Article

Are You on Firm Financial Footing, "Personally" Speaking?

Are You on Firm Financial Footing, “Personally” Speaking?

Your personal finances matter, even though you may be busily focused on your business plan.  Juggling the responsibilities of your business and your personal affairs is a challenging task. However, it’s important to take some time out of your busy schedule to review your personal plan to help keep your personal finances on firm ground. Here are some suggestions that may help.

January 11, 2022
Are You on Firm Financial Footing, “Personally” Speaking?
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

As a busy executive or business owner, your personal financial and estate planning needs may be different from other individuals. Your current compensation package probably contains a variety of benefits, some of which may not be portable. Some benefits may also place restrictions on present enjoyment, while other benefits may become available only upon retirement or death.

Business Owners Have Personal Finances Too

Because much of your estate may be tied up in the stock of your company, you may have liquidity problems. In addition to business concerns, personal finance requires careful planning. You may need to plan for children who need or will need educating, often in private schools, long before applications are made to expensive colleges and universities. Or, you may already have a child in college or graduate school.

Juggling the responsibilities of your business and your personal affairs is a challenging task. However, it’s important to take some time out of your busy schedule to review your personal financial plan. Here are a few simple suggestions to help you keep your personal finances on firm ground:

Pay Yourself First

  • Each month, try to transfer a set amount from your earnings to savings. A monthly amount of $1,000 earning 4% interest will grow to approximately $145,000 in just ten years.

Reduce Your Consumer Debt

  • Avoid high credit card interest charges, especially now that there is no income tax deduction for this interest. Also, consider consolidating credit card debt to one card that offers competitive financing.

Profit from Tax-Deferred Savings

  • If you qualify, contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or set up a qualified plan for your company (e.g., a 401(k) or profit sharing plan) and maximize contributions.

Bring Your Estate Plan Up-to-Date

  • Have your will and any trusts reviewed. Have a professional review your current life and disability policies. You may have a need for new insurance that you haven't considered yet.

Set Long-Term Financial Goals

  • Work within three time frames, setting one-, three-, and ten-year goals. Evaluate your progress each year and make the necessary adjustments to achieve long-term success.

Your Personal Future Matters

Make a commitment now to put your personal planning process in motion. Call today and make an appointment with your Financial Planner. They have the experience, resources and strategic partnerships to help you pull together all of these needs in your personal finances, freeing you up to focus on your business.

Other content you may like

  • Bonds Rebound with Historic Rally

    Bonds Rebound with Historic Rally

    January 2, 2024
    After losing money in 6 consecutive months, bonds make a historic rebound along with a bounce back in 60/40 portfolios. This market overview also includes more data on the bond market and how to understand changes to interest rates and bond returns by looking at history.
    Read this Article
  • Stocks Lose Money for the 26th Time

    Don't Judge Diversification on Feelings

    January 29, 2023
    Focusing on what happened in 2022, this Student of the Market shows an overview of last year’s performance compared to similar years in the market’s history. This may be a window into the possibilities for 2023 and the future of Federal Reserve rate hikes. Also a look at the numbers showing that even though portfolio diversification works, it doesn’t always feel good.
    Read this Article
  • A child holding the hand of an adult walking in the sunshine.

    The Unique Advantages of Special Needs Trusts

    September 12, 2025
    Did you know that a special needs trust can help secure a financial future for loved ones with disabilities? This article addresses the unique advantages of a special needs trust and how it can help preserve your estate’s assets as well as your loved one’s public benefits.
    Read this Article
  • Podcast Highlight - New Tool for Clients to Visualize Strategy

    August 31, 2023
    As a way to help clients visualize the big picture during the ups and downs of a long-term financial strategy, the Team introduces a new software tool that does that.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset