Top general estate planning guidance financial advisors in Sarasota, FL
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.
You might seek general estate planning guidance if you're organizing your assets to protect your family or planning for how your estate will be managed after your passing. A common mistake is overlooking how state-specific rules, like Florida's strong homestead protections, affect your plan.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how advisors address federal income, property, and sales taxes in your estate plan.
- Homestead protection knowledge. Confirm the advisor understands Florida's unique homestead laws and how they impact asset protection and wealth transfer.
- Asset distribution clarity. Look for advisors who help you clearly define who inherits what, minimizing family disputes and probate delays.
- Coordination with legal counsel. Estate planning often involves wills and trusts; ask how the advisor collaborates with your attorney to align financial and legal strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Richard S
Series 63, Series 65
Sarasota, FL
Merrill
Richard Smalley offers extensive expertise in general estate planning guidance, backed by 40 years of industry experience and a focus on wealth management and retirement strategies. Based in Sarasota, FL, he operates within Merrill, a large firm, and charges a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him with seasoned insight and a client-focused approach tailored to mid-career professionals and high earners.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Todd S
Series 63, Series 65
Sarasota, FL
Morgan Stanley
Todd Sacks offers general estate planning guidance in Sarasota, leveraging 34 years of industry experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. Affiliated with Morgan Stanley, a large firm managing $2.74 trillion in assets, he utilizes structured planning tools and market modeling, providing a comprehensive approach that may differ from smaller firms or less experienced advisors in the area.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $670,481
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Bradford H
Series 63, Series 65
Sarasota, FL
Thurston Springer Advisors
Bradford Hagerman offers extensive expertise in general estate planning guidance in Sarasota, FL, supported by 51 years of industry experience and a background as a founder and executive. His firm, Thurston Springer Advisors, serves diverse clients with tactical momentum investment strategies and provides flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned insight with flexible fee structures and a broad client focus.
Experience: 52 years
Avg account: $1,221,336
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Kenneth H
Series 66
Lakewood, FL
Wealthgen Advisors, LLC
Kenneth Hargreaves offers general estate planning guidance in Sarasota, FL, with 17 years of experience and expertise in business succession and stock option strategies. His firm, Wealthgen Advisors, uses a multi-disciplinary investment approach and serves high-net-worth clients and small businesses, providing flat-fee financial planning typically ranging from $5,000 to $8,000, which may appeal to those seeking transparent pricing and comprehensive asset management.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $1,382,105
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Erik F
CFP®, Series 66
Sarasota, FL
Mass Mutual Investors Services
Erik Fischer offers expertise in general estate planning guidance with a focus on multi-generational wealth transfer and cash flow management, supported by his CFP® certification and 11 years of experience in Sarasota, FL. Working at Mass Mutual Investors Services, a large firm known for collaborative, goal-oriented planning, he serves diverse clients including business owners and trusts, distinguishing him through his broad client base and involvement in financial leadership roles at local charities.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $249,379
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