Article

Keeping Sight of Personal Priorities

Keeping Sight of Personal Priorities

Many business owners become so engrossed in company operations they inadvertently neglect their personal finances and their own personal priorities and goals.  This article explains ways that you can develop strategies with your financial advisor that will help strengthen your personal finances, which can change over time with the growth of your company.

September 11, 2022
Keeping Sight of Personal Priorities
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.

In the rush of daily business activities, business owners­ can lose sight of what they had originally hoped to accomplish through their continuous efforts. Over time, as the business grows, personal objectives may also change. When was the last time you stopped to reevaluate your personal priorities and goals? Here are some key areas to consider:

Building wealth

Many business owners become so engrossed in company operations that they inadvertently neglect their personal finances, particularly when most of their liquid assets are tied up in the business. To achieve financial independence and build personal wealth, it is important to make personal savings a priority. By conducting regular financial reviews and taking follow-up action as needed, you can develop strategies that will help strengthen your personal finances.

Preparing for retirement

Many tax-deferred, qualified retirement savings vehicles, such as simplified employee pension plans (SEPs) or 401(k) plans, are available to business owners and their employees. The size of a company, along with the ages and salaries of its employees, often determine which type of retirement plan is most appropriate. In addition, nonqualified plans allow business owners to provide selective retirement benefits for themselves and their key employees.

Developing an exit strategy

Will your small business be marketable if and when you decide to sell? Develop an exit strategy that will help maintain the value of your business should you choose—or be forced by circumstance—to sell.

Keeping it in the family. Your company may be a closely held business, operated by more than one family member. If you wish to keep your company in the family, it is important to learn about transfer tax issues and to develop a business succession plan that will help secure your long-term goals.

Stay Focused

As your company grows and develops, remember to set your personal priorities, especially as they change over time. Annual reviews can help ensure that your business operations are consistent with your overall objectives. Call your financial advisor today to set up a review.

Other content you may like

  • It's Time in the Market, Not Market Timing

    It’s Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market

    February 23, 2021
    A quick look at the average monthly return following January, upside and downside captures, Market timing, fund flows and the historic bounce back in small cap stocks.
    Read this Article
  • Blue and black title slide for presentation

    December Student of the Market

    December 26, 2025
    U.S. Stocks continue gains, the longest streak since 2021! Even so, consumer fears persist. See how the “Mag Seven” are performing as we close 2025. Additionally, a look at emerging stock index differences with adding South Korea. Finally, a historical look at Fed rate cuts.
    Read this Article
  • What's Driving the Market

    Podcast Highlight - Recognizing the Recession

    June 21, 2023
    The team explains how forecasting a recession can be estimated based on historical data and ways the government is attempting to avoid a prolonged recession, all the while acknowledging that nobody really knows what can happen.
    Read this Article
  • Presentation title slide

    November Student of the Market

    December 2, 2025
    In reviewing stocks from May through October, it’s been a historically strong season, but not for stock mutual funds or ETFs. What about bonds, equities, and alternatives? How does AI growth compare to the “dot com” era? Finally, the continued importance of diversification.
    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