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Business Owner Strategies
Your business is likely your largest and most complex asset. This category explores the strategies necessary to grow, protect, and eventually harvest that value. From tax-efficient executive compensation to navigating the emotional and technical hurdles of a sale or succession, we focus on ensuring your hard work translates into lasting personal wealth.


How to Choose Your Business Structure: A Guide to Minimizing Taxes & Liability
When you're building a business, the structure you choose isn't just paperwork: it has real consequences for how you're taxed, how much risk you take on personally, and how your business can grow. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about restructuring, it's worth understanding the core differences between the main types of business entities. This guide will walk you through the most common business entity types: Sole Proprietorships General Partnerships LLCs S-Corps

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
May 30, 20255 min read


Business Succession: Strategies for Leaving a Business to Family
Transferring a business to family members is more than just a financial decision, it’s a deeply personal one. Your business represents years, if not decades, of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. It’s a legacy that you want to see thrive for generations to come. However, without proper planning, a transition can create unnecessary tax burdens, financial strain, and even family disputes. Understanding the available strategies ensures that your business remains a source of s

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Apr 29, 20254 min read


Making the Most of Cash Balance Plans: A Simple Guide for Business Owners
If you own a business and want to save more for retirement while paying less in taxes, a cash balance plan might be a great option. These plans may allow you to save more money than a regular 401(k) and offer major tax benefits. What is a Cash Balance Plan? A cash balance plan is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan where the business makes annual contributions on behalf of employees. These contributions grow at a predetermined rate and are designed to provide a stab

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Mar 31, 20253 min read


Estate Planning: Advanced Strategies for Wealth Management
Estate planning encompasses more than the preservation of wealth; it is a sophisticated exercise in financial security, tax minimization, and the cultivation of an enduring legacy. For individuals with complex asset portfolios or professional obligations, a nuanced estate plan is essential to address multifaceted personal and professional objectives while protecting assets for succeeding generations. Below, we examine advanced estate planning techniques and their strategic ap

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Feb 26, 20254 min read


Equity Compensation: Strategies for Business Owners and Executives
Equity compensation: whether it’s stock options, restricted stock units, deferred compensation plans, or other incentives can be powerful for both wealth-building and as a tool to retain and grow top talent. For business owners and executives, it offers an opportunity to align your financial success with the growth of your company. But without a strategy, these rewards can quickly become a source of unnecessary complexity and risk. Here we’ll explore key considerations for ma

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Jan 28, 20254 min read


Connelly v. United States: What it May Mean For Your Business
Last month I spoke to the importance of a buy/sell agreement amongst business owners. To continue that conversation, the recent Supreme Court decision in Connelly v. United States has given even more for small business owners to consider. The case has significant implications that extend well into the owner’s estate planning, and it should prompt them to reconsider how they handle succession plans and ownership structures, especially when buyout agreements are involved. In th

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Nov 22, 20244 min read


Protecting Your Business’s Future: The Critical Role of Buy/Sell Agreements
Business owners should strongly consider buy-sell agreements to safeguard the interests of both the business and its owners. These agreements are invaluable in setting clear guidelines for ownership transitions in various situations, from unforeseen events to changes in business dynamics. They typically cover: Regulation of the owners' relationships Management of the business Transfer of ownership interests Privileges and protections for owners Buy/sell agreements help mitiga

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Oct 25, 20244 min read


The Importance of Filing Estimated Quarterly Taxes
Navigating the tax landscape is a critical aspect of financial planning for many. One crucial component of this landscape can be the filing of estimated quarterly taxes. Unlike employees who have taxes withheld from their paychecks, individuals who generate income through self-employment, investments, or other non-traditional means must take responsibility for calculating and paying their taxes in installments throughout the year. Here, we’ll discuss the importance of filing

Andrew Van Alstyne CFP®, EA, MBA
Jun 7, 20243 min read

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