Small Business Finance with Hourly and Advice-Only Financial Experts

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Business owner discussing financial plans with a fee-only financial professional

Effective financial management is essential for small business success, yet navigating this terrain presents unique challenges, from managing fluctuating revenues to budgeting for growth. The choice of a financial advisor is pivotal, and the clarity and impartiality of an hourly financial planner or an advice-only professional can have a significant impact.

This model offers unbiased, tailored advice, focusing squarely on the business owner’s needs without the potential conflicts of interest inherent in commission-based planning and assets under management (AUM). It’s an approach that ensures small businesses receive guidance aligned with their specific goals and challenges, without the additional concern of asset management.

The Basics of Hourly Financial Planning and Advice-Only Services

The distinction between hourly or advice-only financial planners and other types of financial advisors is crucial for small business owners to understand. An hourly financial planner or advice-only professional is compensated directly by their clients for the advice given, not based on the assets under management or through commissions from selling financial products.

This model fosters a level of transparency and objectivity rarely found in traditional commission-based or asset-under-management advisory services, allowing business owners to pay only for the advice they need without worrying about hidden costs or the advisor’s potential conflicts of interest.

Hourly financial planning and advice-only services stand out for their straightforward billing structure. Clients know exactly how much they are paying for the advice they receive, without worrying about hidden costs or the advisor’s potential conflicts of interest. This transparency fosters a relationship based on trust and mutual respect, where advice is given solely with the client’s best interests in mind.

Unlike traditional fee structures that might be tied to asset management or product sales, this model ensures that all advice is unbiased and tailored to the specific needs and goals of the client. Small business owners can rest assured that the guidance they receive is aligned with their unique business challenges, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic financial planning.

 

Without the incentive to sell specific financial products, hourly and advice-only financial experts are free to focus on creating strategies that best suit the unique needs of a small business. Whether it’s managing cash flow, planning investments, or preparing for future growth, these professionals can offer bespoke advice that aligns with the business owner’s goals.

This approach ensures that every piece of advice is based purely on what’s best for the business, not on what products or services might generate commissions or fees for the advisor. Small business owners benefit from a partnership that prioritizes their success and financial health, leading to more personalized and effective financial strategies.

Engaging with an hourly or advice-only financial expert is like adding a financial partner to your business team. This partner isn’t incentivized by product sales but is deeply invested in your business’s success. For small businesses, this means receiving guidance that isn’t just about navigating the current financial landscape but about laying a foundation for sustained growth and stability.

This relationship ensures that your business benefits from strategic advice tailored to your long-term goals. By focusing on your business’s specific needs, an hourly or advice-only financial expert can help you make informed decisions that drive growth, improve financial health, and secure a prosperous future.

Why Small Businesses Benefit from Hourly and Advice-Only Financial Planning

Small businesses, with their unique challenges and financial needs, find a particularly good fit with hourly and advice-only financial planning. This approach offers several distinct advantages that can significantly impact the growth and stability of a small enterprise.

Hourly and advice-only financial planning is tailored to meet the specific needs of small businesses, providing them with the strategic insights and guidance necessary to navigate their unique financial landscapes. This personalized approach ensures that small business owners receive focused advice that directly supports their goals and objectives, fostering long-term growth and financial stability.

Unbiased Advice Tailored to Business Needs: The core benefit of hourly and advice-only planning lies in its unbiased nature. Small business owners can trust that the advice they receive is tailored to their specific situation, not influenced by the potential for commissions from product sales. This means strategies are developed with the business’s best interest at heart, focusing on what’s most beneficial for the business’s growth and financial health.

Cost-Effective Financial Management: Hourly and advice-only advisors charge for their time and expertise rather than earning commissions from selling products. This can often result in cost savings for small businesses, as they avoid the higher fees and ongoing charges that can accompany commission-based products. The direct fee structure also makes financial planning services more accessible, allowing small businesses to invest in expert advice without the burden of additional financial products.

Comprehensive Support for Diverse Needs: Small businesses benefit from the comprehensive support hourly and advice-only planners can provide. From cash flow analysis and budgeting to tax strategies and retirement planning for the business owner, the support is all-encompassing. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the business’s finances is considered, helping to secure its present and future.

A Focus on Long-Term Relationships: Hourly and advice-only planners often foster long-term relationships with their clients, acting as a financial partner rather than just a service provider. For a small business, this means having a trusted advisor who understands the intricacies of the business and can provide continuity in planning and advice as the business evolves. This relationship can be invaluable in navigating the ups and downs of business ownership.

Empowering Owners Through Education: Finally, hourly and advice-only financial planners often prioritize educating their clients about financial issues. For small business owners, this education is empowering, providing them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their finances and the direction of their business.

David E. Barfield, CFP®, exemplifies these principles in his practice, offering small businesses not just financial planning services, but a partnership aimed at achieving their long-term goals. His approach aligns with the ethos of fee-only planning, ensuring that every piece of advice and strategy is crafted with the business’s success in mind.

Meet David E. Barfield, CFP®: A Trusted Authority in Hourly and Advice-Only Financial Planning for Small Businesses

David E. Barfield, CFP®, is the guiding force behind Datapoint Financial Planning, specializing in hourly and advice-only financial advice for small businesses. Holding Certified Financial Planner™ credentials, David offers a wealth of knowledge tailored to the unique challenges small business owners face.

Focused on Unbiased Advice: David’s hourly and advice-only approach ensures his advice is always in the client’s best interest, free from the bias of commissions or asset management. This transparency forms the foundation of trust and clarity in every strategy he recommends, setting a clear path for small businesses to follow.

A Partner in Growth: Beyond offering advice, David builds lasting relationships with his clients, providing consistent, personalized guidance as their businesses evolve. His commitment to empowering business owners with knowledge equips them to make informed decisions for their financial future, fostering a strong partnership that supports sustained growth and stability.

David’s expertise and approachable manner make him a valuable ally for small businesses seeking to navigate their financial landscape with confidence, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive in a competitive market.

Working with Datapoint Financial Planning: What to Expect

When small business owners choose Datapoint Financial Planning, they’re not just hiring a financial advisor—they’re partnering with a team dedicated to their success. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect when working with David E. Barfield, CFP®, and his team.

Initial Consultation: The journey begins with a free 45-minute consultation with David. This session is designed to understand your business’s unique financial situation, goals, and challenges comprehensively. It’s an opportunity for both sides to ensure there’s a good fit before committing to a partnership.

Personalized Planning: Following the initial consultation, David crafts a financial plan tailored to the specific needs of your business. This plan addresses various aspects of financial health, including cash flow management, investment strategy, tax planning, and more, depending on what’s most relevant to your situation.

Transparent Pricing: With hourly and advice-only services, pricing is straightforward and transparent. You’ll know upfront the cost based on the time spent or the specific advice you need, without any hidden fees or commissions. This clarity ensures there are no surprises along the way.

Ongoing Support and Reviews: Financial planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. David is available for follow-up meetings, whether you have new questions, face unexpected challenges, or need an annual review to ensure your financial plan remains aligned with your goals.

Empowerment Through Education: Part of working with Datapoint Financial Planning involves learning about your finances in a way that demystifies complex concepts. David believes in empowering clients, so you’ll gain not just advice but also the knowledge to make informed decisions in the future.

By choosing Datapoint Financial Planning, small business owners gain a dedicated partner committed to their financial well-being. David’s approach ensures that every client receives personalized advice, ongoing support, and the tools they need to achieve their business and financial objectives.

Take the Next Step with Datapoint Financial Planning

Ready to transform your small business’s financial future? Start your journey with Datapoint Financial Planning today. Schedule your free 45-minute consultation with David E. Barfield, CFP®, and discover how tailored, fee-only financial advice can make a difference for your business.

Here’s How to Get Started:

  1. Call Us: Reach out to (470) 695-0444 to set up your consultation at a time that works for you.
  2. Email Us: Prefer to start the conversation via email? Send us a message at david@datapointfp.com, and let us know a bit about your business and what you’re looking to achieve.
  3. Schedule a free consultation

Don’t let financial uncertainty hold your business back. With Datapoint Financial Planning, you gain more than just a service; you gain a partner dedicated to your success. We offer unbiased, personalized financial advice, focusing on hourly and advice-only planning to ensure that every recommendation is tailored to help your business thrive. Take the first step towards securing your financial future today.

author avatar
Editorial Team