Financial literacy and strategic planning may be one of the most challenging hurdles for women business owners. Which is why partnering with a financial services professional can unlock numerous benefits, empowering you to make informed decisions, secure your financial future, and enhance the well-being of your teams and families. Here’s why every woman entrepreneur should consider working with a financial expert.
What is a Financial Services Professional?
A Financial Services Professional is an expert who provides guidance and advice on various aspects of financial management. These professionals help you navigate complex financial decisions, offering services such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax optimization, risk management, and estate planning.
They tailor their advice to meet your unique needs and goals, ensuring a strategic approach to managing wealth and securing financial stability. By leveraging their expertise, Financial Services Professionals empower women to make informed decisions that enhance their financial well-being and future security.
1. Tailored Financial Planning
Every woman’s business is unique, and her financial plan should reflect that. Financial Service professionals offer personalized advice tailored to your circumstances, goals, and challenges. This individualized approach ensures that your financial plan aligns with your business objectives and aspirations.
Example
Sarah, a successful restaurant owner, worked with a financial advisor to create a retirement plan that balanced her business reinvestment needs with her retirement savings. This tailored strategy helped her feel secure about her future while continuing to grow her business.
2. Efficient Wealth Management
Financial professionals help you develop investment strategies that maximize your returns while managing risk. They provide insights into diversified investment options, from stocks and bonds to real estate and mutual funds.
Example
Lin, an e-commerce entrepreneur, leveraged her financial advisor’s expertise to invest in a diversified portfolio, which included sustainable and impact investments that aligned with her values, thereby growing her wealth while supporting causes she cared about.
3. Risk Management and Insurance
Rest assured that your risk profile is secured and find the right insurance products to protect your business with the support of a financial service professional. They will also assist you in obtaining health and business insurance to cover every aspect of your personal and professional life.
Example
Miriam, who runs a tech startup, worked with her financial advisor to secure key person insurance for her company. It ensured that her business could continue to operate smoothly even if a key team member was unable to work due to illness or injury.
4. Tax Optimization
Taxes are always a headache, so why do them on your own? Financial professionals are well-versed in the latest tax laws and can help you implement tax-efficient strategies. It might include taking advantage of deductions, credits, and other tax-saving opportunities.
Example
Anna, a freelance graphic designer, optimized her tax strategy with her advisor’s help by maximizing business expense deductions and contributing to a SEP IRA, which provided her with significant tax savings and a robust retirement plan.
5. Retirement Planning
A financial services professional can help you design a retirement plan that ensures financial security in your and your families future. They can advise on various retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and other investment vehicles.
Example
Marisa, a co-owner of a family-owned bakery, created a comprehensive retirement plan with her advisor. This plan included a mix of traditional and Roth IRAs, allowing her to benefit from both tax-deferred and tax-free growth.
6. Employee Benefits and Retention
You want to attract and retain your top talent, but you will need top notch employee benefits. A financial advisor can assist in designing and managing benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
Example
Julie, who manages a growing digital marketing agency, worked with her financial advisor to set up a 401(k) plan with employer matching and a comprehensive health insurance package. These benefits helped her retain key employees and boost overall team morale.
7. Financial Education and Empowerment
Financial literacy is not common knowledge despite being one of the most important aspects of our lives. It’s perfectly normal to not know everything. That is why working with a financial professional enhances your financial information, empowering you to make decisions and feel confident in managing your finances.
Example
Tina, a boutique owner, regularly met with her financial advisor to discuss market trends, investment opportunities, and financial strategies. Over time, she became more knowledgeable and confident in making larger financial decisions for her business.
8. Strategic Business Growth
A top priority for every business owner is to scale their business and increase revenue. But how do you do that? A financial advisor can provide insights into funding options, financial forecasting, and strategic planning to help you realize your business goals effectively.
Example
Sophia, an owner of a fitness studio, collaborated with her financial advisor to secure a business loan and create a growth strategy that allowed her to open two additional locations within three years.
Meet the Expert Financial Services Professional Kerysa Coleman
Kerysa Coleman is an accomplished insurance agent with a wealth of experience in the insurance industry. As a dedicated financial services professional committed to empowering women in business, she brings a unique perspective and expertise to her practice.
“As a professional woman, it’s vital to prioritize your financial well-being and protect yourself against unexpected risks,” advised Kerysa. “By working with an insurance agent, you can gain clarity on your insurance needs, explore tailored solutions, and safeguard your assets for the long term.”
Kerysa is an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company. If you are interested in using her services, you can reach out to her here.
For women entrepreneurs, the benefits of working with a financial services professional are profound. From customized coverage and risk management to financial security and peace of mind, engaging with an insurance professional like Kerysa Coleman can help you navigate the complexities of finance and make informed decisions that protect your assets and future. Remember, investing in your financial knowledge and planning today will pay dividends for years.
Connect with Other Industry Experts Like Kerysa at IAW!
Are you interested in growing your network with powerful connections like Kerysa? The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global community of professional women continually growing together. If you are looking for accountability partners, business coaches, resources and more, check out our extensive network and learn how an IAW membership can help your businesses improve within the next year.
