b'A few years ago, a successful couple came in after realizing that they didnt understand how to manage or grow their assets.With a household income of nearly $500,000, they had been saving for retirement without knowing the value of their money or how they wanted to spend it.RK helped them fill the gaps in their knowledge, and theyve become a long-term client. We sorted out their direction and goals, thoroughly looked at their present financial situation and discussed what they wanted in their future and what it would take to get them there, Tim says.The plan we created together years ago, we continue to revise to adaptTim Eichhorn has been with to their life changes. As theyveRK for almost 20 years.added value in their careers and grown their family, our team hasown a portion of the company inspires them to achieve on a helped them evaluate shifts in theirnew level; doing well for their families and for themselves is an goals and tweaked the plan to aligneffective motivator. This was a true win-win that, in the coming with their assets. years, will likely have changed the lives [of the owner] and the lives of the employee families for the better, Tim reflected.Another common trait Tim has noticed is a tendency toSECRETS TO SUCCESSoverlook the days ahead. Clients spend much of their time in today, thinking and working for today, he shared. Its naturalHis clients encounter a range of variables, good and bad, from to get stuck focusing too much on the now. RK developed asudden divorce, job loss, or death, to remarriage, promotion, planning process with this in mind, helping clients transformor inheritance. Sometimes its a teenager or young adult hopes into a future reality.needing financial help in rehab; other times a recent widow needs guidance while she adjusts. Were here to help people CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS through the tough times and the celebratory ones, with our careful guidance and attention to detail, Tim says. One particularly technical situation Tim navigated involved a business owner selling his company to employees. Tim took intoProfessional planners also set their own goals along the way. consideration factors that would impact all parties involved In his career, he strives to set his clients up for success withsuch as the employees families, expenses, and the trajectorya system that allows them to thrive beyond his time withof the economyso the sale could position both owner andthe firm. His personal goal is to someday retire comfortably employees the best way possible.with his wife, Beth, and be able to visit his family, travel andhelp others. There are several tough decisions that any business owner needs to make when it comes time to sell, and different risksALWAYS HEREwith each. Selling to a peer or larger company within the industry can put the company and its employees in potentialChange is inevitable in life. Rather & Kittrell is here to make sure jeopardy if the new owner decides to break up the company.that clients are prepared. We strive to plan for the unexpected,Selling to one or more employees may mean that they needso you can focus on the things that matter most, Tim says.to find financing for the purchase. That can delay the owner inFor professional guidance with personal and business finances, moving on to the next endeavor.connect with us, and well set you up for success.That clients company is thriving today, partially because of a rebounding economy, but primarily because the employees have seen the stake they each have through the plan. Knowing theyVolume One Summer 2022 25'