Founders often outgrow their first money tools faster than they realise. If you crossed $500 K in revenue and last year’s TurboTax return gave you heartburn, strategic advice may already pay for itself. Businesses that hire professional accountantslift revenue 11.5 % on average, and that edge compounds when a financial advisor plugs into the plan.
Ready to upgrade?
Compare vetted pros onSam’s List
Signs You’re Outgrowing DIY
• Surprise quarterly tax bills
• Cash‑flow roller‑coaster
• Investors hammering you for better forecasts
• Owner‑pay uncertainty
• Retained earnings sit idle in a 0 % checking account
Advisor Value at Each Stage
| Revenue Stage | Advisor Contribution | Typical Annual Fee |
| $0–$500 K | Basic retirement setup, debt vs. invest decisions | $3 K–$6 K |
| $500 K–$1 M | Tax strategy, cash‑flow modeling, solo 401(k) design | $5 K–$10 K or 1 % AUM |
| $1 M–$5 M | Exit planning, entity restructuring, employee equity plans | 0.75 % AUM or fixed‑fee retainer |
Mini‑Case:
A digital‑marketing agency crossed $800 K revenue but hid profit inside the business bank account. AnadvisorfromSam’s Listmodeled an S‑corp salary, established a solo 401(k), and shifted $56 K pre‑tax out of the company in the first year—funding a down payment on the owner’s first home.
Choosing the Right Advisor
- RIA vs. Broker‑Dealer(fiduciary wins every time)
- Flat vs. AUM fees—run the math on each
- Certifications—CFP® and CPA/PFS signal holistic planning; CFA® signals deep investment skill
- Tech stack—client portal, shared task board with your bookkeeper
Key Questions to Ask
Before you sign, skim the full checklist inQuestions to Ask a Financial Advisor
Readiness Checklist
☐ Quarterly cash‑flow forecast complete
☐ Retirement plan chosen (solo 401(k), SEP‑IRA)
☐ Owner salary vs. distribution strategy clear
☐ Tax projections updated mid‑year
FAQ
How much does a small‑business advisor cost?
$3 K–$10 K flat per year or 0.5 %–1 % of assets under management.
Are advisor fees tax‑deductible?
Business‑related advisory fees often are; pure personal‑investment advice usually isn’t. Confirm with your CPA.
Do I need an advisor if I have a bookkeeper?
Bookkeepers record the past; advisors plan the future—tax strategy, retirement, risk management, and exit path.
What certifications matter most?
CFP®, CPA/PFS, or CFA® plus Series 65 for fiduciary status. Verify on FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC IAPD site.
Author: Kimi, Co‑founder of Sam’s List
Kimiwrites about what she’s learning while buildingSam’s Listand shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
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