FINANCIAL – PROFIT

Beyond the 401(k) — Customized Strategies for Certainty and Control

2Nov By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT

Beyond the 401(k) — Customized Strategies for Certainty and Control

If your retirement strategy depends on the market, your peace of mind depends on luck. Many high-income business owners rely on traditional 401(k)s, IRAs, or other qualified plans—but these options are built for the masses, not for those who have created significant wealth.Volatility, contribution limits, and lack of flexibility make standard retirement plans less than ideal for executives and business owners with unique financial goals. The solution? Customized, non-qualified strategies that give control, certainty, and opportunity.The Myth of Market-Tied RetirementMany financial advisors tout the “average 7% return” over time—but averages hide the reality of market swings. For example:A 7% average could mean several years of losses, followed by recovery.There’s no guarantee you’ll have i...

Beyond the 401(k) — Alternatives for the High-Earning Entrepreneur

26Oct By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT, SUCCESSION

Beyond the 401(k) — Alternatives for the High-Earning Entrepreneur

For many business owners, maxing out a 401(k) feels like progress. But for high-income earners, it often isn’t enough. Contribution limits and tax rules create a ceiling that prevents the plan from keeping pace with earnings, leaving significant growth potential untapped.Savvy entrepreneurs don’t settle. They explore alternatives — strategies that go beyond the traditional system while offering tax efficiency, control, and flexibility.1. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) PlansNQDC plans allow business owners and executives to defer income beyond 401(k) limits. Unlike qualified plans, these arrangements are highly customizable:You can determine how much to defer, within your business’s cash flow capacity.They can be structured for future tax advantages, often allowing tax-deferred ...

Outgrowing the 401(k) — What Smart Business Owners Do Next

26Oct By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RESOURCES, RETIREMENT

Outgrowing the 401(k) — What Smart Business Owners Do Next

For decades, the 401(k) has been the cornerstone of retirement planning for employees and business owners alike. It’s simple, familiar, and widely available. But for high-income business owners, the traditional 401(k) quickly hits a ceiling.Contribution limits and income caps mean that even diligent savers leave significant wealth-building potential untapped. For example, in 2025, most employees are limited to $23,500 in annual contributions, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for those over 50. While this works for the average worker, it barely scratches the surface for entrepreneurs and executives earning six or seven figures.Recognize the LimitsThe first step in overcoming the 401(k) ceiling is awareness. Business owners must understand exactly how much they can contribute ...

Redefining Retirement — Part 1: Breaking the 401(k) Myth

26Oct By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RETIREMENT, SUCCESSION

Redefining Retirement — Part 1: Breaking the 401(k) Myth

For decades, business owners have been told a simple story about retirement:Save diligently in your 401(k), trust the market, and someday, you’ll have enough to retire comfortably.But here’s the uncomfortable truth — that story was never written for entrepreneurs.The Problem with Traditional Retirement AdviceThe traditional retirement model is built on uncertainty.Most business owners are saving into a system they don’t control, one built on deferred taxes and unpredictable policy shifts.A 401(k) doesn’t eliminate taxes — it delays them.When you finally retire and begin taking withdrawals, you’re not just accessing your savings; you’re entering a new tax bracket.And if tax rates go up — as history suggests they will — you’ll pay more in taxes than you ever saved in deferrals.That’s not pla...

Before You Sell: Why Consult Encompass Should Be Your First Call

26Jul By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL

Before You Sell: Why Consult Encompass Should Be Your First Call

Selling your business isn’t just a transaction — it’s a transformation. Here's why strategic consultation is the key to maximizing value.For many business owners, the decision to sell their company marks the culmination of decades of hard work. But far too often, this milestone is approached with limited preparation, fragmented advice, and reactive decision-making. If you're even thinking about selling — whether it's a year or five years down the road — it's time to bring Consult Encompass into the picture.Why? Because selling well starts long before a buyer ever knocks.Selling a Business Is More Than a ValuationWhile many owners begin by asking, “What’s my business worth?”, the more important question is, “What would make my business more valuable — and to whom?”Consult Encompass speciali...

What Does Fractional Twinning Look Like in Real Life?

24Jun By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL

What Does Fractional Twinning Look Like in Real Life?

Let’s say you’re the founder and CEO of a mid-sized healthcare tech company. You’ve bootstrapped your way to $10M in annual revenue with a small but scrappy team. You’ve got strong product-market fit, but cracks are forming:Your finance team is overwhelmed and reacting instead of planning.Marketing isn’t working in sync with product launches.You’re eyeing a Series B raise, but investors want a clearer growth plan and better financial forecasting.You don’t need more middle managers—you need C-suite horsepower.Enter: Fractional TwinningYou don’t have the runway—or the need—for a full-time CFO or CMO. But what if you could twin your business with just the right executive leadership, precisely when and where you need it?Step-by-Step: How Fractional Twinning Works1. Identify the GapYour busines...

Why CFO-as-a-Service Is the Smartest Move of 2025

18Jun By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

BUSINESS, CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL

Why CFO-as-a-Service Is the Smartest Move of 2025

Financial Clarity, Strategic Insight, and Scalable Leadership Without the Full-Time OverheadIn a year marked by economic complexity, high interest rates, global volatility, and shifting regulatory policies, one thing is clear: 2025 demands sharper financial leadership.But hiring a full-time CFO isn’t always practical—especially for small and mid-sized companies that are scaling, restructuring, or simply trying to maintain profitability in a volatile environment.That’s where CFO-as-a-Service comes in—and it’s quickly becoming the smartest, most strategic move business leaders can make this year.What Is CFO-as-a-Service?CFO-as-a-Service (CFOaaS) is the modern solution to an age-old problem: how do you gain deep financial expertise without incurring the cost and commitment of a full-time exec...

Don’t Just Save, Strategize: Why Business Owners Need an Exit Plan for a Truly Tax-Efficient Retirement

6Apr By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, RETIREMENT, SUCCESSION

Don’t Just Save, Strategize: Why Business Owners Need an Exit Plan for a Truly Tax-Efficient Retirement

As a business owner, your enterprise is likely more than just a source of income—it’s your legacy, your passion, and often the cornerstone of your financial future. But while you may have poured years of effort into building your business, have you considered what happens when it’s time to step away?Many business owners overlook the importance of creating an exit plan that not only maximizes the value of their business but also ensures a tax-efficient retirement. Here's why strategizing for your exit is essential for securing your financial future.The Unique Financial Challenges of Business OwnersBusiness owners face distinct financial challenges compared to traditional employees. For many, their business represents a significant portion of their net worth and retirement savings. Unlike em...

Is Hiring a Business Coach Worth the Expense?

9Mar By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

CEO DESK, FEATURED, FINANCIAL, OPERATIONS

Is Hiring a Business Coach Worth the Expense?

In today's competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs and business leaders are constantly seeking ways to gain an edge. One option many consider is hiring a business coach. But with coaching fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, the question becomes: is it worth the investment?What a Business Coach OffersBusiness coaches typically provide personalized guidance, accountability, and expertise to help you navigate challenges and identify opportunities. A good coach brings an outside perspective, spotting blind spots you might miss when you're deeply involved in day-to-day operations.The Potential Returns of Hiring a Business CoachStrategic Growth and PlanningBusiness coaches do more than just help you set goals—they create structured frameworks for achievin...

The US Economy in Early 2025: Labor Market Resilience Amid Inflationary Pressures

13Feb By Meta_EncompassNo Comments

FEATURED, FINANCIAL, STRATEGY

The US Economy in Early 2025: Labor Market Resilience Amid Inflationary Pressures

As we move through the first quarter of 2025, the US economy presents a complex picture, with the labor market showing resilience despite ongoing inflationary challenges. Let's take a closer look at the current state of affairs.The US labor market has started 2025 on a somewhat tepid note. January saw the addition of 143,000 jobs, falling short of analysts' expectations. While this figure represents a slowdown from previous years, it still indicates continued growth. Key sectors driving this growth include healthcare, retail, and government, which collectively accounted for 89% of January's job gains. Despite the slower job growth, the unemployment rate has decreased to 4%, suggesting a still-tight labor market. This "Great Stay" trend indicates that workers are holding onto their current ...