Flat-fee, business succession planning financial advisors in California
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 planning to transfer your business ownership or prepare for retirement, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession planning. Without this expertise, you might overlook tax implications or fail to align the plan with your long-term financial goals. Flat-fee advisors charge a set price, so you know what to expect without surprises.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they address potential tax burdens during ownership transfer to avoid unexpected liabilities.
- Stakeholder coordination. Ask how they manage communication and agreements among partners, family members, or buyers.
- Valuation approach. Understand their method for determining your business's worth and how it influences the succession plan.
- Exit strategy options. Explore the different paths they recommend for transitioning ownership and how each fits your personal and business objectives.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bryan H
Series 66
Lodi, CA
Raymond James Financial
Bryan Hickingbottom specializes in business succession planning with 25 years of experience, offering flat-fee services through Raymond James Financial in Lodi, CA. His approach includes financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting, supported by firm research and asset allocation analysis. Compared to others, Bryan operates within a large firm serving diverse clients, providing both fixed fees and hourly rates up to $400, which may suit those seeking transparent pricing and seasoned expertise.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Ronald B
Series 63, Series 65
Encino, CA
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC
Ronald Bertke specializes in business succession planning with over 32 years of experience, offering flat-fee financial planning and consulting services in California. Operating through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, a large firm serving diverse clients including businesses and trusts, he provides negotiated flat fees and hourly options, emphasizing client-directed implementation and non-discretionary asset management, which may appeal to those seeking structured, transparent fee arrangements.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $294,061
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Scott B
CFA®
Carmel, CA
CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC
Scott Brubaker specializes in business succession planning with a flat-fee structure, offering fixed fees ranging from $500 to over $10,000 depending on plan complexity, which suits California business owners seeking predictable costs. His 12 years of experience and CFA® designation, combined with CliftonLarsonAllen's integrated approach to wealth, tax, estate, and insurance planning, provide a comprehensive strategy that differentiates him from advisors focusing solely on succession without such broad coordination.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,730,668
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Steven H
Series 63, Series 65
Sunnyvale, CA
IP Financial Advisory Services LLC
Steven Hoffman specializes in business succession planning with a flat-fee structure ranging from $500 to $20,000, making costs predictable for California business owners. His 12 years of experience, combined with expertise in retirement plans for business owners and charitable giving, set him apart. Located in Sunnyvale, CA, he also brings a unique perspective as CEO of a medical device company and financial education instructor, offering a broad understanding of business and financial planning.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $240,578
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Clayton D
Series 65
Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Wealth Advisors
Clayton Dunkle specializes in business succession planning with a flat-fee structure starting at $5,000, making him suitable for California business owners preparing for ownership transfer. Based in Sonoma, CA, he brings five years of experience and supports small businesses and plan fiduciaries through Fermata Advisors, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary services with a focus on retirement plans and financial planning.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $244,427
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