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Understanding Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

By Alan Rhode

Investing in startups and small businesses has always been a risky endeavor. However, with the right strategies, it can also be immensely rewarding. One such strategy revolves around Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), a powerful tool offering substantial tax benefits to investors. As a prospective client of Modern Wealth, it’s crucial to grasp the essence … Continued

Market Minutes for May 20, 2024

By Alan Rhode

This past week, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw a modest increase of 0.3% month-over-month and 3.4% year-over-year. Additionally, the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by a higher-than-expected 0.5% month-over-month, indicating potential inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, retail sales remained flat in April, falling short of market expectations and suggesting a cautious consumer outlook. Looking ahead, … Continued

Market Minutes for May 13, 2024

By Alan Rhode

This past week, consumer confidence experienced a decline, falling to 67.4 in May. Despite the weaker income growth observed in the early part of 2024, consumer spending has shown remarkable resilience. Real wages have continued to stay positive, contributing to an overall stable economic outlook. Looking ahead, several key economic indicators will provide critical insights … Continued

Business Valuation and Inflation

By Alan Rhode

In the current economic landscape, inflation is a hot topic, especially in the United States where the inflation rate has slightly decreased to 8.52% from 9.06% earlier this summer. Inflation refers to the rise in the prices of goods and services, leading to a decreased purchasing power of money. This rise affects not only daily … Continued

The Decide Gate

By Alan Rhode

For anyone familiar with the Value Acceleration Methodology, the term ‘Decide Gate’ will resonate deeply. Acting as the fulcrum of exit planning, this stage underscores the pivotal choices an entrepreneur must make concerning their business’s future. But once they arrive at this juncture, what’s next? What exit routes lie ahead? Let’s traverse through the Decide … Continued

The Prepare Gate

By Alan Rhode

Exit planning is an intricate dance, and like all dances, it has its rhythm, flow, and stages. The Value Acceleration Methodology takes a business owner on a transformative journey through the Discover, Prepare, and Decide gates. While all these stages play their unique roles, the ‘Prepare Gate’ is arguably where the rubber meets the road. … Continued

The Discover Gate

By Alan Rhode

When considering the Value Acceleration Methodology, which is pivotal to strategic exit planning as a small business owner, the very foundation rests upon the Discover Gate. This initial phase is all about understanding the present state of your business, aligning with personal and financial goals, and charting a path forward. Let’s dive into the intricacies … Continued

The Intangible Capitals of the Modern Business

By Alan Rhode

In today’s dynamic and fast-paced business landscape, the value of a company is no longer solely defined by its tangible assets like property, machinery, or inventory. As the evolution of the digital age and knowledge-based economies advances, a significant portion of a company’s worth lies in its Intangible Capitals. These capitals, which account for roughly … Continued

The Five Stages of Value Maturity for a Business

By Alan Rhode

Running a business is akin to embarking on a journey. Just like any journey, it requires careful planning, a sense of direction, and the right tools to navigate potential obstacles. Christopher Snider’s book, “Walking to Destiny,” provides a roadmap for business owners in the form of the Five Stages of Value Maturity. This framework, a … Continued