CFP®-certified, business succession planning financial advisors in Berkeley, CA
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're preparing to transfer your business to new ownership, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of timing and valuation in business succession planning. A common mistake is underestimating how tax implications and property tax limits, like California's Proposition 13, affect the long-term financial outcome.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including tax and estate considerations important for succession.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they factor in California's high income taxes and property tax protections when structuring your succession.
- Valuation approach. Ask how they determine your business's worth and incorporate that into the transition plan.
- Ownership transition timing. Understand their strategy for sequencing ownership changes to optimize financial and tax outcomes.
- Estate and legacy planning. Check how they integrate your succession plan with your broader estate goals to protect your family's interests.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Dave B
CFP®, CFA®
Orinda, CA
Private Financial Management LLC
Dave Born's expertise in business succession planning and business ownership considerations, combined with his CFP® and CFA® certifications, equip him to address the complexities of transferring business ownership in Berkeley, CA. His independent advisory role, focus on high-net-worth clients, and experience with intergenerational families distinguish him from others, supported by a fee structure starting at 0.35% AUM and $6,250 quarterly, reflecting his tailored service approach.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $5,408,468
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Robert E
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Richmond, CA
Raymond James Financial
Robert Emmer's 47 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle complex business succession planning, including tax and estate considerations relevant to California. Working with Raymond James Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients, he offers flat-fee and hourly planning options, emphasizing tailored plans through risk profiling and firm research, which may suit business owners seeking structured, research-driven succession strategies.
Experience: 48 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Michael W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Michael Watson's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle business succession planning with a nuanced understanding of tax and estate considerations. Based in San Francisco, he offers flat-fee and hourly pricing through BPM Wealth Advisors, which manages nearly $50 million using both passive and active investment strategies, serving high-net-worth individuals and institutions alike.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Ann L
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
SVB Wealth
Ann Lucchesi's 26 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to navigate the complexities of business succession planning, including tax and valuation strategies crucial for Berkeley-area clients. As Managing Director at SVB Wealth, she offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving high-net-worth individuals and business owners with a comprehensive approach that integrates retirement plans, charitable giving, and estate considerations.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $2,365,410
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Robert S
CFP®
Alameda, CA
Fireside Finances, LLC
Robert Shaye, a CFP® with seven years of experience near Berkeley, specializes in business succession planning and serves founder/business owner clients. His firm, Fireside Finances, offers flat-fee and hourly consulting focused on tax-aware strategies, diversification, and low-cost funds without managing assets, distinguishing him from advisors who may have asset management roles or different fee structures.
Experience: 7 years
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