Top general estate planning guidance financial advisors in Ocean Pines, 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.
When you're planning how to pass on your assets, especially in a state like Maryland with both estate and inheritance taxes, you need guidance that looks beyond just the paperwork. A common mistake is focusing only on wills without considering tax implications that can affect your heirs.
- Tax-aware planning. Confirm how the advisor navigates both estate and inheritance taxes to minimize your family's tax burden.
- Asset distribution insight. Ask how they balance your wishes with legal requirements to avoid unintended consequences.
- Trust and probate strategies. Explore their approach to trusts and probate to ensure smooth transfer of your estate.
- Coordination with other professionals. Check if they work with your attorney or tax advisor to align your estate plan comprehensively.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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John B
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Ocean Pines, MD
Edward Jones
John Bennish offers extensive expertise in general estate planning guidance, supported by 33 years of industry experience and Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses. Operating within Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he provides tax-aware strategies and coordinates with other professionals, charging up to 1.35% annually, which may suit clients seeking seasoned guidance in Ocean Pines, MD.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Brittany P
Series 63, Series 65
Ocean City, MD
SPC
Brittany Pridgeon offers expertise in general estate planning guidance with 12 years of experience and holds Series 63 and 65 designations, serving clients from Ocean City, MD. Affiliated with SPC, a large firm managing $5.66 billion, she provides flat-fee segmented and comprehensive plans, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing and access to a broad range of services including retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $192,080
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Matthew G
Series 66
Ocean City, MD
Morgan Stanley
Matthew Groff offers expertise in general estate planning guidance with 25 years of experience and a Series 66 license, operating from Ocean City, MD. Affiliated with Morgan Stanley, a large firm managing $2.74 trillion in assets, he provides tailored financial planning using advanced modeling tools, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less extensive resources.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $670,481
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William S
Series 63, Series 65
Ocean City, MD
Montgomery Financial
William Strausbaugh offers general estate planning guidance with a focus on tax planning and retirement plans for business owners, which is crucial for navigating Maryland's estate and inheritance taxes. Operating independently through Montgomery Financial, he provides asset management with fees up to 1.75% annually and hourly financial analysis services, catering to individual and high-net-worth clients near Ocean Pines, MD.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $241,601
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Patrick S
Series 66
Ocean City, MD
Merrill
Patrick Sears offers expertise in general estate planning guidance with a focus on tax-aware strategies and asset distribution, essential for navigating Maryland's estate and inheritance taxes. Based in nearby Ocean City, MD, he brings nine years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, and serves mid-career professionals and high earners, charging a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $860,085
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