Comprehensive strategy sessions for major financial events
Facing a financial decision under a tight deadline? Some events come with dates you can’t move—such as a business sale closing, estate administration milestones, divorce documentation, an inheritance that needs structuring, or equity compensation with approaching exercise windows. A liquidity event—selling a business, receiving a large inheritance, or exercising stock options—can reshape your financial picture quickly. Along with opportunities, it introduces practical challenges: coordinating tax considerations, setting a prudent investment path, and protecting wealth for the long term. Our role is to help you evaluate trade-offs promptly and methodically, so decisions are made with context—not haste.
When delay has real costs
In time-compressed situations, inaction can mean missed windows, including:
- Tax elections or strategies that may no longer be available after certain dates (results vary by situation; no specific savings are assured).
- Asset-protection or entity steps that may have deadline-driven eligibility.
- Equity awards or options that may expire or be forfeited if not handled correctly.
- Estate structures that, if not addressed, may lead to less favorable outcomes.
- Business transitions that, without preparation, can reduce negotiating flexibility.
Our process focuses on quickly surfacing key issues, coordinating stakeholders, and sequencing steps—without promising any particular outcome or benefit.
Who this service is for?
Business Owners
- Acquisition offers with 30–60-day decision windows
- Partner disputes requiring near-term buy–sell execution
- Family business succession needs (e.g., death, disability, conflict)
- Valuation and documentation support in divorce contexts
Executives & High Earners
- Job transitions with severance and equity compensation
- Stock option/RSU decisions with approaching deadlines
- Irrevocable deferred-compensation elections
- Corporate changes affecting retirement and benefits
Individuals in Life Transitions
- High-asset divorces requiring coordinated financial planning
- Large inheritances needing timely tax and estate coordination
- Legal settlements requiring structure and safeguarding
- Sudden wealth events (windfalls, liquidity events, lottery, etc.)
Sudden Wealth Syndrome
Sudden wealth often brings unexpected pressure alongside opportunity—anxiety about next steps, uncertainty about who to trust, and decision fatigue. Before making large, irreversible changes, we slow the decision pace where possible and discuss “what-if” scenarios to align choices with your values and priorities. Where deadlines exist, we work within them while helping you avoid unnecessary rush.
Why time-sensitive situations need a different approach
Forensic analysis under pressure
My background includes crisis and turnaround work, focusing on pattern recognition, prioritization, and staying methodical when timelines are tight. Examples are provided for context and do not predict results.
Systems thinking for complexity
Prior consulting experience in corporate evaluations and restructurings informs our approach: the issue is rarely complexity itself—it’s complexity without a system. We apply a simple, documented framework so multiple work-streams can proceed in parallel.
Coordinated team execution
We work with your CPA, attorney, business broker, and other specialists. If you do not have an established team, we can help identify qualified professionals or introduce resources where available. Engagements proceed only where we are appropriately registered and/or licensed, and where services are available.
The 48-Hour Financial Crisis Intervention Process*
Day 1: Deep-Dive Discovery (target ~10 hours)
- Financial inventory and document review High-level review of legal agreements, tax filings, and entity structures
- Stakeholder coordination (CPA, attorney, business partners)
- Situation summary and identification of decision points
Day 2: Strategy Development & Action Planning (target ~10 hours)
- Findings and strategic options
- Pros/cons and tax considerations for each path
- Coordinated next-step plan with target dates
- Introductions to implementation resources
Deliverable: Written strategy outlining decision paths, key considerations (including tax implications at a general level), timelines, and a coordinated action plan.
Investment: Two days of concentrated planning; professional fees plus direct expenses (travel billed separately if outside the primary service area).
Follow-up: (1) Hourly implementation support, or (2) Transition to an ongoing Private Client relationship for comprehensive wealth management.
*Timelines are typical but not guaranteed; start dates and scope depend on complexity, required third-party input, and scheduling.
Credentials & Experience
- CFP®, CPWA®, AIF®
- Five Star Wealth Manager (2022–2026)*
- 18+ years in financial services
We welcome due diligence. We can describe our review process and coordination approach; however, we do not publish client testimonials or imply any assured outcome. Records supporting factual statements are maintained and available to regulators.
* Third-party recognition is not a guarantee of future performance or client experience. See full award disclosure below.
Independence
As an independent advisor, we do not have proprietary product quotas. Recommendations are based on your needs and circumstances. Depending on your engagement, we may provide advisory services (fiduciary standard) and/or brokerage services (Reg BI), with different fee structures and duties; we will disclose these arrangements and any material conflicts in writing prior to engagement.
Time-sensitive financial question?
The earlier you engage, the more options we can typically evaluate within your deadlines.
Please briefly share your situation, any key dates, and how to reach you. We generally reply within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can we begin?
Often within 48–72 hours of initial contact, subject to scheduling and the availability of required documents and professional stakeholders. For transactions closing in under two weeks, we will discuss feasibility at intake.
Do you work with my existing advisors?
Yes. Coordinated work with your CPA, attorney, and other advisors usually improves outcomes. We align roles, timelines, and responsibilities at the outset.
Do you work outside my area?
We work with clients nationwide via secure video when permitted by our registrations and licensing. For matters requiring in-person presence, travel can be arranged (expenses billed separately).
What happens after the initial 48-hour process?
You receive a written strategy and action plan. You may (1) implement with your current team, (2) engage us for implementation support hourly, or (3) transition to an ongoing wealth-management relationship. No particular outcome is promised.
How do I know if my situation fits this service?
If you’re facing a decision with meaningful tax or financial implications, short deadlines (e.g., 30–90 days), and several moving parts (legal, tax, business, estate), this rapid framework may be appropriate. If not, we’ll recommend alternatives.
Disclosures & Important Information
- No offer/solicitation. This material is general in nature and not an offer to buy or sell securities or to provide personalized advice.
- No guarantee. We do not guarantee results, tax outcomes, or timelines. Any examples are illustrative.
- Tax & legal. We do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax and legal professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.
- Registrations/availability. Services are available only where properly registered/licensed and may differ by engagement (advisory vs. brokerage).
- Third-party recognition disclosure (Five Star Wealth Manager). The “Five Star Wealth Manager” award is administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC dba Five Star Professional (“Five Star”). Richard Becker is not affiliated with Five Star. Five Star does not endorse Texas Retirement Planners, GWN Securities, or their representatives. Candidates must satisfy objective eligibility and evaluation criteria (e.g., regulatory review). After receiving the award, representatives may pay a fee to Five Star for publication rights; payment is not a condition of receiving the award. Third-party ratings are not indicative of future performance.
- Trademarks: CFP®, CPWA®, and AIF® are the property of their respective owners and used according to their guidelines.
