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Business Owner Planning

Planning for Business Owners and Executives

For business owners and executives, personal wealth is often closely tied to the success of the business or company. We help you plan around the decisions that come with that, from compensation and retirement benefits to concentrated stock, business transitions, and liquidity events.

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$9B+AUM
6,100+Families
30Years
Fee-OnlyFiduciary

As of June 4, 2026

How We Can Help Business Owners

  • Retirement plan design and administration

    Colleagues talking around a conference table in a meeting

    The right retirement plan for your business depends on the size of your team, your goals, your tax situation, and how much you want to put away each year. We help with:

    • SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and Individual 401(k) setup for solo owners and small businesses
    • Defined contribution vs. defined benefit plan comparison and design
    • Coordinating the business retirement plan with personal retirement strategy

  • Equity compensation

    An executive smiling as he reviews a tablet at a conference table

    For executives and key employees, equity compensation can be a significant, and complex, part of total wealth. We help families think through:

    • Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) and how each is taxed
    • Concentrated stock position management and gradual diversification
    • Performance share units, deferred compensation, and other plan features
Two hands clasped across a family dinner table

Connecting the Business to the Personal Plan

When a significant portion of your wealth is tied to your business, the decisions you make there can have an impact well beyond the company. We help you consider those decisions in the context of your broader financial life.

  • Diversify wealth thoughtfully so the business isn’t the entire portfolio
  • Build personal liquidity that doesn’t depend solely on a future sale
  • Coordinate cash flow between business and personal finances in a tax-efficient manner
  • Plan for the family in case something happens to you or to the business
  • Prepare emotionally and financially for life after the business

Questions We Help Owners and Executives Consider

  • What’s the right retirement plan for my business, and for me?
  • How should I think about diversifying away from concentrated company stock?
  • Should I exercise my options now or wait?
  • How do I plan for taxes on a future sale of my business?
  • How much income do I need from the business right now?
  • Can I afford to step back from the business, and when?

Business Planning FAQs

What retirement plan should a small business set up?
It depends on the number of employees, your annual contribution goals, and your tolerance for administrative complexity. Solo owners often start with a SEP IRA or Individual 401(k); businesses with employees may use a SIMPLE IRA, traditional 401(k), or, for owners looking to increase retirement savings later in their careers, a defined benefit plan. We help model the trade-offs and help you choose the right fit.
When should I start planning for the sale of my business?
Ideally, three to five years before the sale, earlier if possible. Typically the most valuable tax planning, charitable giving strategy, estate work, and personal liquidity opportunities occur well before a transaction. Once a sale is underway, many of the planning options are off the table.
How do I diversify out of concentrated company stock?
The right approach depends on the cost basis of the position, your tax situation, restrictions on selling, and your risk tolerance. We help families evaluate strategies to help manage risk and tax cost together.
Can you coordinate with my CPA and attorney?
Yes, and we often serve as the central coordinator across the team. CIA’s team and your existing legal and accounting professionals can work together on your behalf, particularly during liquidity events, retirement plan design, and major transitions.

Coordinated With the Rest of Your Plan

Retirement Planning

Coordinating business retirement plans with personal retirement income.

Investment Management

Concentrated position management and diversification.

Tax Planning

Pre-sale tax planning, deferred compensation, and equity comp strategy.

Estate Planning

Succession, gifting strategies, and legacy planning around business ownership.
A restaurant owner standing with arms crossed in his kitchen

Make the Most of What You’ve Built

Whether your wealth comes from a business, company equity, or years of career success, we help you think ahead and plan for what you want it to make possible.

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Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“CIA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Business planning, retirement plan design, equity compensation, and liquidity event strategies should be evaluated based on each client’s individual circumstances. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and the availability or effectiveness of any planning strategy is not guaranteed. CIA does not provide legal advice, and clients should consult with their attorney, CPA, and other qualified professionals before implementing any tax or legal strategy.