Top business succession planning financial advisors in Athens, GA
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 are thinking about stepping back or retiring, you need a business succession planning advisor to help you transfer ownership smoothly. Without careful planning, you might face unexpected tax burdens or disrupt your company's operations during the transition.
- Ownership transfer strategies. Ask how they balance selling, gifting, or passing the business to family to protect your financial and personal goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm they understand local tax rules that can affect your retirement income and succession outcomes.
- Continuity planning. Look for advisors who address leadership gaps and operational risks during ownership changes.
- Valuation expertise. Ensure they can accurately assess your business’s worth to inform fair and effective succession decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Melissa B
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Athens, GA
Elwood & Goetz
Melissa Barron specializes in business succession planning in Athens, GA, with 17 years of experience and credentials including CFP® and ChFC®. She works at Elwood & Goetz, an independent, fee-only firm serving high-net-worth clients with a strategic asset allocation approach focused on tax-aware strategies. Her flat-fee and hourly fee options provide flexible planning services compared to other advisors.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $1,572,830
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Hayley B
Series 65
Athens, GA
Clark Brown, LLC
Hayley Brown specializes in business succession planning in Athens, GA, supported by her Series 65 designation and expertise in retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, she offers financial planning services through Clark Brown, LLC, which uses institutional mutual funds and ETFs and serves individuals and organizations with both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $689,650
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Michael W
Series 66
Watkinsville, GA
Raymond James Financial
Michael Whitaker specializes in business succession planning and general retirement planning, supported by 14 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating from Watkinsville, GA, he offers flat-fee and hourly fee structures through Raymond James Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients including high-net-worth individuals and institutional entities, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Allan W
Series 66
Athens, GA
Merrill
Allan Wiltshire III specializes in business succession planning and tax strategies for small businesses, making him well-suited to help business owners in Athens, GA navigate ownership transitions. His experience as a former Marine Corps officer and his role at Merrill, a large firm, provide disciplined leadership and access to extensive resources, distinguishing him from other advisors with his military background and comprehensive wealth management approach.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Ryan R
CFP®
Athens, GA
Fully Financial
Ryan Rasmussen specializes in business succession planning in Athens, GA, offering expertise in retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting, which are crucial for smooth ownership transitions. As a CFP®-certified advisor at Fully Financial, he provides flat-fee and hourly project-based planning, serving affluent and emerging-affluent clients with a Modern Portfolio Theory investment approach that balances passive ETFs and selective active management.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $909,657
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