Seasoned, retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) financial advisors in Palo Alto, CA
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 own 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 into your overall financial picture. A common mistake is treating your business retirement plan as separate from your personal tax and income strategy, which can lead to missed savings or tax inefficiencies. Seasoned advisors bring years of experience navigating these complexities.
- Plan integration. Look for advisors who connect your business retirement plan with your personal tax situation, not just the plan's paperwork.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they handle California's high income taxes alongside benefits like Proposition 13's property tax limits.
- Experience with business owners. Confirm they have helped clients balance retirement contributions with cash flow and growth needs.
- Long-term strategy. Ensure they consider how your retirement plan evolves as your business and personal goals change.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Cornelius D
Series 63, Series 66
Los Altos, CA
Independent Financial Group, LLC
Cornelius Dempsey III brings 37 years of experience and specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) plans, making him well-equipped to address the complexities of integrating these plans with personal tax strategies. Operating from Los Altos, CA, he offers flat-fee financial planning through Independent Financial Group, a large dual-registered firm, and serves a diverse client base including executives and business owners.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $474,424
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Dirk G
Series 63, Series 66
Menlo Park, CA
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Dirk Gilliard's 25 years of experience and expertise in retirement plans for business owners, combined with his firm's integrated wealth management approach, make him well-equipped to handle SEP and solo 401(k) plans in Palo Alto. His firm blends active and passive investment strategies within a tax- and fee-sensitive framework, offering fiduciary, tax, and business management services that distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Victor M
CFP®, PFS™, Series 63
Los Altos, CA
Cetera
Victor Mandella's 28 years of experience and CFP® and PFS™ credentials equip him to integrate SEP and solo 401(k) plans with broader tax and retirement strategies for business owners. Affiliated with Cetera, a large firm offering diverse portfolio management and flat-fee planning options, he also brings unique insight from his role at a CPA firm, enhancing his tax-aware approach compared to other advisors in the Palo Alto area.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Ernest H
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Palo Alto, CA
Kestra Advisory
Ernest Hui's 26 years of experience and ChFC® designation equip him to integrate SEP and solo 401(k) plans with personal tax strategies, addressing California's unique tax environment. Working with Kestra Advisory, a large firm offering fiduciary consulting and employee education, he provides flat-fee planning and serves both institutional and individual clients, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on smaller practices or hourly fees.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $618,892
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Claudette K
CFP®, Series 63
Palo Alto, CA
Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC
Claudette Klein's 29 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to integrate SEP and solo 401(k) plans with personal tax strategies for business owners in Palo Alto. Working with Ameritas Advisory Services, a large firm offering flat fees and diverse investment approaches, she supports clients balancing retirement contributions with business growth and evolving goals.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $448,118
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