I met with a prospect recently who’s in a spot I see more often than people realize.
Ryan is in his late 30s. He’s sharp, ambitious, and running a successful service-based business that’s been growing year over year. His income is strong. His work ethic is undeniable. And on paper, his net worth is well into seven figures.
But when we sat down, Ryan admitted something a lot of business owners hesitate to say out loud: “I feel like I should be further along.”
The truth? Despite all the success he’s built, most of Ryan’s wealth is tied up—between retirement accounts, business assets, and some long-term investments. Liquidity is low, and with debt in the mix and big goals on the horizon, he’s not sure what to prioritize next.
This is exactly the type of situation we’re built for at Members’ Wealth.
We work with high earners and business owners who are still in growth mode—juggling the complexity that comes with success and needing a plan that pulls everything together. Ryan didn’t need more information—he needed coordination, a fresh perspective, and a strategy for making the most of what he’s built.
We started with his business. Ryan is still operating as a sole proprietor, but as revenue grows, we’re exploring whether an S-Corp election could help reduce taxes and increase flexibility—especially when it comes to setting up the right retirement plan. His balance sheet looks strong, but cash flow feels tight. We’re working together to refinance or restructure existing debt, creating more breathing room to reinvest in the business and improve day-to-day liquidity.
Ryan is contributing to a traditional 401(k), but we’re diving deeper: What’s the ideal amount to contribute given his match? Should he also set up a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA through the business? When you have multiple income streams, retirement planning needs to be coordinated across platforms to optimize tax efficiency and future flexibility.
Like many entrepreneurs, estate planning wasn’t on the front burner. We’re starting with the basics—wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary updates—then building from there. Having a plan in place isn’t just about wealth transfer; it’s about clarity and protection.
One of the biggest differences Ryan noticed immediately? He’s not going it alone anymore. With a 4-person service team and quarterly meetings built in, we’ll help him stay accountable, and make ongoing adjustments. We’re also coordinating directly with his bookkeeper and accountant, so the plan is integrated on all fronts.
Success can feel isolating, especially when you're building fast. That’s why we’re connecting Ryan to NextPhase, a group of growth-minded business owners who come together regularly to share ideas and expand their networks. Strategy and community go hand in hand.
All of this lives within our RITE Framework—Risk, Investments, Tax, and Estate. It’s the foundation we use to help clients bring structure to complexity, and help each part of the plan support the next. For Ryan, it means building on what’s already working—and moving forward with far more clarity and control.
Ryan’s story is more common than most people think. A healthy income and growing net worth can mask underlying issues—like low liquidity, inefficient structures, or uncertainty about next steps. That’s why we don’t just look at numbers. We look at alignment.
If you’re in your 30s or 40s, running a business, and wondering whether everything is working as hard as you are—it might be time for a second opinion. You don’t need a boilerplate plan. You need one designed around you.
We’re local. We’re collaborative. And we’d love to help.
These examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual client experiences. Individual results will vary based on personal financial circumstances and tax laws.
Stu Caplan is Senior Wealth Strategist at Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions.
The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of industry experience, Stu and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations.
Stu received his MBA from The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and his bachelor’s degree from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. Stu resides in Bucks County, PA with his wife and two sons. He’s an avid golfer and is thrilled that his boys have embraced the game. He also volunteers his time as a board member of the PKD Foundation and Abrams Hebrew Academy.
To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453.
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