Seasoned, business succession planning financial advisors in Clearwater, FL
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 ownership or planning for retirement, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession planning. A common mistake is underestimating the tax and legal implications, which can jeopardize your business's future and your financial security. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience to navigate these challenges effectively.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they optimize your succession plan around federal taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes.
- Homestead protection knowledge. Confirm they understand Florida's strong homestead laws and how these affect wealth migration and asset protection.
- Exit strategy variety. Inquire about different succession options like selling, gifting, or passing to family, and how they tailor these to your business structure.
- Experience depth. Seasoned advisors should provide examples of complex succession plans they've managed, showing their ability to handle unique situations.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Don O
Series 63, Series 65
Oldsmar, FL
Advisory Services Network
Don Opperman brings 48 years of experience in business succession planning, wealth management, and equity compensation tax strategy, making him well-equipped to handle complex succession needs in the Clearwater area. His firm, Advisory Services Network, is independent and offers flat-fee financial planning options, serving a diverse client base including corporations and charitable organizations, which may provide broader perspectives compared to other advisors.
Experience: 49 years
Avg account: $826,033
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Jeffrey T
Series 66
St. Petersburg, FL
Raymond James & Associates
Jeffrey Tyler's 28 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip him to handle complex business succession planning in Clearwater, FL, with a focus on federal tax implications and exit strategies. Affiliated with the large firm Raymond James Financial, he offers flat-fee and hourly services, serving a diverse client base including business owners and retirees, which distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $788,879
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Paul H
Series 63, Series 66
Hattiesburg, MS
Client 1 St Advisory Group
Paul Harris brings 24 years of experience in business succession planning and tax strategies for small businesses, making him well-equipped to handle complex succession challenges. His firm offers a flat-fee option alongside traditional AUM fees, serving a diverse client base including small businesses and charitable organizations, which distinguishes him from advisors focused solely on individual retirement planning.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $1,438,575
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Lynn S
Series 63, Series 66
Dunedin, FL
IP Financial Advisory Services LLC
Lynn Smeraldo brings 37 years of experience in business succession planning, complemented by expertise in retirement plans for business owners and charitable giving. Operating from Dunedin, FL, she offers flat-fee and hourly consulting options, serving individual retail clients with customized portfolios and retirement-plan consulting. Her independent approach and extensive industry background distinguish her from other advisors in the Clearwater area.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $240,578
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Michael W
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Merrill
Michael Works brings 29 years of experience in business succession planning and wealth management, serving Clearwater clients through Merrill Lynch's large-firm resources. His expertise includes retirement income strategy and estate planning, with a focus on executive and founder clients, and he offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million. His background as a Marine and long-term family life in Florida add a personal dimension to his professional approach.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $860,085
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