{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://starthealthy.com/category/life/finances/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://starthealthy.com/category/life/finances/", "feed_url": "https://starthealthy.com/category/life/finances/feed/json/", "title": "Start Healthy", "description": "Start Healthy Magazine", "items": [ { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/is-reverse-budgeting-right-for-you/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/is-reverse-budgeting-right-for-you/", "title": "Is Reverse Budgeting Right for You?", "content_html": "

The post Is Reverse Budgeting Right for You? appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post Is Reverse Budgeting Right for You? appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-09-28T08:00:15+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-09-25T15:34:12+00:00", "author": { "name": "arios", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/arios/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6dd452ff406ad79e25e3052c57087ff01a0662283816eb5e61de5f6b0d25dac9?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Budget", "Finances", "Household Management", "Save Money", "Life" ], "summary": "Discover an alternative strategy to traditional budgeting that could be more effective." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/10-surprising-ways-to-save-money-this-month/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/10-surprising-ways-to-save-money-this-month/", "title": "10 Surprising Ways to Save Money This Month", "content_html": "

`

\n

The post 10 Surprising Ways to Save Money This Month appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "`\nThe post 10 Surprising Ways to Save Money This Month appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-09-24T08:00:25+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-09-23T22:59:07+00:00", "author": { "name": "arios", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/arios/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6dd452ff406ad79e25e3052c57087ff01a0662283816eb5e61de5f6b0d25dac9?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Budget", "Finances", "Money", "Save Money", "Spending", "Life" ], "summary": "Adopting certain lifestyle habits or swaps may pay off fairly quickly." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/5-ways-to-save-on-home-renovations/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/5-ways-to-save-on-home-renovations/", "title": "5 Ways to Save on Home Renovations", "content_html": "

The post 5 Ways to Save on Home Renovations appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post 5 Ways to Save on Home Renovations appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-09-09T08:00:41+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-09-02T17:09:10+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Home Improvement", "Home Renovation", "Money", "Money-Saving Tips", "Save Money", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Investing in your household doesn\u2019t have to break the bank." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/build-a-smart-succession-plan/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/build-a-smart-succession-plan/", "title": "Build a Smart Succession Plan", "content_html": "

If you own a small business, a critical stage of management is acknowledging that you\u2019ll someday need to hand it over to another party. Astoundingly, about 4.2 million Americans reached age sixty-five in 2025 alone, and if you find yourself in this retirement age soon, it may be time to start planning so you can step into your golden years with total freedom and complete peace of mind.

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\n

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Phase 1: announcing your departure

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Some wealth managers recommend that you begin preparations at least five years before departing your position. Leaving a long runway allows you to take comprehensive steps and ensure that you are not only ready to retire but also feel confident that your business is being looked after.

\n

The first step to each of these is to define your exit vision, which can involve an internal transfer (a fellow owner or employee takes on your ownership of your business) or an external sale. Obtaining an accurate business valuation from a professional, like a certified valuation analyst or certified public accountant, will help you understand precisely what your ownership is worth, guiding which option you take.

\n

While some business owners may prefer to transfer their company to a family member or an employee, selling could be a lucrative route. Depending on your retirement needs, this could essentially convert your ownership into enough cash to retire early or even pass this wealth on to others as an inheritance.

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Then again, if your valuation falls short of your retirement needs, your tasks in the following years should pivot to enhancing enterprise value. You can do so by taking steps like slashing operating costs and investing in new marketing campaigns.

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Phase 2: Developing leaders

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Succession planning is not just about replacing who owns the company but also who will take charge of its major duties. If you follow these three steps, you can prepare another party to take on such responsibilities.

\n
    \n
  1. Define the profile
    \n    Start with an objective assessment. Develop a rigorous leadership persona that outlines the specific skills and characteristics needed to take the reins.
    2. \n
  2. Focus on adaptability
    \n    Whether your succession candidates include a family member, business partner, or internal mentee, evaluate them as objectively as possible. Consider factors like their seniority within the company and experience, showing characteristics that suit your leadership profile.
    3. \n
  3. Develop a road map
    \n    Write a formalized development strategy for nurturing your chosen successor(s). A reliable leadership approach for doing so is adopting the 70-20-10 rule: 70 percent experiential learning, 20 percent verbal coaching or mentoring, and 10 percent formal training.
    4. \n
\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

Phase 3: making your exit

\n

From there, assemble a strategic team of financial professionals, which could include a tax advisor, estate planning attorney, or wealth manager, to highlight your goals and help you structure your deal beneficially for both you and the business. With their aid, you can prepare all needed documents and find the best option for handing off your held value in the company (e.g., the aforementioned approaches versus gifting interests, a management buyout, etc.). Reviewing these options can help reduce your capital gains tax responsibility and protect your assets as you enter retirement.

\n

Every situation is unique when it comes to passing a business on to a different leader. However, if you tackle each of these phases diligently, you can realize your dream of easing into retirement knowing that your former enterprise will remain in good hands.

\n

The post Build a Smart Succession Plan appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "If you own a small business, a critical stage of management is acknowledging that you\u2019ll someday need to hand it over to another party. Astoundingly, about 4.2 million Americans reached age sixty-five in 2025 alone, and if you find yourself in this retirement age soon, it may be time to start planning so you can step into your golden years with total freedom and complete peace of mind.\n\n\nPhase 1: announcing your departure\nSome wealth managers recommend that you begin preparations at least five years before departing your position. Leaving a long runway allows you to take comprehensive steps and ensure that you are not only ready to retire but also feel confident that your business is being looked after.\nThe first step to each of these is to define your exit vision, which can involve an internal transfer (a fellow owner or employee takes on your ownership of your business) or an external sale. Obtaining an accurate business valuation from a professional, like a certified valuation analyst or certified public accountant, will help you understand precisely what your ownership is worth, guiding which option you take.\nWhile some business owners may prefer to transfer their company to a family member or an employee, selling could be a lucrative route. Depending on your retirement needs, this could essentially convert your ownership into enough cash to retire early or even pass this wealth on to others as an inheritance.\nThen again, if your valuation falls short of your retirement needs, your tasks in the following years should pivot to enhancing enterprise value. You can do so by taking steps like slashing operating costs and investing in new marketing campaigns.\n\n \nPhase 2: Developing leaders\nSuccession planning is not just about replacing who owns the company but also who will take charge of its major duties. If you follow these three steps, you can prepare another party to take on such responsibilities.\n\nDefine the profile\nStart with an objective assessment. Develop a rigorous leadership persona that outlines the specific skills and characteristics needed to take the reins.\nFocus on adaptability\nWhether your succession candidates include a family member, business partner, or internal mentee, evaluate them as objectively as possible. Consider factors like their seniority within the company and experience, showing characteristics that suit your leadership profile.\nDevelop a road map\nWrite a formalized development strategy for nurturing your chosen successor(s). A reliable leadership approach for doing so is adopting the 70-20-10 rule: 70 percent experiential learning, 20 percent verbal coaching or mentoring, and 10 percent formal training.\n\n\n \nPhase 3: making your exit\nFrom there, assemble a strategic team of financial professionals, which could include a tax advisor, estate planning attorney, or wealth manager, to highlight your goals and help you structure your deal beneficially for both you and the business. With their aid, you can prepare all needed documents and find the best option for handing off your held value in the company (e.g., the aforementioned approaches versus gifting interests, a management buyout, etc.). Reviewing these options can help reduce your capital gains tax responsibility and protect your assets as you enter retirement.\nEvery situation is unique when it comes to passing a business on to a different leader. However, if you tackle each of these phases diligently, you can realize your dream of easing into retirement knowing that your former enterprise will remain in good hands.\nThe post Build a Smart Succession Plan appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-08-13T08:00:58+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-13T20:50:25+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://starthealthy.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/succession-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Business", "Employees", "Financial Planning", "Hiring", "retirement", "Small Business", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Follow these tips to hand the reins of your business to your loved ones prudently." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/4-alternatives-to-savings-accounts/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/4-alternatives-to-savings-accounts/", "title": "4 Alternatives to Savings Accounts", "content_html": "

The post 4 Alternatives to Savings Accounts appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post 4 Alternatives to Savings Accounts appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-08-13T08:00:07+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T21:55:06+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Bank", "CD", "Money-Saving Tips", "Savings", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "There are more ways to stash your cash than depositing it traditional savings." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/the-basics-of-bonds/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/the-basics-of-bonds/", "title": "The Basics of Bonds", "content_html": "

The post The Basics of Bonds appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Basics of Bonds appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-08-12T08:00:46+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-10T21:42:14+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Bonds", "Finances", "Household Management", "Investing", "Money", "retirement", "Stocks and Bonds", "Life" ], "summary": "Discover what these investment types entail." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/how-to-maximize-your-social-security-check/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/how-to-maximize-your-social-security-check/", "title": "How to Maximize Your Social Security Check", "content_html": "

The post How to Maximize Your Social Security Check appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post How to Maximize Your Social Security Check appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-08-11T08:00:51+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-06T22:15:36+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Finance", "retirement", "Savings", "Social Security", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Here are the steps to take now if you\u2019re looking to increase your retirement savings." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/tips-for-investing-during-difficult-economic-times/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/tips-for-investing-during-difficult-economic-times/", "title": "Tips for Investing During Difficult Economic Times", "content_html": "

The post Tips for Investing During Difficult Economic Times appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post Tips for Investing During Difficult Economic Times appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-08-05T08:00:16+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-28T19:08:54+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Economy", "Investing", "Stock Market", "Stocks and Bonds", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Investing comes with unique challenges, especially during economic uncertainty." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/a-look-at-high-risk-investments/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/a-look-at-high-risk-investments/", "title": "A Look at High-Risk Investments", "content_html": "

The post A Look at High-Risk Investments appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post A Look at High-Risk Investments appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-08-03T08:00:00+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-21T21:29:15+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Investing", "Money", "Risk", "Stock Market", "Stocks and Bonds", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Explore some of the more hazardous types and learn why they aren\u2019t for the average investor." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/what-to-know-about-balance-transfer-credit-cards/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/what-to-know-about-balance-transfer-credit-cards/", "title": "What to Know About Balance Transfer Credit Cards", "content_html": "

The post What to Know About Balance Transfer Credit Cards appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post What to Know About Balance Transfer Credit Cards appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-07-21T08:00:29+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-17T20:57:23+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Credit cards", "Debt", "Financial", "Interest Rates", "Money", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Learn about a potential option for paying down any debts you carry." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/practicing-financial-safety-with-smartphone-apps/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/finances/practicing-financial-safety-with-smartphone-apps/", "title": "Practicing Financial Safety with Smartphone Apps", "content_html": "

The post Practicing Financial Safety with Smartphone Apps appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post Practicing Financial Safety with Smartphone Apps appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-07-09T08:00:45+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-07-06T20:19:50+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Apps", "Finance Apps", "Financial", "Financial Safety", "Money", "Smartphone", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Practice good financial security when using convenient smartphone apps." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/how-to-track-your-progress-toward-your-financial-goals/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/how-to-track-your-progress-toward-your-financial-goals/", "title": "How to Track Your Progress Toward Your Financial Goals", "content_html": "

The post How to Track Your Progress Toward Your Financial Goals appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post How to Track Your Progress Toward Your Financial Goals appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-06-30T08:00:51+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-06-23T22:21:18+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Finances", "Financial Goals", "Goal Setting", "Money", "Savings", "Life" ], "summary": "Take these steps to stay on top of your funds and understand how they may be developing." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/an-introduction-to-reits/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/an-introduction-to-reits/", "title": "An Introduction to REITs", "content_html": "

The post An Introduction to REITs appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post An Introduction to REITs appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-06-29T08:00:37+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-06-22T12:53:13+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Finances", "Investing", "Investment Property", "Money", "real estate", "Life" ], "summary": "Discover how this time-honored technique can improve your well-being." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/review-your-finances-for-these-5-red-flags/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/review-your-finances-for-these-5-red-flags/", "title": "Review Your Finances for These 5 Red Flags", "content_html": "

The post Review Your Finances for These 5 Red Flags appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post Review Your Finances for These 5 Red Flags appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-06-26T08:00:18+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-06-22T12:52:25+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Budget", "Finances", "Household Management", "Money", "retirement", "Savings", "Life" ], "summary": "Discover how this time-honored technique can improve your well-being." }, { "id": "https://starthealthy.com/life/what-to-know-before-collecting-social-security-benefits-early/", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/life/what-to-know-before-collecting-social-security-benefits-early/", "title": "What to Know Before Collecting Social Security Benefits Early", "content_html": "

The post What to Know Before Collecting Social Security Benefits Early appeared first on Start Healthy.

\n", "content_text": "The post What to Know Before Collecting Social Security Benefits Early appeared first on Start Healthy.", "date_published": "2026-06-25T08:00:03+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-06-22T21:43:06+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://starthealthy.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Financial", "Funds", "Money", "retirement", "Social Security", "Finances", "Life" ], "summary": "Get important details before taking a step you might regret." } ] }