The Owner’s Retirement Blueprint: Design a Plan, Reduce Taxes, Retain Talent

As another tax year comes to a close, many successful business owners are undoubtedly asking themselves the same question: How do I keep more of what I’ve earned away from Uncle Sam this year?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bayntree’s Director of Corporate Development, Brian Hartstein, to break down year-end strategies to help entrepreneurs and high-income earners make the most of their pre-tax dollars and reduce their biggest expense: Taxes.

With over 30 years of experience collaborating with business owners, CPAs, and plan administrators, Brian has seen firsthand how many companies wait until the fourth quarter to address tax planning. He emphasizes the benefits of proactive planning and how it leads to significant savings and long-term wealth creation through strategies such as SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and cash balance pension plans.

We’ll also walk you through the Retirement Plan Pyramid, and demonstrate which tools make the most sense for different business stages—from solo entrepreneurs to companies with dozens of employees.

Whether looking to shelter high income before year-end or looking for ways to use retirement plans as a competitive advantage to recruit, retain, and reward top talent, this episode will help you identify smart, actionable ways to keep more of what you earn and build your retirement wealth strategically.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why most business owners wait too long to plan—and how to avoid the “fourth-quarter fire drill.”
• The most overlooked pre-tax opportunities that can save tens of thousands in taxes.
• How to choose between a SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), or cash balance plan based on your business structure.
• The power of the Retirement Plan Pyramid and how each layer fits your financial goals.
• How to use retirement plans as recruitment and retention tools for key employees.
• Why being proactive—not reactive—with your CPA and advisor can make all the difference.

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