As a business owner, you've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into building your company. It's your brainchild, your life's work, and perhaps even your legacy. However, have you ever thought about what will happen to your business when you decide to step away?

Let me introduce you to my friend, Joe (not his real name—in fact, he’s not a real person!). Joe is an engineer in his early 40s, and he is in the process of changing jobs—maybe. He has an offer from another firm that involves a slightly higher salary along with enrollment in the firm’s 401(k) plan.

For many retirees, retirement is a time to establish or reinforce a financial heritage that contributes to a better world for family, friends, and the community. In other words, retirement can be a time for giving, for creating a philanthropic legacy.

Restricted Stock Units (RSU) are a very common form of executive compensation that helps align the values of employees and employers toward building long-term success for a company. While the intentions may be easily understood, the mechanics require some explanation.

For twenty years or more, you’ve built much of your life—and most of your schedule—around your kids. But now, all that is behind you. The kids have started their careers and, in many cases, their own families, and the “nest”—the home that was once the locus of so much activity—is much quieter.

The first half of 2023 was an unending test of nerves for investors. Those who practiced time-tested investment principles were in a good position to benefit from the recovery in the markets, a welcome turn from last year’s broad declines.

Investing is often thought of as an analytical endeavor: calculating investment performance, studying company financial reports, parsing through reams of economic data, and making investments using data and logic. However, many people fail to recognize the role emotions play in their investment decisions.

When was the last time you and your partner or significant other had a fun, relaxing talk about … money? If you’re like many couples, that sentence may have sounded like a world-class oxymoron. That could be the reason that many couples avoid the topic altogether. In fact, according to Fidelity’s 2021 Couples & Money Survey, 48% of respondents disagree on the age they plan to retire, and 51% disagree on how much savings is needed to retire. On the flip side, those who said they communicated well and regularly about money are more than twice as likely to have expectations of a comfortable retirement lifestyle.

For investors looking to get into the market, it can seem particularly challenging these days to decide on the right time to make the move. After all, the nearly 20% decline in the S&P 500 Index in calendar year 2022 is barely in the rear-view mirror. And the fall of banks like Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic may not provide a lot of confidence in the financial system.

For women investors, the problem is particularly acute because of some of the unique challenges women face with their finances.

Many people have heard of Roth IRAs -- accounts in which the earnings on the investments grow income tax-free. Ever wonder if there is an analogous vehicle that is free of estate tax? That is where the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, or GRAT, comes in. Although commonly considered part of “advanced estate planning,” GRATs are really not that difficult to understand.

Q1 Market updates and Quantum Investment Principles

Scientific research and advancements eventually lead to research and development by companies, followed by breakthrough technologies and improvements to our quality of living. Companies profit by delivering this value, which is the reason we expect the value of our investments to go up over time.

Planning for the long term doesn't have to be complicated and you can give yourself peace of mind by getting your financial life in order in 2023. Learn how Quantum Financial Advisors helps our clients start the new year with confidence.

Note from the CIO: What Should We Do Now? Let’s continue acting on our financial plans.