Business Owners
Financial Planning for Business Owners
Client: Jordan, Age 42 — Founder of an engineering firm.
Location: Raleigh, NC
Challenge:
Jordan’s business had taken off quickly, but his personal finances hadn’t kept pace. Between inconsistent income, growing tax complexity, and a lack of retirement savings, he felt uncertain about how to secure his financial future, both for himself and his family.
Solution:
Pathfinder helped Jordan create a clear financial strategy that aligned his business success with personal goals:
- Established a company retirement plan to take advantage of tax-deferred savings
- Created a quarterly strategy to manage cash flow and reduce surprises
- Built a tax efficient investment plan for distributions from the business
- Developed a system to separate business and personal finances for smoother decision-making
- Introduced Jordan to a benefits specialist, outsourced CFO and an outside profession network to enhance business success
Results:
Jordan now has a stronger financial foundation, both personally and professionally. His plan helps him save consistently, prepare for long-term goals, and make business decisions with more confidence and control. Jordan’s business financial plan opens up the door for additional personal financial planning including college savings, estate planning and insurance planning to ensure his family’s needs against potential risks.
Clients: Alan & Marie, Ages 63 & 62 — Co-Owners of a Family Construction Company
Location: Wilmington, NC
Challenge:
After decades of growing their business, Alan and Marie were ready to transition into retirement, but they didn’t have a clear exit strategy. They were unsure how to value the business, manage taxes, and structure a sale that aligned with their retirement timeline and legacy goals.
Solution:
The Pathfinder team guided them through the financial and emotional side of succession planning:
- Created a phased retirement income plan using business proceeds and outside savings
- Implemented tax mitigation strategies to reduce capital gains impact
- Worked with Alan and Marie and an outside specialist to market, evaluate and determine the next generation buyer for their company
- Updated their estate plan to reflect post-sale goals and family giving
- Designed a post-work financial plan utilizing the Path to Retirement
Results:
Alan and Marie sold their business with confidence and transitioned into retirement with a structured income plan. They’re now enjoying the next chapter, and feel assured knowing their financial house is in order.
Client: Priya, Age 50 — Owner of a Multi-Location Wellness Studio
Location: Charleston, SC
Challenge:
Priya was growing a thriving business while also caring for aging parents and planning for her children’s future. She wanted a strategy that could balance her business growth with personal wealth-building, family care, and charitable giving, but didn’t know where to begin.
Solution:
Pathfinder Wealth Consulting helped Priya create an integrated plan that reflected her values:
- Developed a retirement savings plan and college funding strategy for her two children
- Evaluated her business income to improve areas of additional savings
- Established a strategy for charitable giving that maximizes tax benefits while supporting her favorite nonprofit causes
- Built a business continuity plan in case of unexpected health or family events
- Coordinated her estate plan to protect her business and care for her parents
Results:
Priya now has a personalized roadmap that gives her direction across every part of her life. Her finances support her business, her family, and her future, all with the flexibility to adapt as life evolves.
