Important Note

You are now leaving the Strong Valley Wealth & Pension, LLC ("Strong Valley") website. By clicking on the "Schwab Alliance Access" link below you will be entering the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Website. Schwab is a registered broker-dealer, and is not affiliated with Strong Valley or any advisor(s) whose name(s) appears on this Website. Strong Valley is/are independently owned and operated. Schwab neither endorses nor recommends Strong Valley. Regardless of any referral or recommendation, Schwab does not endorse or recommend the investment strategy of any advisor. Schwab has agreements with Strong Valley under which Schwab provides Strong Valley with services related to your account. Schwab does not review the Strong Valley website(s), and makes no representation regarding the content of the Website(s). The information contained in the Strong Valley website should not be considered to be either a recommendation by Schwab or a solicitation of any offer to purchase or sell any securities.

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

  • Inflation Steadily on the Decline

    Inflation Steadily on the Decline

    May 1, 2023
    In this recap of March, Strong Valley team members Chris Conner, Kyle Trippel and Jason Rankin discuss the larger context of the recent bank failures; how dramatic rate increases played a part and how the market reacted. Could interest rate cuts be on the horizon? They also delve into the newly enacted Secure Act 2.0, touching some of the high points affecting retirement vehicles.
    Read this Article

  • How to Combat Emotional Investing

    August 2, 2024
    There are strategies that can be taken to navigate market volatility with confidence instead of being driven to invest by the Fear Curve. Here are five foundational rules to be aware of that can help you make more rational investing decisions and avoid the emotional roller coaster of the fear curve.
    Read this Article
  • Empowering Financial Independence for Women

    Empowering Financial Independence for Women

    June 3, 2024
    Women often face unique financial challenges and need to proactively plan by having a voice in their retirement needs. This article looks at four main financial challenges most women face as they approach retirement. Financial independence is not just about survival – it’s about thriving in every phase of life.
    Read this Article
  • 5 Steps to a Fruitful Financial Future

    5 Steps to a Fruitful Financial Future

    October 10, 2024
    As you prepare your home for cooler weather or harvest the final fruits of your summer labor, Fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare for your financial future as well. Here are 5 steps you can take this season to help prepare for a more stable and prosperous financial future.
    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.
    No, stay on StrongValley.comContinue to link
    phone-handset