Meet Ed

Founder & Principal, Olympus Tax, Business and Insurance Solutions, Inc.
Co-Founder & Chief Learning Officer, Financial Cloud Works, LLC

Principal, PerspectiV Planning, LLC

Co-Founder, CA Probate and Trust Family Office

Edward W. Cotney is a visionary leader in tax strategy, business planning, and wealth optimization. Hailing from Alabama (Roll Tide!), Ed earned degrees in Physiology and Aviation Management and dedicated twenty years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1998 in Northern California. His deep-seated commitment to excellence has since guided his success in the realms of advanced tax planning and family wealth counseling.

Ed’s introduction to Family Wealth Counseling arose from a close friend’s struggle to manage the tax implications of selling a highly successful multi-million-dollar business. Facing a tax liability that threatened to claim nearly half of the proceeds, Ed’s friend sought advanced tax solutions. Inspired to help, Ed returned to school, attending the prestigious Professional Mentoring Program in Franklin, Indiana, where he became a certified Family Wealth Counselor in 2000. Armed with advanced tax planning expertise, Ed has since dedicated himself to helping families and business owners reduce income and capital gains taxes, increase income, and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Continuing his professional education, Ed earned certification as a Certified Exit Planner (CExP) through the Business Enterprise Institute. Today, he serves as a sought-after strategy and tax designer, applying cutting-edge methods to transform how families and businesses approach wealth planning.

An accomplished author, Ed has published three influential books:

• Tax Secrets Made Simple (2018): Practical tax-saving strategies for families at all income levels.
• The Great IRA Tax Grab (2021, private release): A deep dive into tax traps targeting high-net-worth individuals.
• The Business Owners Guide to Tax Freedom: A collaboration of expert insights into business tax planning and optimization.

In addition to his written works, Ed is a dynamic speaker, frequently featured on podcasts, radio programs, and YouTube, where he empowers audiences with actionable strategies to optimize their financial futures.

Ed’s leadership extends beyond Olympus Tax. He is the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Financial Cloud Works, LLC, a firm providing cutting-edge tax and wealth analytics software for financial professionals. He also serves as Principal at PerspectiV Planning, specializing in business exit tax optimization, and co-founder of CA Probate & Trust Family Office.

A passionate advocate for philanthropy, Ed is a board member and director for three public charities administering assets exceeding $250 million. His work reflects his unwavering commitment to creating lasting positive impact, both in his clients’ lives and the broader community.

Ed lives near Sacramento, California, with his wife Laura, his partner of 43 years. Laura, a retired school superintendent, continues to support education leaders and charter school startups. Together, the Cotney's enjoy an array of hobbies, including camping, fly fishing, hiking, restoring muscle cars, trap shooting, and wine tasting. Their greatest joy, however, comes from spending quality time with their children and grandchildren, embracing a vibrant and active family life.