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When a Client’s Net Worth Is Trapped in the Business: A Financial Planner’s Playbook
EPI research finds roughly 80% of the average owner’s net worth sits inside the business, yet only 27% of Boomer owners have a formal valuation. A financial planner’s playbook for pricing and de-risking the biggest asset in the plan.
The Three Gates of Exit Planning: You, the Business, and the Market
A good exit clears three gates: the owner is ready, the business is ready, and the market is ready. EPI research finds 76% of sellers regret the sale within a year. Here is how the prepared minority avoids it.
Business Broker vs. M&A Advisor: Which Does Your Business Need?
Brokers serve Main Street deals under $2 million; M&A advisors serve the $2M-$50M lower middle market. The real differences in buyers, process, and fees, and research showing advised sellers earned 6-25% higher premiums.
What Is a CIM? The Confidential Information Memorandum, Explained
A CIM is the document serious buyers see after signing an NDA: the full story of your business, built for underwriting. What goes inside, who writes it, and why it decides whether buyers compete.
What Is SDE? Seller’s Discretionary Earnings, Explained for Owners
SDE is the number most small businesses are actually priced on. What counts in seller’s discretionary earnings, which add-backs buyers reject, and the Q1 2026 median multiples of 2.0x to 3.0x SDE by deal size.
When to Tell Employees You’re Selling the Business
Tell employees too early and you risk panic, departures, and a spooked buyer. Too late and key people feel blindsided. The timing that protects your deal, by business size and role.