Know the Risk at Every Stage of Your Business's Life

Does it feel like just yesterday that you launched your business? Like many entrepreneurs, you probably started with little more than energy, confidence, and a clever idea.

Life has changed a lot since then. Your financial picture is considerably brighter, and you may be thinking about  stepping away from your business, or perhaps you already have. In either case, you need to examine your financial life – and your investments, in particular – from a new perspective, to ensure the next stage is as rewarding as the last.

Depending on where you are on your journey, you might be focusing on building your business capital, managing your personal capital, or transferring the business and personal capital you have built. Here are some tips to help prepare you for the financial risks you may face at each stage of your business’ life.

Rapid-Growth Phase

Lay the foundation for a financially secure future. Consider establishing a 401(k), an IRA, and a taxable account for stocks and bonds. These vehicles are important tools for combating concentration risk, or the danger that your fortunes are too tightly tied to a single investment – in this case, the equity in your business.

Maturity Phase

If your business has reached a more stable phase, it is time to focus on both concentration and tax risk.

• Diversify away from your company and industry. To manage growing concentration risk, you will want to consider taking even more cash out of your business. If you own a significant amount of commercial real estate as part of your operations, you can also use your personal portfolio to reduce the risks associated with the cyclical commercial real estate market.
• Have an asset allocation strategy that seeks to maximize after-tax returns. For example; you want to be sure tax-advantaged investments, such as municipal bonds, are in your taxable accounts. If you don’t already have a trusted investment advisor, now is an ideal time to identify and build a relationship with one. This will give you time to confirm that you have found the right person to help you when you transition away from your business.

Late Stage

Are you currently deciding whether to maintain or transfer ownership of your business? Don’t count on a single liquidity event, such as an outright sale, for funding your later years. What if your business or sector faces a rough patch just as you’re planning to move on? It’s important to focus on transitioning your business in a tax-efficient way. This will likely include sophisticated transfer and investment planning, with the goal of ensuring sufficient cash flow for your transition plan and desired lifestyle.

Life After Your Business

Those who have already left their businesses should carefully manage two competing and very real risks: market risk and longevity risk.

• Develop an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). Your IPS should balance your need for safety and returns. A clear asset allocation plan can help you mitigate market risk and avoid emotional decision-making—and the significant losses that frequently accompany it—when markets become volatile.
• Plan for a longer retirement than you think. While you want a sizable slice devoted to stable investments, safety is a double-edged sword. You will need to look at a range of investments, some growth-oriented, such as dividend paying stocks, diversified bonds, and even liquid alternatives to meet your needs over a longer time horizon.

Of course, knowing you need a plan to match your stage of life and creating one are two very different things. Why do so many successful business owners put off personal planning? Many enjoy being in control or haven’t identified an obvious successor for their business. Others can’t imagine what they might do during retirement. Despite such valid concerns, it is unlikely you will lead your business for your entire life, so it is crucial to lay the groundwork for the life you want after you give up the reins.