Where can you gain access to capital to help you grow your business?
•   What are your retirement and business succession options?
•   Is your business adequately insured to cover all risks?
•   How much liquidity do you have or need?

We work closely with you to build a holistic plan that considers everything from tax and risk management, to business succession and retirement, and everything in between. Our financial planning for business owners includes coordination with your legal and accounting advisors to your business and personal financial plan, supported by all your resources working together on your behalf.

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL PLANNING IN 6 EASY STEPS

Explore opportunities and stay adaptable, our team will meet with you to fully understand your business and identify areas of financial opportunity so you can remain agile amid uncertainty and change., we work with your outside tax and legal advisors to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of your corporate structure., we review your financial statements and coordinate with your accountant to determine opportunities your financial plan., we review your personal and professional insurance policies to determine if you are adequately protected., we will help identify different types of retirement plans that make sense for you and your business., we help you evaluate the range of options, including providing informal business valuations, whether transitioning the business to senior management, keeping it in the family, or realizing a liquidity event..

*The services detailed here are not comprehensive. There is no guarantee that a client will receive all the services detailed here. The services offered are subject to change and will depend on the needs of the individual clients. EP Wealth Advisors (“EPWA”) does not have a defined Small Business Planning offering. Services detailed or referenced here are available to all EPWA clients.

Which Financial Planner Is Right for You?

How to choose a financial advisor for small business owners.

Our guide is designed to help small business owners choose a financial advisor. You'll read about how a financial advisor can help you and your business integrate finances, tax planning, invest, and set up a retirement plan for the business.

10 Common Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

Here are some typical pitfalls to avoid:.

• Paying themselves more than they need
• Using their business account for personal expenses
• Not taking advantage of low interest rates and depreciation, when available
• Not having the correct corporate structure
• Not having a succession and tax plan - read more on succession planning here!
• Using liquid funds to make illiquid purchases
• Not having the appropriate retirement plan or any retirement plan.
• Not having adequate bookkeeping support
• Not delegating or hiring a financial professional
• Not having appropriate insurance plan

The list detailed here should not be considered a complete detailing of the subject discussed. The list should be considered informational and subjective in nature. It is not intended to be construed as professional investment or financial planning advice.

How EP Wealth Can Help Business Owners With Their Financial Planning

Benefit from ep wealth’s array of financial education resources.

Whether you’re moderating risks, seeking additional cash flow, trying to minimize your taxes, or nearing retirement and business succession, a financial health assessment and financial portfolio review offer ideal starting points.

FIND A FINANCIAL ADVISOR NEAR YOU

Our breadth of coverage across the U.S. means we’re local—here to serve your needs at your convenience.

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Create Your Financial Future

Set realistic financial goals and put them into action with the help of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who is a member of the Financial Planning Association.

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Choosing a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Choosing a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional is as important as choosing a doctor or lawyer; it's a very personal relationship. Many CFP ® professionals specialize in working with certain types of clients, such as small-business owners, executives or retirees. Some specialize in certain areas of planning such as retirement, divorce or asset management. We recommend you interview at least three CFP ® professionals to find the right one that best serves your needs.

Evaluate your full financial picture or work with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to help you navigate your own numbers to determine what makes sense to you.

The best approach is to work with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who will provide a customized plan to help you understand the risks and provide a roadmap for a successful retirement.

The best approach to determine how fast you can and should eliminate debt is to work with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. These individuals are highly trained and specialize in improving the financial well-being of single professionals, couples and families.

If you’re looking for broad-based advice about various aspects of your financial life, hire a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. These professionals must pass an extensive exam and meet other education and ethics requirements to gain the credential.

The Financial Planning Association (FPA), a professional membership organization for the financial planning community, is a good place to find a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. FPA member planners can help people assess their financial health, set realistic financial and personal goals, and develop comprehensive plans to meet those goals.

FPA offers resources designed to help individuals understand the importance of financial planning and the value of objective advice from a financial planner. Below are a selection of these helpful resources. Visit our Planning for Life Events page for more helpful resources.

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The Financial Planning Association ® (FPA ® ) is the largest membership organization for CFP ® professionals in the U.S. and also includes members who support the financial planning process.

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Your personal financial planning questions, answered, how much do financial planners charge.

Financial planners charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. A fee-only financial planner charges a flat fee for services ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to develop a comprehensive financial plan.

A financial planner's hourly rates range from $200 to $400 per hour , depending on the advisor's experience. The larger and more complex your portfolio, the more time the financial planner will spend helping you develop a financial plan.

In contrast, financial advisors commonly charge a percentage of the assets under management (AUM). The standard fee for financial advisors is .0.25% to 1% of AUM, so for investors with $100,000 in assets, the annual fees would be $1,000 . Some financial advisors serve only wealthy clients and set a minimum size for investment accounts. However, the more money the advisors manage, the lower the percentage fee they will charge.

What is a financial planner?

A financial planner helps to create a long-term financial plan for your wealth. Financial planners may sell commission-based products like life insurance, but their primary focus is helping you manage your finances including creating a budget, saving for emergencies, building college funds for your children, retirement planning, and estate planning.

A financial advisor is different from a financial planner in that their main purpose is to offer guidance and advice on financial matters like investments. They help you make informed decisions to build wealth and achieve your financial goals.

Are financial planners worth the cost?

A financial planner is worth the cost, especially if you have debt to consolidate or need help reaching your financial goals. Working with a financial planner can help you grow your wealth, manage your assets, and plan for retirement. They provide the expertise to make sound financial decisions while saving you time on researching financial investments and savings accounts. Employing a financial planner gives you peace of mind that you are making responsible financial decisions and have a plan for the future.

If you are considering working with a financial planner, be sure to:

• Ask about all of the fees associated with the services you are interested in.
• Make sure the financial planner you choose is a fiduciary. These financial planners have a fiduciary duty or legal obligation to act in your best interest, rather than looking for investments that pay the highest commissions.
• Only agree to financial investments or products when you understand the risk and potential benefits.

How much money should I have before hiring a financial planner?

There is no minimum amount of money you should have before hiring a financial planner. Some financial planners have minimum account balance requirements, which can range from $50,000 to $1 million or more. If you have less than the minimum account balance, you may still be able to find a financial planner willing to work with you if you pay a higher fee.

Online financial planners are often more affordable than traditional financial planners and may not have minimum account balance requirements. Online planners can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to work with an advisor on your schedule. These companies also have access to a wider range of expertise, employing a network of advisors with different specialties able to create a personalized financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

How do I choose a financial planner?

Choosing a financial planner is a major life decision that can help you achieve your financial and retirement goals. Do not settle for a planner based on their price or location. Instead, do your research and find a planner that specializes in the services you need. If debt consolidation is an issue, find a planner that can help you reduce your debt while still building your savings. If you want to retire early, find a planner that can help you invest in products to help you reach your goals sooner.

Here are some tips to help you find the best financial planner for you:

• Do your research by reading reviews, comparing fees, and learning about the different planning services available.
• Interview several advisors in person to be sure you are comfortable with their personality and philosophy.
• Make sure the planner is a fiduciary that will act in your best interests.
• Ask about their fee structure and make sure the "all-in" costs fit your budget.
• Get everything in writing including the services they provide, how they will be compensated, and any extra fees you should expect.
• Be prepared to ask questions about their approach to financial planning and how they will handle your specific situation.

What questions should I ask a financial planner?

Before committing to a financial planner, make sure you are hiring the best person for you and your financial situation. Schedule interviews with several potential advisors and ask these important questions:

• Are you a fiduciary?
• What is your fee structure?
• What additional fees should I expect?
• What are your qualifications?
• How often will we meet?
• Will you be available for phone calls or emails outside of scheduled appointments?
• What is your investment philosophy?
• Will you help me invest in ethically responsible companies?

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As a small business owner, you always have a million things on your mind. In the beginning, you’re trying to figure out how to get started. Then, you have to get some clients before strategizing on how to keep them all so you can grow your business.

It’s safe to assume you love what your business does and want to continue to focus on that. There’s not always time to think about other things. But some of those other things are very important, too, and can actually help your business. 

A financial advisor who specializes in serving business owners can help you navigate the many complex choices you face. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, it makes sense to surround yourself with professionals who are experts in what you’re not so you can succeed. 

“Business owners tend to be really qualified at running their business and put their own financial health on the back burner,” said Joe Dunat, an advisor at Sturkie Wealth Management Group . “A good financial advisor will help them limit risk, have a contingency plan in case of death, divorce, or disagreements with a business partner, as well as maximize the value of their business.”

“A financial advisor can help you discover ways to use your business to grow your wealth, both in and out of the business,” said Cady North, Founder and CEO of North Financial Advisors . “For instance, making sure you get paid what you’re worth, ensuring you have a sustainable business model, and taking advantage of retirement savings incentives.”  

So, let’s look at seven ways a small business financial advisor can help you. We’ll also introduce you to several financial advisors in the Wealthtender community who specialize in working with business owners just like you.

Table of contents

1. financial planning for your business, 2. cash flow management , 3. insurance planning for business owners, 4. retaining employees , 5. succession and exit planning for business owners, 6. when the going gets tough, 7. time , how to find the best financial advisors for business owners, featured financial advisors for business owners on wealthtender, 💡 expert answers to business owner questions, 🙋‍♀️ have financial planning questions as a business owner.

As a small business owner or self-employed person, you don’t have to deal with big company problems or corporate bureaucracy, which is very appealing. But you also can’t access many big company perks. For example, without employee benefits like a 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions, a health savings account , basic insurance, and/or an employee stock purchase plan , you are solely responsible for accumulating your retirement savings as a small business owner. 

Another overwhelming task that can get easily pushed aside is the ‘deal with it later’ mentality. With investing and saving for your retirement, the earlier you start and the longer you invest, the more benefit you actually see. A business financial advisor can help get you started with financial planning for your business, keep you on track, remind you of the importance, and always have your financial future as a priority. This lets you prioritize your business and focus on making it succeed. 

“One of the main ways I provide value as a financial advisor to small business owners is helping them extract ongoing value out of their business instead of waiting for a magical sale of their business in 20 years,” said Kaleb Paddock, founder of Ten Talents Financial Planning . “We set annual targets and remove profits from the business to retirement accounts and brokerage accounts, and ensure that we aren’t unwittingly ‘business rich’ but family asset poor.”

What do you do with the money you or your business is making? Is it being invested, or is it just accumulating in a low-interest savings/checking account because you don’t know what to do with it? 

“Managing cash flow is extremely important for both personal and business finances; they’re inextricably connected,” said Ryan Firth, founder and president of Mercer Street Company . “It sounds pretty basic, but if you can’t account for where money is coming from and where it’s going, then you likely won’t have much insight into your finances, which makes it nearly impossible to manage your business and personal affairs.”

Just like for an individual, the money your business makes doesn’t have to stop making you money once you get paid. By investing the money your business earns strategically, you can continue to earn interest. This can help you afford expenses for your business, training or software, paying taxes or memberships, really anything you can think of. 

The only people I know who are excited around tax time are the accountants eager to do your taxes. By accumulating, saving, and earning interest, you can make those times when money is tight more manageable. 

Insurance may sound dull, but every good wealth management plan needs it. We could do all of the portfolio allocations in the world and create a real work of art on a spreadsheet, but then life happens, and you are suddenly unable to work. Then, you have to use all of your savings to keep yourself afloat until you can earn an income again. Your master plan is now completely irrelevant. 

About 45% of us will develop cancer at some point in life – a scary statistic. With cancer comes additional costs, such as medication and treatments, not to mention the stress that comes with it. You’re probably not going to be able to work as much or as hard as you did in the past. 

Insurance is definitely something people overlook or try to risk going without to save costs. Insurance is cheapest earlier on. Some insurance plans offer features like the return of premium, meaning if you don’t need the benefits, you get your money back. A good business financial advisor can teach you about the types of insurance you need to consider and ensure you have a benefits plan that meets your exact needs and is reviewed periodically as your situation changes. Policies with features addressing critical illness, disability, business overhead expenses, and key person insurance should be considered. 

Job markets are very competitive. It often comes down to the specific work environment and perks of working for an employer that attracts and retains employees. Everyone needs to have a good financial plan, and that includes investments and insurance. Being able to recommend a financial advisor knowledgeable in your business and who can work with your employees is a big perk, which also means employees can focus more on their primary job responsibilities.

Money concerns are among the most common fears that keep people awake at night and distract them. Taking care of your employees is not only good for them, but it’s good for you and your business. 

What happens to your business when you retire or if something bad happens? Do you have a successor or an exit plan to sell your business ? Are you aware of the tax consequences (and potentially significant small business tax benefit known as QSBS ), difficulty with getting fair value, or complications that come along with passing on your business? 

A financial advisor specializing in exit planning for business owners can help make those decisions easier for you and your family. Obviously, you want what is best for you and your family. But it’s always easy to push things off when they aren’t of immediate concern. Financial advisors’ priorities are always protecting you and your family’s wealth. Even if it’s not always on your radar because you’re managing a business, it will be on their mind. 

“A common challenge I see when it comes to working with small business owners is not saving outside of their business for their own retirement,” said Scott Boyles, Financial Planner with Brightscape . “This is important for two reasons. Selling a business can be difficult for multiple reasons, including the selling price being in line with the owner’s expectations. Setting up and retaining a retirement plan offers some significant tax incentives as well.”  

Especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen how even thriving businesses can experience sudden and devastating interruptions to revenues and cash flow.

In times like these, the help of a financial advisor or business consultant with turnaround experience can prove invaluable to help navigate discussions with creditors and possibly even a bankruptcy restructuring. For example, the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 offers new and more favorable options for business owners facing challenging times.

“The new law allows business owners to continue to operate and keep their firms and reorganize their debts,” said James Sivco, founder of Molten Layer , an advisory firm based in Houston, Texas. “This is a much more business owner-friendly process with much larger impacts.”

When you combine everything together, a small business financial advisor can save you a lot of time and effort. A financial advisor should be considered an asset, not an expense. Financial advisors can bring a lot of value, not only on the business side but also on the personal side. 

Just like a mechanic, dentist, or doctor, it’s important to hire a financial advisor who is a specialist. A good advisor who specializes in working with business owners can focus on what they do best so you can focus on what you do best, successfully managing and running your business.

While you may find a great financial advisor to work with through the referral of an acquaintance or whose office you drive by on your daily commute, it’s important to consider several factors to improve your odds of hiring the best business financial advisor for your unique needs.

“Running your own business (including 1099 work) introduces different elements that aren’t always easy to factor into your personal financial plan,” said Todd Pouliot, CEO of Gateway Financial . 

“Some key issues a business owner should consider when making financial planning decisions include…how certain tax planning factors may be coordinated (e.g., retirement plan contributions, certain deductions, hiring a spouse, specific business entities, etc.) to better suit one’s financial situation… as well as risk tolerance, insurance needs, financing issues, etc. that may be affected by operating a business,” Pouliot said. 

As a business owner, you may decide the best financial advisor for you is one who specializes in understanding the unique financial planning challenges and opportunities commonly faced by entrepreneurs. These specialist business financial advisors may hold credentials like the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation that demonstrate their expertise and considerable experience working with business owners that could benefit your financial planning needs.

Because many business financial advisors can work with you online , you’re not limited to hiring a financial advisor in your neighborhood when the best financial advisor for you may live hundreds of miles away.

In other words, whether you choose to hire a financial advisor who lives near or far, it may be most important to hire a financial advisor who truly understands your individual needs based on their education, experience, and commitment to helping people just like you. You’ll find a growing number of financial advisors on Wealthtender who serve business owners , including advisors specializing in working primarily with entrepreneurs.

The Bottom Line

Whether your business is young or you’ve been at it for several years, a business financial advisor should be part of your team. Do your research, look around, and find a financial advisor you trust and can work well with. You owe it to yourself to have a complete team that can help your business succeed.

📍 Click on a pin in the map view below for a preview of financial advisors who specialize in working with small business owners. Or choose the grid view to search our directory of financial advisors with additional filtering options.

📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.

About the Author

Derek Condon, CFP®

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Question: I’m excited my business is growing but worried its finances are becoming increasingly complex. What options should I consider and where can I turn for guidance?

“When you’re a business owner there are two very important things you need to stay on top of: 1.) your company’s finances; and 2). complying with tax reporting and other regulatory filing requirements.

Getting your books in order will help you in numerous ways: from running your business better, to obtaining financing for your business, to, ultimately, exiting the business . If your books are in bad shape (or even worse, nonexistent), it might behoove you to outsource bookkeeping and payroll functions to a third-party. Although it will cost you money (which should be tax deductible), it will save you time and allow you to focus on continuing to grow your business.

Staying on top of your company’s books and records should help make tax time go smoothly, which brings us to point number two. Again, if you find that your time would be better spent running your business rather than handling tax compliance matters, then consider hiring help to take care of your company’s tax filing obligations.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed professional who can help you with your company’s bookkeeping and tax needs. To find a CPA, you could ask business acquaintances for recommendations, or reach out to your state or local CPA society for several names. Ideally, you’ll want to work with a professional who is familiar with your company’s industry, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. Ultimately, what you’re looking for is a trusted advisor who will help you take your business to the next level, which is exactly what a CPA can do for you.”

Ryan Firth, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CCFC, GFP (USA), RLP® | Mercer Street Financial

Question: My business is doing well and I’ve been approached by potential buyers. I’m thinking about retiring soon and considering selling. What should I be thinking about now and where can I turn for help?

“Selling a business that you built from the ground-up isn’t cut and dry. You have many options as a business owner, and it’s wise to get strong counsel from an experienced advisor who can help you navigate the complexities of a business sale. In fact, between 70% and 80% of privately held businesses that are offered for sale each year do not ultimately sell.

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is specially trained to help you maximize the value of your business as you prepare to sell. Some CEPAs are focused on optimizing business operations, but a financial advisor who is also a CEPA can help you figure out an optimal sales price to ensure your personal cash flow and legacy goals are met during retirement.  And if you’re charitably inclined, there are advanced strategies you can take as the business owner to give the most to charities of your choice.”

Deb Meyer, CFP®, CPA/PFS, CEPA | WorthyNest

Question: A pain point for me and many entrepreneurs is finding more time in the day to spend with our families. How do you help business owners create more balance in our work and personal lives?

As a business owner, so much relies on you at work and at home. With so much to do, it can be hard to step back and realize that you have successfully scaled your business to the point where you don’t have to grind so hard.

We look thoroughly at both your business and personal financial life to understand where you are and where you want to go. In the business, we answer questions like: How profitable is your business? Is it growing? What’s your expected profit and your expected compensation? On the personal side, it’s evaluating your progress towards goals like saving for retirement, saving for your kids’ college, or buying a home. Once we know where you are, we break it down into specific steps to get you to where you want to go. I find clients are able to worry less and be more present with their families when they know they have a plan in place, and they are actively working towards their financial goals.

The perspective gained during the planning process helps, but also, I’m able to help do the heavy lifting to help my clients reach their financial goals so they can make progress in less time. For business owners, it’s things like managing their investments, monitoring cash flow, and screening potential partners like accountants, bookkeepers, insurance agents, and estate planning attorneys.

Once you understand where you are in the business and at home, and you have the appropriate financial team in place, it can be easier to create the balance. Not only have you created extra time in your day, you also know that you are on track for providing for your family and you can be present at the dinner table – without worrying about the future.

Jenna VanLeeuwen, CFP® | Aligning Wealth

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