Top business exit / sale strategy financial advisors in Santa Ana, 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.
Selling a business is a major financial event that often triggers complex tax and cash flow challenges. If you don't plan carefully, you might face unexpected tax bills or miss opportunities to reinvest proceeds effectively.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how the advisor navigates capital gains, state income taxes, and potential property tax implications under Proposition 13.
- Cash flow transition. Ask how they help manage income changes after the sale to maintain your lifestyle and financial goals.
- Reinvestment strategy. Look for guidance on deploying sale proceeds to balance growth, risk, and liquidity tailored to your situation.
- Exit timing insight. Discuss how they evaluate market conditions and personal goals to recommend the best timing for your sale.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Makoa H
Series 66
Costa Mesa, CA
Guardian Life
Makoa Hotz specializes in business exit and sale strategy, with additional expertise in tax-loss harvesting, making him capable of addressing complex tax and reinvestment challenges in Santa Ana. Operating through Guardian Life, a large firm, he offers flexible flat-fee arrangements and serves self-employed founders, providing a range of consulting services supported by diverse investment strategies and account-level solutions.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $230,599
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Craig S
Series 63, Series 66
Orange, CA
Edward Jones
Craig Shipcott specializes in business exit and sale strategy, leveraging 20 years of experience and credentials like Series 63 and 66 to address complex tax and reinvestment challenges. Operating from Edward Jones, a large firm with extensive resources and a broad client base, he offers a program fee up to 1.35% annually and serves founders and executives, distinguishing him from advisors in smaller firms or with narrower specialties.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Nicholas E
Series 63
Tustin, CA
Kestra Advisory
Nicholas Ellis offers extensive expertise in business exit and sale strategy, supported by 42 years of industry experience and a background in retirement plans for business owners. Operating from Tustin, CA, he provides flat-fee financial planning through Kestra Advisory, a large firm known for fiduciary consulting and retirement-plan services, distinguishing him with a seasoned approach and flexible fee options.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $618,892
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Jason H
CFP®, Series 65
Orange, CA
Keep It Simple Financial Planning
Jason Hamilton specializes in business exit and sale strategy with a decade of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to handle complex tax and reinvestment challenges in Santa Ana. His firm emphasizes a passive investment approach with diversified index funds, offers flat-fee financial planning, and focuses on clients nearing retirement, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment styles.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $773,986
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Michael M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Orange, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Michael Mcquilkin specializes in business exit and sale strategy, leveraging 30 years of experience and CFP® certification to address tax impacts, cash flow transitions, and reinvestment strategies for business owners. Based in nearby Orange, CA, he operates within Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm offering extensive planning tools and services tailored to high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or less comprehensive resources.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $514,335
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