BC Journal

#Finterms: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the branch of the Federal Reserve responsible for setting U.S. monetary policy. It meets regularly to assess economic conditions and determine key policy decisions, including changes to the federal funds rate, with the goal of promoting maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.

#FOMC #FederalReserve #MonetaryPolicy #InterestRates #Economy

Financial Literacy

#Finterms: Russell 3000 Index

The Russell 3000 Index is a stock market index that tracks the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S.-traded stocks based on market capitalization. It serves as a benchmark for the overall performance of the U.S. stock market, encompassing a wide range of companies across various sectors and industries.

#Russell3000 #StockMarket #Investing #MarketIndices #Finance

Financial Literacy

What is the Value of My Business?

As a business owner, your job may seem like it includes a thousand responsibilities, but in reality, it boils down to two core goals:

  1. Increase the value of your business
  2. Remove the obstacles that prevent you from increasing that value

Which leads to the question at the heart of it all: What is the value of my business?

Before you can grow, protect, or sell a business, it is important to first clarify what “value” actually means. This article breaks down how business value is determined, why it often differs from what owners may assume, and how a professional valuation can empower better decisions, both now and down the line.

 

Why Business Value Matters for Better Decisions and Planning

We are living through the largest generational wealth transfer in history. By 2045, an estimated $84 trillion is expected to pass from Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation to their Gen X and Millennial heirs. A major part of that wealth is tied up in privately owned businesses, many of which are facing ownership transitions in the coming years. For some owners, a family succession is not an option, and they must plan and prepare to sell to an outside buyer.

Regardless of the path, for owners nearing retirement or exploring exit strategies, knowing the value of their business is the foundation for everything that follows. It informs tax planning, deal terms, timing, and ultimately, how well that wealth is preserved or passed on.

Importantly, the definition of “value” can vary depending on the purpose of the valuation. Different types of business ownership transactions call for different standards of value, each with its own assumptions and implications.

#Finterms: Key Person Life Insurance

Key Person Life Insurance is a policy a business purchases on the life of a critical employee—often a founder, executive, or top performer—whose loss would have a significant financial impact.

The business is the policy owner, beneficiary, and pays the premiums.

If the key person dies, the death benefit can help cover revenue loss, recruitment costs, or debt obligations, helping stabilize the company during transition.

#KeyPersonInsurance #BusinessProtection #SuccessionPlanning #RiskManagement

Financial Literacy