Top startup equity planning financial advisors in Renton, WA

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 have startup equity that could vest or be sold soon, you need an advisor who understands how to navigate the tax and financial complexities unique to these assets. A common mistake is treating startup equity like regular stock, which can lead to unexpected tax bills or missed opportunities.

  • Tax-aware planning. Look for advisors who consider both federal taxes and Washington's 7% capital gains tax on long-term gains, not just the absence of state income tax.
  • Equity type expertise. Confirm they know the differences between stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and other equity forms, as each has distinct tax and exercise implications.
  • Exit strategy alignment. Ask how they integrate your equity plans with your broader financial goals, including timing sales to manage tax impact and cash flow.
  • Startup lifecycle knowledge. Ensure they understand how your company's stage affects equity value and liquidity, helping you plan for uncertain outcomes.

Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.

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Carlton E

Series 63, Series 65

Renton, WA

Chimera Wealth

Carlton Ellis is a financial advisor at Chimera Wealth LLC with 37 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at firms including Nobles and Richards, Inc. and Landolt Securities, Inc. Ellis was involved with In House Hemp LLC from 2019 to 2021. Chimera Wealth serves individual and high-net-worth clients, providing portfolio management, financial planning, pension consulting, and held-away portfolio consulting. The firm combines strategic and tactical model allocations using a mix of analytical approaches and offers unique services such as subscription-based portfolio reports and digital asset access.

Options & derivatives strategies Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Annuities Self-Employed Executive
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Charles T

Series 63, Series 66

Renton, WA

LPL Financial

Charles Taylor Jr. is a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Renton, WA, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 14 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at JP Morgan Securities, Bank of America, Merrill, and MassMutual Life Insurance Company. He currently offers investment products and services through LPL Financial under the trade name Global Retirement & Investment Services. LPL Financial is a national broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, retirement plan participants, banks, trust companies, and institutions. The firm provides a range of advisory and brokerage services, including financial planning, third-party asset management, and institutional platforms, supported by a large network of over 22,800 advisors and advanced research tools.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Tax-loss harvesting Annuities Retired Founder/Business Owner Executive
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Edward H

Series 66

Renton, WA

Ameriprise

Edward Harris is a financial advisor with Ameriprise in Renton, WA, holding a Series 66 designation and 23 years of industry experience. He has been with Ameriprise and its affiliated entity since 2010. Outside of his advisory role, he owns and operates NorthWest Tax Specialists, a tax preparation business. Ameriprise Financial Services is a large, diversified firm serving individual and institutional clients. It offers a specialized Premier Retirement Income service providing written recommendation reports and ongoing retirement-income planning advice focused on dependable income and tax-aware withdrawal strategies.

Retirement income strategy Income planning Social Security optimization Retirement withdrawal strategies Approaching retirement

Danxia Z

Series 66

Renton, WA

Merrill

Danxia Zhen is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Boston. She provides personalized wealth management strategies, drawing on the investment insights of Merrill and the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America, to help clients pursue their long-term financial goals. Her client focus areas include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, and tax minimization, among others. Danxia holds a Bachelor's Degree from George Washington University and a Master's Degree from the University of Massachusetts System. She carries professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Yue (Cantonese), she follows the Merrill tradition of community involvement through volunteer work. Outside of her professional activities, Danxia enjoys boating, cooking, hiking, traveling, and practicing yoga.

Wealth management General retirement planning College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Charitable giving & philanthropy General estate planning guidance Women Professionals
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Daryl M

Series 63, Series 65

Renton, WA

Continental Investors Services, Inc.

Daryl Miller is a financial advisor with Continental Investors Services, Inc. in Renton, WA, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 28 years of industry experience. His career includes prior roles at Sweetwater Investments, Inc., RA Bench, Inc., and Financial Resources Group. Continental Investors Services, Inc. primarily serves individual retail clients with investment advisory and portfolio management services focused on securities management and trading, including fixed income and municipal markets. The firm emphasizes discretionary and non-discretionary investment account management rather than comprehensive financial planning.

Wealth management

Kimberly H

CFP®, CRPC®

Troy, MI

Innermost Wealth Management, LLC

I founded Innermost™ Wealth Management to create a more personal, thoughtful approach to financial planning and wealth management. My background in both finance and psychology shaped my belief that money is not just about numbers. It is deeply personal and connected to your values, goals, and life experiences. I work with professionals who want to grow and simplify their wealth, with a special focus on women navigating career growth, equity compensation, and major life transitions such as divorce. Many of my clients are balancing busy lives and complex financial decisions, and they value having a long-term financial partner who truly understands their needs. My firm is centered on ongoing wealth management through investment advisory relationships. Clients work with me for comprehensive financial planning and investment management that evolves with them over time. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Candidate, I provide technical expertise and strategic guidance, while also recognizing the emotional side of financial decisions. My approach is compassionate, judgment-free, and designed to reduce stress while helping you feel more confident in your choices. I operate a fully virtual firm, working with clients across the country who appreciate flexibility and convenience. My goal is to simplify your financial life, provide clear advice, and help you align your wealth with what matters most to you. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, photography, cooking, and spending quality time with my Beagle, Gracie.

General retirement planning General tax planning Wealth management Startup equity planning Divorce financial planning Women Professionals Life coaching / goal alignment Established Professionals Approaching retirement Dual Income Family

George S

Series 66

Hartford, CT

Merrill

George Silvester is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving as a member of the Boston Executive Services Team since 2017. He works primarily with founders, executives, and key associates at both privately held and publicly traded companies, focusing on the intricacies of equity ownership and equity compensation. George's approach begins with understanding what is most important to his clients and assessing their current position relative to their goals, ultimately developing customized financial strategies that align with their evolving life needs, resources, and aspirations. George began his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Summer Analyst in 2016, where he developed an understanding of the client-advisor relationship and the collaborative pursuit of clients’ life goals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Finance from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. Additionally, George has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning, as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional work, George’s personal interests include biking, bowling, chess, cooking, golfing, hiking, and reading.

Exec comp design Startup equity planning Liquidity event planning Wealth management ESG / Sustainable investing Founder/Business Owner Executive

James V

Series 66

Stuart, FL

Fidelity

James Van Nice is a Benefits & Planning Consultant specializing in Executive Services. In this role, he partners with executives to help them understand their employer benefits and develop plans to work towards their financial goals. James has professional experience as an Investment Solutions Representative III at Fidelity Investments from 2023 to 2025 and as an Investment Solutions Representative II at Fidelity Investments from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, he worked at Merrill Lynch as an Investment Solutions Representative I from 2021 to 2022 and as a Financial Advisor from 2018 to 2019. Outside of his professional work, James engages in fishing, fitness, golf, running, and volunteering.

Exec comp design Liquidity event planning Startup equity planning Executive

Adam N

CFP®, Series 66

Mankato, MN

Edward Jones

Adam Neubauer is a CFP® professional with 12 years of experience in financial advising, currently working at Edward Jones since 2014. He holds the Series 66 designation and is based in Mankato, MN. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving over four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment strategies, including discretionary and non-discretionary wrap fee solutions, separately managed accounts, and affiliated mutual funds, operating under a fiduciary standard.

Retirement income strategy Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Retirement withdrawal strategies Retired Founder/Business Owner Executive
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Juan P

Series 66

San Francisco, CA

Optimo Capital

Juan Polanco is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with Optimo Capital in San Francisco, CA, and has 11 years of industry experience. Before founding Optimo Capital, he worked at Carr & Ferrell LLP for two years. Outside of his advisory role, Mr. Polanco works full-time as an engineer at PacBio and mentors startups and founders at the Founder's Institute and LoyalVC. Optimo Capital advises founders of venture-backed companies, recently funded startups, and private investors on portfolio supervision and capital-raising. The firm uses a combined top‑down and bottom‑up analytical approach with a supervisory and consultative model, focusing on tailored services such as Investment Policy Statements, due diligence management, and pitch material preparation.

Business ownership considerations Wealth management Founder/Business Owner

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