I’ve Just Sold My Business – What Should I Do with the Money?

Selling your business is more than a financial milestone — it’s a profound life transition. For many, the business has been part of your identity, your daily rhythm, and a source of pride for years, even decades. Once it’s sold, it’s normal to feel a mixture of excitement, relief, uncertainty, and even loss. These emotions are entirely natural and part of the process of stepping into a new chapter.

It’s usual to focus on the financial aspects of your sale. How do you invest for the future, what’s your tax position, how much money will you need to live on, can you give any money away to support your family? You’ll want to address these questions, and good advice can be really helpful at this time.

But before you dive in to finding solutions, it’s essential to get really clear about what’s most important to you and take time to reflect on what you want your life to look like going forward. Our long experience working with people in this situation is that you can come to regret decisions you make in haste. Firstly you should take time to get emotional.

Understanding the Emotional Journey

The transition from business owner to individual can be disorienting. Without the day-to-day purpose of running your business, feelings of emptiness or uncertainty may emerge, even alongside the excitement of financial freedom. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions rather than rush into decisions. Taking time to reflect allows you to connect with what truly matters to you — your family, your values, and the life you want this new wealth to support. Taking this step puts you in a much better position to make decisions that will stand the test of time, and point you towards the life you want.

Values-Based Financial Planning: Starting with You

Rather than beginning with numbers, Values Based Financial Planning starts with understanding you. Using our Financial Road Map® tool, we’ll explore your priorities, aspirations, and the life you want to build in this next phase. Do you want to focus on family security, philanthropic impact, personal wellbeing, or new adventures? This approach ensures that your financial plan is a tool to help you achieve your goals, rather than a random collection of products or investments.

Crafting a Life-Centred Plan

A Values-Based plan translates your personal insights into a practical strategy. This may include:

• Entrepreneurship: Do you love the thrill of being in business, building ventures, organising teams?
• Supporting family and loved ones: Creating security, funding education, or generational wealth plans.
• Philanthropic ambitions: Structuring charitable giving to maximise impact.
• Lifestyle and wellbeing planning: Designing a life that aligns with your desired pace, interests, and experiences.
• Tax and investment efficiency: Using current legislation to manage capital gains, inheritance, and income tax, while structuring investments around your values and comfort with risk.

Regular reviews are a key part of this process. As life changes, priorities evolve, or legislation shifts, your plan can be adapted to ensure it continues to support your goals, giving you ongoing confidence that your wealth is aligned with your life, not just the market.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Selling your business offers the rare opportunity to design your future on your own terms. A thoughtful, Values-Based Financial Plan provides reassurance and clarity, helping you navigate the emotional, practical, and aspirational aspects of this life stage. It replaces uncertainty with confidence, turning reflection into action and helping you move from asking, “What should I do with this money?” to envisioning, “How can this money help me live the life I truly want?”

It’s easy to get started on your journey – click here to book a free conversation with one of our qualified Financial Planners, or get in touch to speak with our team.

 

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FAQs

What emotions are normal after selling a business?

It’s common to feel a mix of excitement, relief, uncertainty, and even loss. Acknowledging these emotions helps you make thoughtful decisions.

What is Values Based Financial Planning after selling a business?

It’s an approach that starts with your personal priorities and goals, then creates a Financial Plan designed to support the life you want to live.

How can a financial planner help me after selling my business?

A planner helps translate your values into a practical plan, covering family, philanthropic goals, lifestyle choices, and investment and tax strategies.

Why are regular reviews important in financial planning?

Life, goals, and legislation change. Regular reviews allow your plan to evolve with you, ensuring your wealth continues to serve your priorities.

Can financial planning support family, charitable, or personal life goals?

Yes. A values-based plan can incorporate family security, philanthropy, and lifestyle aspirations, making sure your wealth aligns with what matters most to you.