When you’re starting a business, a family, or any other major life endeavor, you try to think of every risk so you can plan a strategy to put yourself on a path to success. Unfortunately, hardships aren’t always predictable, and certain ones, such as man-made or natural disasters, can wreak havoc on well-laid plans. According to FEMA’s 2019 Emergency Financial First Aid Kit brochure, roughly 40 percent–60 percent of businesses affected by major disasters never reopen. 

Natural disasters, man-made disasters, and business disruptions have at least one thing in common: time is never on your side when you’re reacting. Remember Murphy’s law: anything that can go wrong will go wrong. During a crisis, you’re lucky if you have a few seconds to take a breath and react, so it’s critical to consider your financial readiness. As the Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Why Financial Preparedness Matters

Financial preparedness is much more than storing extra cash under your mattress. It’s about creating a plan to help you navigate unexpected financial challenges, which can help you:

• Remain calmer. Knowing that you have a plan to cover immediate needs and recover financially can alleviate stress and anxiety in times of crisis.
• Recover more quickly. Quick access to funds can speed recovery following an emergency or disaster. This can be especially important when a repair or medical attention is urgently needed.
• Prevent debt. Without proper financial preparedness, you might be forced to rely on high-interest credit cards or loans to cover expenses. This can lead to debt accumulation.

Steps to Becoming Financially Prepared

The nonprofit organization Operation HOPE has partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to help people and businesses organize financial, medical, and household contact information that is often necessary to begin the recovery process after a disaster. The EFFAK provides lists of vital documents in categories such as household identification, financial and legal documentation, medical information, and household contacts. Having this information in one place, in a safe and accessible location, will set you on the road to recovery as soon as possible. 

Our experienced team at Wichert Financial Services provide holistic financial planning services for you and your family. We focus on what is in the best interest of our clients and identify the right investment products based on your personal financial goals and objectives. If you would like to start your financial plan today, please contact us. We look forward to talking with you!