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

  • Housing Market Snapshot - Strong Valley

    Time to be a Contrarian on the Housing Market?

    December 14, 2020
    According to the National Association of Realtors, existing-home sales grew for the fourth consecutive month in September as each major region saw month-over-month and year-over-year gains.
    Read this Article
  • Inflation Varies According to Your Age & Spending

    Inflation Varies According to Your Age & Spending

    August 3, 2021
    What will inflation be in the coming years? The headline Consumer Price Index is important only as a general gauge. It may not accurately reflect your individual inflation rate. This article looks at some inflation components for you to consider, to get a better picture of your unique personal inflation rate based on your age and spending habits.
    Read this Article
  • Business Owner’s Plan for Succession

    Business Owner's Plan for Succession

    September 15, 2023
    With all of the time and effort you’ve invested into your business, you owe it to yourself to ensure that your business will continue to flourish through developing a business succession plan. When you’re ready to retire or in the unforeseen event such as death or disability, you can help make certain of a smooth transition by considering these key aspects of succession planning.
    Read this Article
  • Longest Bond Bear Market

    Longest Bond Bear Market

    April 29, 2024
    Despite the unusual performance in Q1 in which stocks started positive and bonds negative, this has been the longest bond bear market with active and flexible bond funds outperforming. See what that could mean for cash vs bonds with performance data following periods when money market or bond fund assets are greater. Also data for stock and bond correlations, trends in stock sectors by US Presidents, and charts on the 15th best start to a year for stocks.
    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