How to Retire Happy through Financial Planning with Christopher Clepp

Brought to you by Salim Omar and the Ecommerce Money Map podcast.

Who is Christopher Clepp?

Christopher Clepp has been in the financial services industry since 2001. His practice focuses on business owners from the ages of 36 to 56. He helps his clients gain confidence and assists them in achieving a happy retirement.

Clepp is an entrepreneur, financial planner and father of three, who knows how busy life gets. 

Clepp's very first day in the business was on 9/11. He began his career as an agent in the insurance sector. Clepp moved through the ranks of management quickly, eventually partnering with another individual to run an insurance brokerage. Things did not go as hoped.

"I could talk a lot about why things didn't go well there, the economy, poor choices, business partners, but, at the end of the day, it was my first time as a business owner. I didn't understand everything that went into being a business owner, and things didn't go well the first time," says Clepp.

Clepp went back to Chicago to regroup. He returned to management but he wasn't happy.  Clepp then decided to begin his own practice within another agency.

"What I found out is, over those years I started working with more and more business owners. What I really craved was being able to have really deep, meaningful, impactful relationships with my clients," says Clepp.

Over the last four and a half years, Clepp began focusing financial planning with a special interest on Gen X and Gen Y clients.

"I have a lot of professionals, accountants, and attorneys that I work with. I love working with people that are running around with their hair on fire, which is what all entrepreneurs are. I love being able to help people get back more of their time and live the best version of their lives," says Clepp.

Christopher Clepp can be reached through his website buildingtowardswealth.com. He is also on twitter and LinkedIn.

What Does 'Work Optional' Mean, And How is it Different from Retirement?

For business owners, retirement is an  extremely personal matter because most entrepreneurs have invested deeply into their businesses. Their mindsets may be different from someone who has worked 9-5 for a company.

Business owners may think of their business as-

• Multi-generational
• A paycheck to get out to eventually sell the business

"It's a lot of different things but eventually it all boils down to the fact that business owners have chosen the path of entrepreneurship so that they have more control of their time," says Clepp.

This is where the concept of 'Work Optional' comes into play. 'Work Optional' means having autonomy over your own life.



A financial plan that is tailored to fit the lifestyle you want, and has fail safes in the case that you may need to step back from your business.

What Do People Usually Get Wrong About What Financial Planning Is? 

According to Clepp many think that financial planners merely tell you where to invest my money, how to invest it and when to trade. The reality is that this is only a small part of financial planning, especially if you are a business owner.



According to Clepp, financial planning is being able to live the best version of your lives and live in alignment with your values.

"We begin with a goal. I'm a big fan of Stephen Covey who advises that people 'begin with the end in mind'. Where is it that we're trying to go to? This is your true North," says Clepp. 

What Does it Take to Reach Your Financial Goals?

Clepp asks the question: Are you owning your business or is your business owning you? In order to reach your goals your business needs to be prepared for every eventuality and your finances need to be planned in a way that will benefit your business in the long run

These include:

• Investments
• Having insurances in place 
• Effective tax planning 
• Ensuring that your assets are allocated- these include your investments and real estate
  

According to Clepp, a financial plan allows you to prepare for setbacks and obstacles. You have a plan that you can get back to, to help keep you on the long-term path to success.



"There are a lot of different paths for success. Make sure that you have a plan that makes sense for you," says Clepp.

Advice for Business Owners Who Feel Behind in Their Financial Journey

"There's no time like the present to begin. People underestimate what you can accomplish in the long term.



Improve by 1% every day," says Clepp.

The Biggest Problem People Experience with Financial For Their Future

According to Clepp, the biggest problem most people have is that they don't want to do it. Don't delay planning for your future. You do not need to be extremely wealthy to work with a financial advisor.



Financial advisors have several different fee arrangements to be able to work with business owners including young business owners to help them get them on the right financial path.

Closing Statement

Christopher Clepp

Christopher Clepp is a successful financial planner and father of three,

who is dedicated to helping business owners retire successfully.

Salim Omar

Salim is a straight-talking CPA with 30+ years of entrepreneurial and accounting experience. His professional background includes experience as a former Chief Financial Officer and, for the last twenty-five years, as a serial 7-Figure entrepreneur.