Investment decisions are typically driven by data analysis and objective criteria. However, when adult children approach their parents for funding their start-up ventures, subjectivity often takes the wheel. While parents have a natural inclination to help their children, emotionally driven investments can lead to poor financial outcomes and strained family dynamics. This is where financial advisors can play a crucial role in assisting clients to make informed decisions regarding their child’s entrepreneurial pursuits.
Prioritizing Informed Decision-making
Before engaging in in-depth discussions about funding the start-up, it is essential for the client to request a written business plan from their child. The plan should outline key aspects such as the nature of the proposed business, near- and long-term prospects of the industry, company location, and regulatory concerns that may impact the start-up. Additionally, the plan should include a projected timeline for achieving positive cash flow.
Considerations Beyond Investment
It is equally important for parents to consider wider family dynamics and estate-planning ramifications. For instance, if they invest in one child’s business, does that establish a precedent for other children? How might a failed investment or a successful thriving business impact the family’s financial or estate plan? This analysis extends to financial components of an estate plan, including gifting assets to children during their lifetime to mitigate potential federal and/or state estate taxes upon their death.
The Role of Financial Advisors
Financial advisors can help prepare clients for meaningful family conversations and guide them in removing emotions from the equation to work towards a shared financial goal. Regardless of whether the parent decides to fund their child’s venture or not, it is crucial for them to fully explain their reasoning. This includes sharing perspectives, experiences, and accumulated wisdom that influenced their decision-making process.
Making a Plan
If the parent decides to provide funding, it is time to create a comprehensive plan. From the parent’s perspective, having an equity interest (ownership of a stake or shares in the company) offers the potential for significant profits if the business succeeds. However, it is important to acknowledge the risks involved, such as the possibility of losing the entire investment, potential dilution, and potential strains on relationships.
In conclusion, when it comes to investing in their child’s start-up venture, parents need to make informed decisions with the guidance of financial advisors. By prioritizing thoughtful discussions, objective analyses, and transparent reasoning, parents can support their children’s entrepreneurial dreams while safeguarding both financial and family interests.
Parents who choose to become creditors can significantly increase their chances of recovering their investment in the event of a business bankruptcy. This is because creditors are typically paid before shareholders. While it is possible for parents to offer a personal loan to their child, in the unfortunate scenario of personal bankruptcy, they would have to recover their investment from their own child which can create a difficult situation.
As a financial advisor, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of business insurance and directors and officers liability insurance, especially if your client will serve on the board of the new company. To ensure adequate coverage, financial advisors can collaborate with insurance specialists who can determine the appropriate level of coverage.
The entire process of parents becoming creditors presents an opportunity for parents to educate their children about making strategic decisions in the business world. It also allows the child to gain valuable firsthand experience in developing, refining, and pitching ideas for current or future endeavors. With the guidance of a financial advisor, this process can positively impact the family’s financial health and strengthen relationships for everyone involved.
