CFP®-certified, retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) financial advisors in Santa Cruz, 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 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 unique income and tax situation. A common mistake is choosing a plan without considering how it affects your tax bill or retirement goals over time. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including retirement and tax strategies.
- Plan type suitability. Ask why they recommend a SEP versus a solo 401(k) based on your business size, income, and growth plans.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm they consider California’s high income taxes and how Proposition 13 might affect your property taxes long term.
- Contribution strategy. Look for advisors who help you balance contributions between your business and personal retirement accounts to optimize savings.
- Compliance and updates. Ensure they stay current with IRS rules and deadlines to keep your plan in good standing and avoid penalties.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Paul K
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Campbell, CA
LPL Financial
Paul King brings 37 years of experience and CFP® certification to advising business owners on SEP and solo 401(k) retirement plans, ensuring strategies consider tax impacts and compliance. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a large firm offering diverse investment solutions and flat-fee financial planning, he also supports clients with wealth management and tax-loss harvesting, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on retirement plans.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Lisa F
CFP®, Series 63
Campbell, CA
Cetera
Lisa Furlong's 20 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to advise business owners in Santa Cruz on SEP and solo 401(k) retirement plans, considering tax strategies and compliance. Operating from Cetera, a large firm, she offers flat-fee financial planning and serves diverse clients including high earners and those approaching retirement, differentiating her with expertise in wealth management and charitable giving.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Matthew R
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Los Gatos, CA
Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC
Matthew Roberson's 26 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to advise business owners in Santa Cruz on SEP and solo 401(k) retirement plans, considering tax impacts and contribution strategies. Based in nearby Los Gatos, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning through Arete Wealth Advisors, which serves high-net-worth clients with both advisor-driven and rule-based investment models.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $484,172
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Rebecca C
CFP®, Series 63
Santa Cruz, CA
East Rock Financial Services, LLC
Rebecca Contin's 13 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to guide Santa Cruz business owners through SEP and solo 401(k) retirement plans, considering tax strategies and compliance. Her firm, East Rock Financial Services, offers flat-fee financial planning focused on asset allocation and tax management, catering to high-net-worth clients, which may suit those seeking comprehensive, fee-transparent advice.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $3,481,576
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Leigh S
CFP®, Series 66
Los Gatos, CA
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
Leigh Shimamoto is CFP®-certified and specializes in retirement plans for business owners, including SEP and solo 401(k) plans, making her well-suited for business owners in Santa Cruz seeking tailored retirement strategies. Working at Mercer Global Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, she offers a Modern Portfolio Theory-based investment approach and flat-fee options, distinguishing her through comprehensive planning and diverse client services.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $2,214,259
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