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:
Market Update
It was a strong summer for the markets as stocks hit new all-time highs. In fact, this was the third best summer for the S&P 500 (US large cap stocks) over the last 40 years. The US economy has remained incredibly resilient. Corporate earnings have been strong and better than expected. The S&P 500 is …
Read More >October 2025 Newsletter
Market Update Markets had a strong summer, with the S&P 500 posting one of its best seasonal performances in decades. International stocks outpaced U.S. equities, small caps rebounded, and bonds rallied as interest rates fell. The Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut may bring both opportunities and uncertainty, with lower borrowing costs but potential volatility ahead. …
Read More >Confused by the W-4 Form?
Confused by the W-4 Form? You’re not alone. Many don’t realize the W-4 Employee Withholding form has changed — and filling it out correctly matters. In this short webinar, Senior Advisor Jill Carr walks you through what’s new, when to update your W-4, and how to do it right. BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Disclosure …
Read More >
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