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Retirement Planning Tips for Small Business Owners

August 03, 2021

 

Most people create their entire financial plan based on how and when they’d like to retire. They save up, invest and purchase specific retirement plans to build up a nest egg for their golden years. But, the retirement planning process isn’t quite so simple for small business owners. Most entrepreneurs rely solely on their businesses to provide them with a steady income. But, what happens when it becomes difficult for them to work regular hours? How will they maintain their standard of living once they retire? Here’s a look at some retirement planning tips for individuals who own small businesses.

Retirement Planningfor Small Business Owners

1. Get Expert Advice

Before you invest in a retirement pension plan, you need to understand all your options. Speak to a professional financial advisor and ask for help. They will be able to guide you on the best way forward based on your age, your annual income and your standard of living. You can also speak to other small business owners you know and trust. Ask about their plans and what worked for them. Remember that everybody’s financial plans and goals are different. So, you should make decisions based on personal needs and requirements.

2. Calculate Your Finances

Another crucial first step involves thinking about future finances. You need to ask yourself how much money you need once you retire. There are many factors to consider. Start by thinking about how much money you will need once you retire. You can calculate this by using your current annual expenses and then factoring in inflation. Once you do this, you’ll have an estimate of how much you will need every year to enjoy the same standard of living. Some people plan to spend their retirement travelling. If you have certain goals for your golden years, think about those expenses as well. Next, consider your potential medical bills. As you get older, you may face more health issues. If you forget this crucial step, you might end up with a retirement pension scheme that falls a little short. Finally, evaluate your living situation. Perhaps you’re currently living in a big city. Once you retire, you may want to shift to a smaller, less crowded place. Homes in the outskirts of small cities and towns often cost less. Shifting once you retire could be a prudent option.

3. Evaluate Your Risk

When it comes to retirement planning, you must be realistic about your risk appetite. Higher risks often lead to better returns. But if the plan backfires, you could end up with far less than you anticipated. Think about how many years you have to save up before you retire. If you’re younger and have a few decades of work ahead, you can take a few risks at the start. As your retirement draws nearer, you should move your high-risk investments to safer avenues. With a diversified retirement pension plan, you can safeguard your returns with a healthy mix of debts and equities.

4. Prioritise Simplicity

Figuring out the best retirement pension scheme shouldn’t be difficult. The easiest way to plan for your retirement is by starting as soon as possible. As a small business owner, you can put away a percentage of your annual income for the future. You can start small and grow your investments gradually to save up enough for your retirement.

5. Have an Exit Strategy Ready

Most small business owners find it difficult to retire. They often feel obligated to keep the business going. But, nobody can work forever. Everybody deserves to enjoy their golden years. You must consider what will happen to your business once you’re ready to hang up your work boots. You have a few options. You could let your children or other family members take over the business and continue to grow it. Alternatively, you could sell your business to a corporation or even a dedicated employee who would like to take over. You can even consider an option where you partner up with somebody else. They can handle the day-to-day business for a percentage of profits. You can continue to be involved and earn some money regularly.

Buying the Right Retirement Pension Plan

When it comes to retirement planning, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. So, choose a plan that offers returns based on your risk appetite and future requirements. You can look at the options available and find one that fits with your current and future financial goals.

Things to Keep in Mind

While planning for your retirement, you must keep your plans at the forefront. Every financial decision that you make should take you one step closer to achieving your financial goals. Remember to talk to trusted financial advisors about the best way forward for you. Finally, do not make sudden decisions when there’s a market downturn that could affect your returns. You have to stay invested for at least ten years before you start enjoying the returns you’d like.

With these vital tips in mind, small business owners can easily plan their retirement.

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Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Vishal Subharwal Vishal Subharwal

Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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