Small Business Owners Require Unique Planning Strategies

Jane Austen once wrote “There will be little rubs and disappointments everywhere, and we are all apt to expect too much; but then, if one scheme of happiness fails, human nature turns to another; if the first calculation is wrong, we make a second better.” Such an (eventually) optimistic philosophy is good to have in the economic times in which we find ourselves now, when the unemployment rate is a staggering 8.5%. With more than 5 million jobs lost since the recession began, people are finding that there is indeed a need for resiliency and creativity, and those who are able to “turn to another” scheme of happiness will fare better than those who steadfastly hold out hope for the old ways.

According to this article in USA Today, more and more people are getting creative in their schemes for happiness, and many are doing so by starting small businesses after they are laid off from large companies. In fact, a small business is not at all a bad place to be right now, considering President Obama’s recent announcement regarding ”a small-business financing plan that includes reduced loan fees and incentives for banks to do more lending.”

If you are one of these brave people who have chosen to combat economic conditions by creating your own small business, remember that going from being an employee to being “The Owner” brings with it many changes, not the least of which are changes in your estate plan. Small business owners tend to be less liquid than traditional employees, putting much of their earnings back into the business for growth, which means estate planning for business owners requires a different strategy than for other families.

Whatever your scheme or situation, our firm can help you create the right plan to protect your assets and your family.