The Blueprint for Building Wealth Beyond Your Business

Every advisor has a newsletter or blog these days.

Some are solid—full of helpful frameworks, thought-provoking takes, or hard-earned financial wisdom.

So why create another one?

Because very few speak directly to the day-to-day tension business owners face between building a great company and securing a great life.

Most newsletters focus on growing revenue, optimizing taxes, or building your brand—and those are important.

But few talk about the pressure of deciding whether to reinvest in your company or set money aside for your family’s future.

Or what it really means that your business is likely your biggest asset—and without careful planning, it could leave your personal finances exposed.

That’s the gap this resource aims to fill.

The Leader’s Blueprint is designed to connect the dots between your business strategy, your personal financial plan, and the legacy you’re building. It’s for entrepreneurs who want to lead with purpose, think long-term, and make smart financial decisions along the way.

It’s about building well, living wisely, and leaving something that lasts.

Know Your Numbers: Why Financial Clarity Starts with Questions

A good pilot doesn’t just trust the fuel gauge—he checks the tank. Business owners should treat financials the same way.

Don’t just skim reports. Spot-check. Ask questions. See where the money is really going.

Because knowing your numbers isn’t about suspicion—it’s about stewardship.

Why Cash Flow is the Lifeblood

Profit may be what shows up on paper, but cash flow is what keeps the doors open and the future funded.

Reliable cash flow gives you flexibility—to handle surprises, pursue opportunities, or plan confidently rather than react under pressure. A small, consistently profitable business with strong cash flow can often be worth more than a larger one skating by on top-line revenue.

Here are three areas where cash gets unlocked:

1. Inventory, Receivables, and Payables

Improve inventory turnover. Collect faster. Negotiate better payment terms. These small shifts can free up significant working capital.

2. Cash Allocation

How you divide your cash determines how you sleep at night.

Most business owners use the default formula: Revenue – Expenses = Profit

But there’s a different approach: Revenue – Profit = Expenses

Popularized in Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, this method reframes profit as non-negotiable. You allocate profit first, then run your business on what’s left. It also uses a simple banking structure to divide cash into buckets—profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and operations—giving every dollar a job.

It’s not about frugality. It’s about clarity.

When you install guardrails like this, you reduce surprises and promote smarter spending—for both your business and your household.

3. Proactive Tax Planning

Many business owners could save significantly with the right retirement strategy. Retirement plans like SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and defined benefit plans do more than build your future—they can reduce your tax bill right now.

How We Help Business Owners

At Van Hulzen Financial Advisors, we don’t just offer advice—we implement. We help business owners set up cash systems like Profit First, model out different cash flow scenarios, and tie financial tactics directly to their broader tax and wealth strategy.

And we don’t work in silos. We coordinate closely with your CPA and attorney so you get a cohesive plan—without becoming the middleman.

Real-Life Insight: The Barbara Corcoran Playbook

Barbara Corcoran started with a $1,000 loan and turned it into a $66 million real estate empire—not just through grit, but by staying clear on her brand and putting people first.

She created a company culture around exceptional service and built her marketing strategy on authentic relationships. Today, she’s known as a Shark Tank investor, but her legacy started long before that.

Her story is a reminder: when your business reflects your values, growth becomes more than financial—it becomes personal.

If you're thinking about how to align your business with your long-term goals—or you're just tired of piecing together advice from multiple sources—The Leader’s Blueprint was built for you.

Let’s make your next decision a confident one.

*The foregoing content reflects the opinions of Van Hulzen Asset Management DBA "Van Hulzen Financial Advisors" and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful. 

Investment advisory services offered through Van Hulzen Asset Management, insurance products and services through Citadel, an affiliated company. Any references to guarantees relate only to insurance products and are based solely on the claims paying ability of the underwriting company.