Large-firm, startup equity planning financial advisors
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 recently received stock options or shares from a startup, you need an advisor who understands how to plan around these complex assets. A common mistake is treating startup equity like regular investments, which can lead to missed tax benefits or liquidity issues. Large-firm advisors often have access to broader resources and specialized teams that can support your unique needs.
- Equity type expertise. Confirm they know the difference between stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and other startup equity forms, as each has distinct tax and exercise rules.
- Exit strategy planning. Ask how they help you prepare for liquidity events like IPOs or acquisitions, ensuring you understand timing and tax implications.
- Tax impact awareness. Startup equity can trigger alternative minimum tax (AMT) or other complex tax scenarios; check how they manage these risks.
- Integration with overall finances. See if they consider your startup equity alongside your cash flow, debt, and retirement goals for a balanced plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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George S
Series 66
Hartford, CT
Merrill
George Silvester specializes in startup equity planning and liquidity event planning, making him well-equipped to handle the complexities of stock options and equity compensation for founders and executives. Based in Hartford, CT, he works at Merrill, a large firm, and serves mid-career professionals and HENRY clients with an AUM fee of 1.10%, offering a tailored approach that integrates equity ownership with broader financial goals.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $860,085
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James V
Series 66
Stuart, FL
Fidelity
James Van Nice specializes in startup equity planning and liquidity event planning, making him well-equipped to handle the complexities of stock options and exit strategies for startup employees. With seven years of industry experience at large firms like Fidelity and Merrill Lynch, he offers executive-focused financial guidance, combining expertise in executive compensation design with a deep understanding of employer benefits and financial goal planning.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Adam N
CFP®, Series 66
Mankato, MN
Edward Jones
Adam Neubauer specializes in startup equity planning and brings 11 years of experience as a CFP® at Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets. His expertise extends to retirement income strategy and business exit planning, offering a comprehensive approach that integrates startup equity with broader financial goals. Based in Mankato, MN, he provides access to extensive resources and a wide range of investment strategies, differentiating him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Leonard B
Series 66
Jericho, NY
Morgan Stanley
Leonard Baldassare is equipped to assist with startup equity planning, leveraging his expertise in executive compensation design, liquidity event planning, and wealth management within a large-firm setting. His decade of industry experience and background at a Fortune 100 company provide a strong foundation, while his focus on tax minimization and retirement income strategy offers a comprehensive approach compared to other advisors in the US specializing in startup equity.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $670,481
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Shirley W
Series 66
Labelle, FL
LPL Financial
Shirley Willis specializes in startup equity planning within a large firm, bringing eight years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. She offers flat-fee financial planning and consulting through LPL Financial, which supports a broad client base including business owners and young professionals. Her background includes a prior nine-year tenure at Edward Jones, providing a strong foundation in retirement plans and business ownership considerations.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $399,489
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