When it comes to choosing a website builder for your financial services based business, there are a few factors to consider. Each of the options you mentioned - WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace - have their own strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a closer look at each one and how they can accommodate your needs.

1. WordPress:
WordPress is a popular and versatile platform that offers a wide range of themes, plugins, and customization options. It has a powerful e-commerce plugin called WooCommerce, which can handle payments and allow you to outline your services. You can also integrate forms and a blog using various plugins. WordPress provides flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. However, it may require more technical knowledge to set up and maintain compared to other options.

2. Shopify:
Shopify is specifically designed for e-commerce businesses, making it a great choice if you want a seamless online shopping experience. It offers a variety of professionally designed themes and built-in payment processing capabilities. Shopify also has a blogging feature to support your content marketing efforts. It provides an intuitive interface, making it easy to use even for those with limited technical knowledge. However, it may have limitations in terms of customization compared to WordPress.

3. Wix:
Wix is known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create a visually appealing website without any coding knowledge. It offers built-in e-commerce functionality, including payment processing options. Wix also has a form builder and a blogging feature. While it provides simplicity and convenience, it may have limitations in terms of scalability and customization compared to WordPress and Shopify.

4. Squarespace:
Squarespace is a visually stunning platform that offers beautifully designed templates suitable for showcasing services. It has built-in e-commerce capabilities, allowing you to accept payments. Squarespace also offers a form builder and a blogging feature. It provides a user-friendly interface, similar to Wix. However, it may have limitations in terms of advanced customization options compared to WordPress.

Considering your requirements, both WordPress and Shopify would be well-suited for your project. WordPress offers more flexibility and customization options, while Shopify provides a seamless e-commerce experience. If you prefer a simpler and more user-friendly approach, Wix or Squarespace could be viable options.

As for the cost of hiring a web developer, it depends on various factors such as the complexity of your website, the level of customization required, and the developer's experience. The cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It may be worth considering if you have specific design or functionality requirements that are beyond your technical expertise.

Ultimately, the best option for you would depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. I recommend exploring each platform's features, trying out their free trials or demos, and considering the level of customization and ease of use that suits you best.