Business owners often have busy and complicated lives. They are required to succeed in a variety of responsibilities from managing staff, monitoring cash flow, to developing client relationships. This may leave very little time to consider their own personal or long-term financial goals.
A financial advisor is an important addition to your team to ensure your personal goals are met and that you can take advantage of all the business opportunities presented to you.
8 strategies business owners need to consider
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1. Choosing Your Financial Advisor
Choosing a financial advisor who will provide you with the most appropriate advice for your situation is essential. Ask yourself – are they experts in wealth management for business owners? Are they known for putting their client’s needs first without any conflicts of interest?
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2. Planning for Retirement
A financial advisor can help you determine how much money you would need to fund your retirement dreams. They will help you keep track of both business and personal expenses and keep you realistic in terms of the value of your business when it comes time to sell.
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3. Saving for Retirement
Like the above point, financial advisors can help you action your retirement plans by giving you a realistic idea of how much you need to save per year to have your desired retirement lifestyle. Automated payments to your superannuation can be organised, or you could potentially contribute more during certain times of year depending on the nature of your business.
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4. Investing Tax Effectively
Investing for the future is fundamental to reaching the goals you’re setting out to achieve. Whether it’s paying off your home loan sooner, saving for your children’s education or dreams of a sunny vacation, it takes a plan to turn them into a reality.
Investing can be much more than just a regular deposit into a bank account – by taking advantage of tax legislation, you can magnify your savings and move towards your goals sooner.
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5. Managing Risk
In addition to monetary investments, financial advisors will suggest that business owners need to establish protection for both their business and their families. Life and disability insurance may be advisable, in addition to a buy-sell agreement which deals with the buyout of a deceased partner’s ownership of a business.
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6. Diversifying Your Assets
Investing in your future after your business is crucial. Financial advisors can assist in ensuring that your wealth is diversified and suits the level of financial risk you are willing to accept. Together, you can plan an investment policy and implement it efficiently, which leaves you with more time to manage your business.
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7. Paying Yourself
Business owners often pay themselves a very small salary. This can be due to their money being tied up in other ventures, or they desire to minimise payroll and income tax responsibilities.This can be self-sabotaging in the long-term. However, it is important to pay yourself a salary that is enough to accumulate savings for retirement. Financial advisors can help you determine a suitable yearly amount.
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8. Personal Goals
You may wish to buy a home or open your business in another location, for example. A financial advisor approaches these personal goals in the same manner as your systematic, multi-year financial plans. It is important to determine what is reasonably possible for you in your financial circumstances to avoid disappointment and work towards achievable goals.
A discussion from business owner, to business owner
Phillip Richards, a director of two fast growing companies himself understands the life of a busy company director and specialises in assisting others in the same position to achieve their vision for the future.
For an obligation free discussion, call us on 03 9190 8964, or contact Phillip at phillip@endorphinweatlh.com.au
