When people think about “generational wealth,” they often picture massive estates, trust funds, or highly successful family businesses. However, the truth is far more straightforward: the wealthy continue to accumulate wealth across generations because they treat money as something that must be managed thoughtfully, not just for their own lifetime, but for several future generations as well. Generational wealth isn’t only about having a big balance in your bank accounts or a substantial investment portfolio. It’s about having structure, effective […]

Wealthy individuals manage risk by utilizing insurance, asset-protection strategies, diversification, buffered annuities, and succession planning to safeguard their long-term financial stability. They often work with financial advisors to evaluate exposure, structure their wealth, and coordinate tax, investment, and retirement planning decisions. They believe in the idea that “getting wealthy is one challenge, but staying wealthy is the bigger challenge.”  As your wealth and the complexities of managing it grow, it’s essential to adopt a comprehensive mindset that can impact everything […]

If you’ve ever heard the term alternative investments and wondered what it really means, you’re not alone. In simple terms, these are investments that go beyond traditional stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds. They include assets such as real estate, private lending, commodities, or even private equity companies, which often perform differently from standard investments in the stock and bond markets.  For many high-net-worth investors, these options provide a means to generate new sources of growth or income while reducing […]

When most people think of the wealthy, they often envision exclusive investment deals or secret tax loopholes. The truth? Many of the innovative tax strategies wealthy investors rely on are available to anyone who plans and partners with the right financial advisor. It starts with smart tax planning, the legal, strategic kind that focuses on minimizing taxes rather than avoiding them. It’s not about outsmarting the system; it’s about understanding the rules so they work in your favor.  If you […]

Few forces are as influential as compounding your rates of return when building long-term wealth. It’s the quiet engine behind many successful investors’ disciplines, growing assets, multiplying returns, and rewarding the disciplines of long-term investors. If you have accumulated $250K or more in investable assets, understanding compounding is more than a math lesson; it should become a major part of your wealth-building mindset. Compounding isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a steady, reliable force that underlies the pursuit […]

When you’ve accumulated $250K or more in investable assets, financial decisions matter more – poor decisions have a greater impact. At this stage, it’s not just about saving and investing; it’s about how you think, act, and decide for your money. A wealth mindset often depends less on your current balance sheet and more on your ability to make the right financial decisions. Wealthy individuals’ habits, psychology, and decision-making patterns often differ subtly but meaningfully from those who make rash […]

Running a family-owned business is often more than a full-time job; it requires managing today’s business operations, while simultaneously preparing for what happens next. For many owners, the financial side of the business often becomes routine: creating growth while managing costs or putting out fires when the unexpected happens. However, shooting from the hip isn’t sufficient when building a strategy to pursue long-term goals.  This is why more entrepreneurs are turning to fiduciary financial advisors who are legally obligated to […]

For many entrepreneurs and business owners, selling a business is one of the most important decisions of their financial lives. It represents decades of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. But selling your business isn’t just about closing a deal; it’s about preparing for what comes next. At SGL Financial, our experienced Buffalo Grove CFP® professionals specialize in guiding small business owners through this critical transition process from working to retirement. Whether nearing retirement or exploring a new business opportunity, we […]

If you’re a business owner, there’s a good chance your company may represent one of the most substantial assets in your financial life. But what happens to that valuation when you sell your business or pass it on to another family member?  A comprehensive succession plan is essential for your company’s future and financial security. At SGL Financial, we can help with business succession planning in Buffalo Grove and across the country. We help business owners consider the key elements […]