Money Matters: Protect Yourself

Cary, NC — The risks to your wealth aren’t only in the financial markets. The wealthier you become, the more liability protection matters. We live in a litigious world, one in which even friends and neighbors can be convinced to see opportunity in the wake of misfortune.

Do You Have Liability Coverage?

Could you afford a six-figure draw-down of your personal assets to settle a lawsuit? Ideally, you have umbrella liability coverage with a limit that equals or exceeds your net worth. The premiums are reasonable: $1 million of coverage commonly costs $150 to $300 per year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Premiums may then rise only incrementally for larger policies.

You may want to consider both general and professional liability coverage, the latter of which protects a business against damage done by its services or products. Consider creating an LLC or S corp. If you own rental property, setting up a limited liability or S corporation can be a wise move. If tenants want to sue for any reason, they will be suing the corporate entity rather than you. Your other personal assets will be shielded from their claims.

Protect Your Assets

Many high net worth professionals and business owners are inadequately covered against “predators and creditors.” This is worth a conversation. Real wealth demands an advanced asset protection strategy.

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Briant Sikorski is a Wealth Advisor at Stratos Wealth Partners. Featured image by QuoteInspector.