Guidant Financial Group Blog

Last week, USA Today highlighted two of Guidant’s 401(k) Small Business Financing clients and our services. This article was a major accomplishment for both Guidant and our clients (See Entrepreneurs Turn to 401(k)s to Fund Start-Up Businesses).
While the article talks about the basics of our program and the benefits and potential pitfalls, we believe that what it really shows is that the entrepreneurial spirit is still alive today – even if the US economy is (it seems) trying to stifle it. The Guidant clients highlighted are true examples of the American dream at work. We are proud to be a part of what made them - and are even more proud that they are getting the recognition they deserve.

The Guidant 401(k) is merely a tool that people can use to make their money work for them. It is true that there are a lot of components to what makes this type of investment possible, but what we hope the article shows you is that, number one, it is possible to make your dreams a reality and, number two, the reason we are here is to make that reality as easily achieved as possible.

It has been almost seven years since Guidant’s inception and this is one of the bigger recognitions we, and our clients, have received; however, we are sure that there is more to come. 2010 is the year of the entrepreneur. Just wait. You’ll see.

A recent article on cnbc.com suggests that baby boomers over the age of 50 may want to consider using retirement funds to start a small business to help supplement their income later in life.
The article, entitled “Boomers: Action Plan if your 50 and Haven’t Saved a Dime,” highlights several options for baby boomers who have recently been laid off, or who have found themselves close to their dream retirement age without the funds to support their exit from the workforce, to jump-start their savings.

The article cites a recent survey by Guidant that shows that 80% of our 401(k) Small Business Financing clients are between the ages of 40-60. “The recession wiped out trillions of dollars in retirement savings and many excellent workers have been downsized” The article says. “But this environment has also motivated many Boomers a lot of motivation to evaluate other options and pursue their dream of owning their own business.”

Other suggestions the author has for pumping up retirement savings later in life:
- Contribute the Max to your 401(k)
- Don’t Look for the “Magical” Investment
- Convert and/or Contribute to a Roth IRA
- Delay Retirement Age

A new book out by Martha Maeda, “The Complete Guide to IRAs and IRA Investing: Wealth-Building Strategies Revealed,” features a forward by Guidant Cofounder David Nilssen.
“The refreshing thing about this book,” says Nilssen, “is that it is a comprehensive guide to both traditional and non-traditional ways of investing.”

Almost all guides to IRAs and IRA investing focus on traditional investment options, and do not provide resources for investors who may want to consider alternative assets as a part of their portfolio. Furthermore, many guides are written with material so dense and industry lingo-laced that the average investor cannot grasp any of the concepts presented.

Save a couple standouts, like IRA Wealth and Retire Rich, resources for alternative investors are limited. Thankfully, Maeda’s new book will easily fill a gap currently left between guides for traditional investment strategies and those for more non-traditional investors.

“I am honored to have written the forward for such a comprehensive book,” says Nilssen. “This book was the perfect opportunity to draw attention to the alternative investor’s perspective. I hope the tone I set in the forward encourages readers to have an open mind about expanding their investment strategies to include both traditional and non-traditional assets.”

Topic:
Identifying and acquiring a franchise in today’s economy.

Due to rising unemployment and a near-term outlook that job growth may not come back, many experienced professionals are considering owning a small business or franchise. Buying a franchise can be a wonderful way to go into business for yourself – but not by yourself.

While franchising has proven to be a very effective way to lower the risk of owning a business, it’s not for everyone.

Please join us for a webinar on March 2nd. Guidant’s cofounder, David Nilssen will lead a discussion with Marc Kiekenapp, a recognized expert in franchising to discuss:

• Where to find great franchise opportunities
• Step to take while investigate a franchisor
• Identify what a franchisor looks for
• How to validate your findings
• Financing strategies that work in today’s economy

Register now for this webinar!