Independent, business exit / sale strategy financial advisors in Buffalo, NY
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 sell your business, you need an advisor who understands how to navigate the complex financial and tax implications that come with a business exit. A common mistake is underestimating the estate tax cliff, which can trigger unexpectedly large tax bills just above exemption limits.
- Exit timing strategy. Ask how they help you decide the best moment to sell, considering market conditions and tax impacts.
- Tax cliff awareness. Confirm they plan for estate tax thresholds to avoid sudden, large tax liabilities after your sale.
- Independent advice. These advisors operate without firm constraints, which can mean more flexible strategies tailored to your unique exit goals.
- Post-sale planning. Inquire about their approach to managing proceeds, including investment and cash flow strategies after your business sale.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Chad O
Series 63
Williamsville, NY
Dopkins Wealth Management, LLC
Chad Oconnell specializes in business exit and sale strategies, offering independent advice tailored to high-net-worth clients in the Buffalo area. His firm employs a Modern Portfolio Theory approach with diversified, buy-and-hold portfolios using no-load mutual funds and ETFs, and offers flat-fee services for ERISA fiduciary analysis, distinguishing him from advisors with purely asset-based fees.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,363,454
-
Donald B
CFP®, Series 63
Williamsville, NY
The AmeriFlex Group
Donald Buckley specializes in business exit and sale strategy, bringing 17 years of experience and CFP® certification to clients in the Buffalo area. Operating independently through The AmeriFlex Group, he offers flat-fee and hourly pricing, and his background as an associate attorney adds a legal perspective that complements his financial planning expertise.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $549,793
-
Russell D
Series 63, Series 65
Williamsville, NY
Russell J. D'Alba
Russell D'Alba specializes in business exit and sale strategies, offering independent advice from his Williamsville, NY firm with 17 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. His firm focuses on investment advisory and financial consulting for business owners, emphasizing transactional expertise and access to investment banking, distinguishing him from advisors who provide ongoing portfolio management or retail brokerage services.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $0
-
Christine P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Orchard Park, NY
Illumination Wealth Management
Christine Papelian specializes in business exit and sale strategies, bringing 13 years of experience and CFP® certification to clients in Orchard Park, NY. Her firm, Illumination Wealth Management, offers comprehensive Financial Life Management with a focus on strategic asset allocation and long-term portfolio monitoring, charging 0.50% of net worth, which may appeal to high-net-worth individuals seeking independent, tailored advice.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $2,273,805
-
Michael B
Series 63
Buffalo, NY
Clarity Advisors
Michael Brady specializes in business exit and sale strategies, with 12 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning and retirement plans for business owners. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, he offers comprehensive services including business advisory and valuation, supported by Clarity Advisors' focus on long-term, passive asset allocation and retirement-plan consulting for business owners in Buffalo, NY.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $105,123
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Buffalo, NY
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)