Mercer Advisors
Sharing Knowledge

Small Business

Running a small business creates unique opportunities for tax savings, retirement planning, and wealth building — from leveraging qualified small business stock (QSBS) and SEP IRAs to structuring a tax-efficient business exit. At Mercer Advisors, we help small business owners address the financial complexities of their business and their personal financial life as one integrated plan. Browse the resources below for practical guidance on business taxes, retirement options, succession planning, and more.

Women & Wealth Article

What Financial Independence for Women Business Owners Really Means

Women business owners increasingly prioritize flexibility and independence. Learn how liquidity buffers, exit readiness, and coordinated planning can help.

Work & Business Guide

The Tech Founder Preliquidity Planning Timeline: A Five-Year Playbook

A five-year preliquidity planning road map for tech founders covering QSBS stacking, trust structures, state residency, 10b5-1 plans, and diversification.

Women & Wealth Article

Beyond Business Growth: Wealth Planning for Women Founders

Many women founders face a three-way financial pull. Learn how to help protect personal wealth, optimize taxes, and plan your business exit — all at once.

Work & Business Article

Strategic Exit Planning for Business Owners

Explore comprehensive exit planning strategies for business owners. Learn how to coordinate valuation, tax optimization, and succession planning to help support a smoother transition.

Tax Planning Guide

The Real Estate Agent’s Smart Tax and Retirement Playbook

Understanding your options and making confident decisions can help you build long-term wealth and reduce your tax burden.

Two woman business owners planning
Women & Wealth Article

Exit Planning for Women Business Owners

Guidance for women business owners approaching a sale — covering exit strategy, tax planning, succession, and life after a liquidity event.

S corp team working
Tax Planning Article

S Corporation Losses, Trusts, and Termination

Learn how S corporation losses are handled at trust termination, including basis limits, suspended losses, and when beneficiaries may use unused deductions

Investment Management Article

Understanding Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

Learn how Qualified Small Business Stock can reduce capital gains taxes and what changed under the 2025 QSBS rules.

A pay role specialist reviewing social security
Work & Business Article

Social Security Wage Base 2026 Increase: Employer Guide

Get a clear breakdown including new payroll tax limits and what employers should budget for high‑income staff.

A dad working with his son
Tax Planning Article

Tax Benefits of Employing Your Children in Your Business

Hiring your children in an LLC or sole proprietorship can reduce income and payroll taxes. Understand the IRS rules and how to plan.

A real estate agent managing her write offs
Tax Planning Article

15 Legitimate Tax Write-Offs for Real Estate Agents To Track

Help reduce your taxable income and learn smart tax planning strategies through real estate agent wealth management.

A California business owner researching salt relief
Tax Planning Article

Unlocking SALT Relief for California Business Owners

California PTE tax election helps business owners reduce federal taxable income via SALT relief.

A real estate agent meeting a client
Work & Business Article

SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k) for Real Estate Agents

Learn the differences between the two plans and why they matter in financial planning for real estate agents.

FAQs
Women & Wealth FAQ

What’s the difference between business growth and financial independence?

See the answer
Women & Wealth FAQ

How does a coordinated advisory team compare to managing finances alone?

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Women & Wealth FAQ

How do I access financial planning for business owners?

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Women & Wealth FAQ

Where can I find a wealth advisor for women business owners?

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Women & Wealth FAQ

Do I need an exit plan if I’m not planning to sell my business soon?

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Women & Wealth FAQ

Should I build personal savings outside my business?

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Women & Wealth FAQ

What are liquidity buffers and how do they help women entrepreneurs?

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Women & Wealth FAQ

What does financial independence for women business owners mean?

See the answer

Further Learning

Older Couple Talking to Younger Woman
Retirement Article

What Are QLACs and Who Should Consider One?

Here is how qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs) work, the current rules, and when one might make sense for your retirement income plan.

Estate Planning Article

Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption: Why Using It Now Could Offer Advantages Over Waiting

For taxable estates, using your lifetime exemption now can shelter future growth from estate tax. See how timing, trusts, and GST planning may shape the outcome.

Trustee Services On-Demand Webinar

Navigating Medicare: Your 2027 Open Enrollment Playbook

Mercer Advisors Colin Day and Chapter’s Ari Parker break down Medicare’s 2027 updates, enrollment steps, and key decisions for retirees.

Family having conversation wiht advisor.
Financial Planning Article

A Family Office for Your Family: A Wealth Tradition Within Reach

The sophisticated, time-tested family office approach used by many ultra-high-net-worth individuals to help manage their financial lives is now accessible to more families.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
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