Most of us know we should have a will. Many of us have been meaning to make one for years. If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company. There’s even a name for it: the “know-do gap,” the space between what we know we should do and what we actually get done. When it comes to estate planning, that gap can leave the people we love facing hard...
These days, it’s likely that most of your important financial information is stored digitally through a combination of online accounts, saved documents on your personal computer, and your smartphone. Chances are you keep a lot of other important information stored digitally too. If you’re a small business owner with registered domain names, a...
.jpg?width=1200&height=600&name=CWM_Can%20Busy%20Small%20Business%20Owners%20Adapt%20and%20Plan%20Ahead%20Article%20Grahic%20(1).jpg)
You did not start your business to spend evenings staring at spreadsheets, wondering what a new tariff, a soft month of sales, or a rumored interest-rate move might do to your bottom line. You started it to build something. But these days, the worrying part of the job seems to keep growing while the hours in the day stay the same.
“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst”. An old proverb that you likely have heard before. When you’re approaching major business decisions, imagining the worst-case scenario often helps you prepare most effectively for the best case. The transition of a family or closely-held business is one of those situations where this approach is...
You’ve worked hard to build your savings, your reputation, and your independence. So it’s more than annoying when criminals try to take it with a text message, a fake phone call, or a login screen that looks “almost right.”
Life rarely follows a straight line. A new job, a move, a health scare, a marriage, a divorce, or the loss of a loved one can change things quickly. That’s why getting your affairs in order isn’t just something “older” or “wealthy” people do — it’s a practical step for adults at every stage of life.
Your 70s can bring major financial and lifestyle shifts. Changes in life priorities, income, health care needs, and taxes will be important to address, whether you’re still working, retired, or somewhere in between. With people living longer and financial and retirement rules continuing to evolve, staying engaged and updating your financial plan...
If you’re like many seasoned business owners, thinking about stepping back from the company you built can stir up mixed emotions. You may be curious about your options, but it’s easy to quickly feel overwhelmed on top of the pressures of your day-to-day. And if your business is a big part of who you are, even starting the conversation can feel...
Romantic candle lighting, a bouquet of flowers, and… talking about your 401k? Okay, so maybe talking about money and financial planning with your significant other isn’t part of your ideal date night. As a couple, do you ask each other money questions or discuss your finances?
If you own a small business, chances are you’ve poured your heart, time, and savings into it. It may be your livelihood, your family’s financial foundation, and even a source of pride in your community. But here’s a question many business owners avoid: What happens to your business if something happens to you?
