CFP®-certified, retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) financial advisors in Gaithersburg, MD
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 run a business and want to set up a retirement plan like a SEP or solo 401(k), you need an advisor who understands how these plans fit your business cash flow and tax situation. A common mistake is choosing a plan without considering how it impacts your overall retirement savings and tax liabilities, especially in a state like Maryland with both estate and inheritance taxes. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including retirement and tax strategies.
- Plan type suitability. Ask how they determine whether a SEP or solo 401(k) best matches your business size and income variability.
- Contribution strategy. Confirm they help you balance maximizing contributions with maintaining enough cash flow for your business operations.
- Tax impact awareness. Ensure they consider Maryland’s estate and inheritance taxes when advising on plan design and beneficiary choices.
- Ongoing plan management. Check how they support plan adjustments as your business grows or tax laws change.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Heath C
CFP®, Series 66
Gaithersburg, MD
Cetera
Heath Chavis is well-equipped to assist business owners in Gaithersburg, MD, with retirement plans like SEP and solo 401(k), leveraging his CFP® certification and 12 years of experience. Affiliated with Cetera, a large firm serving diverse clients, he offers flat-fee and hourly consulting options, and his background as a business owner and tax professional adds practical insight into balancing contributions and tax impacts.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Thomas S
CFP®, Series 63
Gaithersburg, MD
LPL Financial
Thomas Searles offers expertise in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) plans, supported by his 41 years of experience and CFP® certification. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm serving diverse clients, he provides flat-fee financial planning and integrates tax-loss harvesting and college savings strategies, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned insight with comprehensive wealth management services.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $399,489
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John M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Rockville, MD
Cambridge Investment Research Advisors
John Miller's CFP® certification and 18 years of experience equip him to advise business owners in Gaithersburg on SEP and solo 401(k) retirement plans, considering Maryland's tax implications. Working with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, a large firm, he offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving diverse clients including retirement plans and charitable organizations, which may provide broader insights compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $378,281
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Wenjinn C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Rockville, MD
Independent Financial Group, LLC
Wenjinn Chang specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) plans, with 23 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to address the unique tax and cash flow considerations for business owners in the Gaithersburg area. His firm, Independent Financial Group, LLC, offers a range of advisory programs and serves diverse clients, with flexible fee structures including flat fees, distinguishing him from advisors with more limited service models.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $474,424
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Todd F
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Rockville, MD
Merit Financial Advisors
Todd Feldman is well-equipped to assist business owners in Gaithersburg, MD, with retirement plans like SEP and solo 401(k), leveraging his 28 years of experience and CFP® certification. His firm, Merit Financial Advisors, manages $10.6 billion using a long-term, diversified investment approach, and offers flat-fee financial planning up to $100,000, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent fees and tailored investment strategies.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $897,421
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