How much does Business Financial Planning cost?

What is Business Financial Planning?

Business financial planning allows you to narrate your destination, by looking at where your business is currently at in relation to your goals and objectives. In response, a plan will be created that sets out actionable steps to help you achieve your business aims. This is known as business financial planning. 

The progress of the plan will be monitored so that the details can be adjusted if needed. By undertaking financial planning, your business will have a much better chance of success, since you will have a better understanding of your running costs and projected profit.

Any business can benefit from financial planning. However, startups or businesses that are looking to grow most commonly use the service. Aspects that will be looked at can include your personal finances, business cash flow, tax planning, business growth projection, investment risk management, financial contingency plans, and exit strategy. Your business financial planner will be with you throughout each step to offer their help and support as an expert in the industry. 

How much does Business Financial Planning cost? 

The cost of business financial planning ranges between $90 and $500 per hour, with an average cost of $200 per hour.

There is a large variation in fees and this is because it depends on the professional you choose, along with the scale of financial planning that is involved. 

For example, business financial planning for a small business is vastly different from that of a global corporation. However, the flexibility in price does make the service more accessible to a greater number of businesses and individuals overall. 

A fixed fee may also be given rather than a cost per hour. Every financial planning firm will have a different pricing structure.

What changes the price of Business Financial Planning? 

The cost of financial planning varies depending on several factors, including:

• Services required

• Type of financial planner

• Research

• Implementation

• Review sessions

• Time

• Location

Services required

Business financial planners offer a wide range of services. You may be able to pick and choose certain services, making the process more affordable. 

On the cheaper end of the scale, implementation services start at just $100. This can involve completing paperwork or similar admin relating to what you have agreed in your plan. Some financial planners may include implementation as part of a package deal, rather than charging for it separately. 

A full financial review for your business can cost between $1,740 and $3,400 on average. This will look at aspects such as tax planning, growth strategies, and cash flow management. It is a very thorough service that can definitely help point you in the right direction, especially if you are looking to grow or recover your business.

The most expensive type of financial planning is a pension and investment review. Since most people pay into their 401(k) their entire working life, a lot of money is at stake. Your financial planner will make sure you are on the right plan, and that the return on your investment is healthy. 

Some business financial planners will offer an even wider choice of services. If your company is a large corporation, expect the cost of any service to be higher, since the details will be more complex to work through.

Type of financial planner

As well as financial planners, technical analysts and financial administrators can also help you map out the next steps for your business. Typically, those who are official financial planners will charge more. The service can also be accessed from an accountant’s office. 

Research

Research is going to be needed to find the best products, services, and strategies for your business financial plan. The exact amount will depend on your current position in relation to your goals. The more research is needed for your plan, the more it will cost unless the research is covered under a fixed fee.

Implementation

The key stage of any business financial plan is the implementation of the outlined steps. If this requires actions from your financial planner rather than yourself, then they will charge for this service. For example, it could involve switching your pension on your behalf, or beginning your business exit strategy. 

Review sessions

Financial planning works best when it is closely monitored, and this involves holding regular review sessions. Your financial planner may suggest an optimum number of review sessions i.e every month, quarterly, or twice annually. Though, unless it’s part of your package, your professional will likely charge by the hour for your review sessions. 

Time

Even if your business financial planner doesn’t charge by the hour, they will still be taking into account how much time they expect to spend working with you. This will be factored into the total cost of hiring their services. 

Location

Depending on your location, you will notice fluctuating costs when it comes to hiring a business financial planner.

The national average is between $90 and $500 per hour. However, in Wisconsin, you can expect to pay as low as $100 an hour. This increases to $300 in New York and $350 in California, which typically has the highest rates anywhere in the country. 

Regardless of your location, it’s possible to find business planners who charge more or less than the national average, since their experience will determine their rates. 

Is it worth getting Business Financial Planning?

You wouldn’t drive without looking at the road, and running a business without having a clear understanding of your financials is essentially doing the same thing. However, by consulting an expert financial planner, you can make sense of where your finances are in relation to your goals. You can also see what may be preventing you from reaching your business objectives, and create a plan to work through everything. Compared with continuing with no real structure, business financial planning is well worth the investment. 

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