Large-firm, retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) financial advisors in Ames, IA
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you own a business and want to set up a retirement plan like a SEP or solo 401(k), you need an advisor who understands how these plans fit your business cash flow and tax situation. A common mistake is choosing a plan without considering how it affects your payroll and tax filings, which can lead to unexpected costs or missed benefits. Large-firm advisors often have access to more resources and compliance support, which can help you navigate complex rules.
- Plan design expertise. Ask how they tailor SEP or solo 401(k) options to your business size and income variability.
- Compliance management. Confirm how they help you stay on top of IRS deadlines and reporting requirements.
- Tax impact insight. Look for advisors who explain how contributions affect your business and personal taxes.
- Integration with benefits. Check if they coordinate your retirement plan with other employee benefits to optimize overall compensation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Neal G
CFP®
Ames, IA
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
Neal Gudmunson at Mercer Global Advisors in Ames, IA, specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) options, supported by his CFP® certification and large-firm resources. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with a Modern Portfolio Theory approach, offering flat-fee structures and expertise in integrating retirement plans with broader investment strategies, distinguishing him from other local advisors.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $2,214,259
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Richard N
Series 63, Series 65
Ames, IA
LPL Financial
Richard Nelson specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) plans, supported by 29 years of experience at LPL Financial, a large firm known for its compliance resources and diverse advisory services. He offers flat-fee financial planning and consulting, which may appeal to business owners seeking predictable costs, and his expertise extends to tax-loss harvesting and college savings strategies, providing broader financial planning support.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Darren G
Series 63, Series 65
Ames, IA
Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC
Darren Gauck's expertise in retirement plans for business owners, combined with over 31 years of experience and affiliation with the large firm Ameritas Advisory Services, positions him well to address SEP and solo 401(k) plan complexities in Ames, IA. His flat-fee and asset-based fee structures, along with his background as a founder and retired professional, offer a blend of personalized planning and seasoned insight compared to other advisors.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $448,118
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Eric B
CFP®, Series 66
Ames, IA
Edward Jones
Eric Bryan specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) options, leveraging his eight years of experience and CFP® certification to address business succession and charitable giving. Based in Ames, IA, he operates within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, offering comprehensive wealth management and a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, which may provide robust compliance and tax impact support compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Jay B
Series 63, Series 66
Ames, IA
Eagle Strategies (NY Life)
Jay Black specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) options, supported by 14 years of industry experience and a large-firm platform at Eagle Strategies (NY Life) in Ames, IA. His firm manages $25.4 billion in assets and offers flexible fee structures, including AUM and hourly fees, which may appeal to business owners seeking tailored plan design and compliance support.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $235,446
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