Build, Grow, and Exit Your Business on Your Terms
Guiding Michigan business owners for over 40 years
Your business success doesn't automatically translate to personal financial security. Without integrated planning, you could be missing tax savings, limiting your wealth-building potential, or setting yourself up for a disappointing exit.
We Speak Your Language Because We Are You
At Stephens Wealth, we're business owners ourselves. We understand the cash flow challenges, the employee headaches, the family dynamics, and the weight of protecting everyone's livelihood and legacy.
Growth
Strategies
Solutions that seek to build wealth both inside and outside your business while reducing risk
Exit Planning
Excellence
Roadmaps that help to maximize business value to enable your retirement
Tax Reduction
Strategies
Deferred compensation plans, business tax structures, and other solutions that may create tax savings
Tailored Advisory Team of Independent Professionals
Bringing together the key professionals you need to support your growth and succession
Family Business
Navigation
Specialized guidance for the complex dynamics when business is family
Employer
Retirement Plans
Consult on 401(k) and retirement plan design and serve as an advisor during plan implementation and ongoing administration
Real Business Owner Case Studies
Third-Generation
Family Business
CHALLENGE
Multiple family owners, lacking alignment on exit strategy, unclear tax implications and wealth gaps
SOLUTION
Connected with investment banking specialists, conducted comprehensive family wealth analysis, coordinated with CPA for tax modeling, facilitated family discussions
RESULT
Clear 2-year exit timeline, family alignment, personalized wealth projections for each generation
High-Income
Business Owner
CHALLENGE
Business owner 3 - 5 years from retirement with high income but limited tax-advantaged savings options and large retained earnings in C-Corporation, as well as a loosely defined plan for internal succession.
SOLUTION
Calculated business owner’s wealth gap and developed a corresponding financial plan helped the owner develop a formal succession strategy, designed and implemented employer retirement plans (401k and cash balance plan), and introduced the owner to a team of experts (CPA, estate planning attorney).
RESULT
Significant annual pre-tax savings, reduced tax liability, and employee benefit and retention strategy.
Our Approach:
The Business Owner Planning Process
PHASE ONE
Discovery
We start by learning your goals and gathering key information.
- What's your business really worth?
- What are your business’s growth drivers?
- What are your personal financial goals?
- What's your ideal timeline for transition?
- Who are your key team members?
PHASE TWO
Strategy Design
We create a roadmap that integrates your business and personal finances.
- Bridge the gap between business value and retirement needs
- Coordinate with your new and existing advisors around your growth and exit needs
- Develop pre- and post-transaction strategies (including taxes, estate planning, etc.)
- Plan for family involvement
PHASE THREE
Implementation and Coordination
- Regular progress reviews and adjustments
- Access to investment banking resources
- Support for family communication and successor readiness
Access Institutional-Level Resources
Through our custodian, Raymond James, we offer additional resources for all aspects of business transitions:
- Investment Banking for complex business sales and acquisitions
- Mergers & Acquisitions expertise for strategic transactions
- Specialized Lending for business financing needs
- Advanced Risk Management solutions
Business Owner Education Center
Access our latest insights on business planning and wealth strategies:
Staff Spotlight – Jill Carr
Staff Spotlight – Jill Carr This month’s spotlight is on our Director of Financial Planning, Senior Wealth Advisor, Jill Carr CFP®, CPA®, CEPA®, CPFA® Explain your roles at the firm. What do you do with each key role and what about it do you enjoy most? I am a senior wealth advisor and what I …
Read More >Preparing for a Fulfilling Retirement
Preparing for a Fulfilling Retirement Want to retire with confidence & clarity? In this short video, we walk through essential steps everyone should think about as retirement approaches—so you can enjoy this new chapter without financial guesswork. You’ll learn how to: Evaluate your retirement income sources Balance lifestyle vs. long-term security Make smart decisions around …
Read More >Guiding Clients Through Divorce
Guiding Clients Through Divorce Life transitions can be tough—few more so than divorce. Beyond the emotional toll, there are so many financial questions to navigate: What happens with retirement accounts? Who keeps the house? How do everyday expenses get covered? That’s where having the right support matters. We’re excited to share that Advisor Jessie Schlanderer …
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Your Business Your Success.
Let's Secure Your Legacy.
Whether you're 10 years from exiting or starting to think about succession, integrated planning protects what you've built while maximizing what comes next.
GET STARTED WITH:
✓ Complimentary business owner consultation
✓ Clear action steps you can implement immediately