People in small businesses today, especially start-up business owners, often struggle to balance work and family pressures. A typical scenario involves starting work early in the day, finishing late, spending dinner with family or relationship partner and then working late into the night to complete accounts, pay bills, quote on jobs, etc.
Is this you? One of the traps of starting and running a small business is putting off or delaying decisions that are important for you to protect your personal, family and business situations. A lack of action can have a substantial negative impact on an owner’s personal and family situation when an unexpected “triggering event” occurs in the business.
Case Study
Ian recently started a trade business. His family was very supportive of his decision but had some concerns initially due to their high mortgage repayments and kid’s schooling requirements. Whilst completing a customer’s job, Ian had a major accident that rendered him unable to work for 3 months. Ian had forgotten to purchase insurance. Ian had to drawdown on the family’s entire savings and the equity in their home until he was able to return to work.
Are you at risk of a triggering event?
A triggering event is one that occurs which significantly impacts your personal, family and business situation. Small business owners can take preventative action to minimize the impact of a triggering event.
The table below lists examples of potential triggering events and suggested preventative actions.
POTENTIAL TRIGGERING EVENT
Business Insolvency
Insufficient Capital
Loss of Major Customer
Relationship
Breakdown
Death of a Business Partner
Accident, Health Scare or Death
PREVENTION
ACTION
Business Plan
Budget
Family Life Balance Charter
Customer Relationship Management System
Partnership Agreement
Personal (Medical/Life) and Business Insurance
How much insurance do you need?
Purchasing insurance is one way of minimizing your risk from a triggering event occurring.
Typically small business insurance usually includes:
- Key Person Insurance – insurance to provide for a lump-sum payment if death occurs.
- Sickness and Accident Insurance – insurance to replace a loss of income.
- Trauma and Permanent Disability Insurance – insurance to provide for lump-sum payment if a traumatic health event occurs which causes disability.
What is important when purchasing insurance is to make sure you have sufficient insurance to cover your personal, family and business situations? Your Financial Adviser is usually in the best position to provide advice on your insurance requirements. When meeting with your Financial Adviser make sure they assess your current and future needs.