Wow 2022 is off to a crazy start:
If the last 3 years have told us anything, it is that we have learned to be adaptable. Much of the past two years involved reactive measures to keep your business open, to fund your payroll, to navigate local health protocols, and then to find labor to work in your business. The economy has ebbed and flowed over the past two years and coming into the new year most people thought that 2022 would be a year of the “new normal.”
Through the first quarter of 2022 we have been on a bumpy ride with financial markets:
- Supply chain disruption
- Unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%
- Labor force picked up to 62.3%
- Inflation above 7%
- Wage increases over 5%
- Russia and Ukraine conflict:
- Impact on gas prices
- In addition, we could see a rise in wheat, barley, and other commodities
- Rising interest rates
Among other things this has created new industries, created burnout in some business owners, created uncertainty for others, and created a general conversation around “what is next for my business”?
In this newsletter we have some content focused on:
- Having a good handle on where your own company is heading in the next 5-10 years
- How to strategize where your industry is heading in the next 5-10 years
- Ways to secure your retirement by creatively monetizing your business, if you feel it is time for the next generation to take over, or to sell to a 3rd party
- How to manage your team, effectively and efficiently, to encourage their growth, and to balance the fact that the past few years have taken a toll on everyone in various ways
Given the rate of flux the past few years, it has never been more important to grow and retain the talented staff that you have, as well as hire key talent in a very competitive labor force. Another challenge that may arise is monetizing the assets of your business while transferring it to the next generation, to your current staff, or selling it. Having options is always a positive, but the last few years have shown us that situations and circumstances change, both from factors within our control, as well as from factors outside of our control. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss any of these topics in more detail.
-Your HFS team.
Written by: Justin Hamlin, CFP® and Todd Rohrer, CKP®
These are the opinions of Justin Hamlin and Todd Rohrer and not necessarily those of Cambridge, are for information purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice. Investing involves risk. Depending on the types of investments, there may be varying degrees of risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. The strategies discussed herein are not designed based on the individual needs of any one specific client or investor. In other words, it is not a customized strategy designed on the specific financial circumstances of the client. However, prior to opening an account, Cambridge will consult with you to determine if your financial objectives are appropriate for investing in the model. You are also provided the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the securities held in your account.