These days, it’s all too common to see retirement-age seniors still working full or part-time—not because they want to, but because they have to. The traditional retirement age of 65 keeps drifting further away, thanks to years of economic turbulence. More and more seniors are relying on side jobs to stay financially stable, while business owners looking to sell are fielding offers that fall far below the true value of their companies. It’s a troubling trend that creates long-term uncertainty—not just for today, but for the future.
Over the past decade, the economy has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, but the road to lasting financial recovery has been slow at best. Small businesses across industries have felt the weight of this stagnation, but it’s been especially hard on entrepreneurs in their 60s and 70s. Many now find themselves in a kind of “business purgatory”—unable to sell their business at a fair price and equally unable to retire. Too often, they’re left waiting for a rebound that may never come. And even if a recovery does arrive, it could be brief—offering only a narrow window to make life-altering decisions.
This situation is particularly concerning for small business owners who’ve built their nest egg directly into their company. In fact, recent research shows that only 20–30% of businesses that go to market actually sell, leaving most owners in a precarious position as they near retirement—even though more than half of business ownership is held by Baby Boomers planning to exit within the next decade —per the Exit Planning Institute’s “State of Owner Readiness” report (EPI).
That means a profitable sale isn’t just preferred—it’s essential. Unfortunately, many are now receiving offers that don’t come close to matching what they’ve built. As a result, nearly 38% of these owners are delaying retirement altogether.
Though the uncertainty of the market can make retirement planning and business transitions more difficult, there are still options. Small business owners don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right guidance and preparation, it’s possible to stay the course and secure the value you deserve. That’s where Vesta comes in. Our experienced team is here to help you protect what you’ve built—and transition when the time is right.
At Vesta, CPA-led Advisory firm helps evaluate and bolster your business’ true worth so that you don’t sell it for a dollar less than you’ve earned. Our firm develops and helps implement customized Strategy and Accounting plans that will keep your business afloat during the storm and allow you to ride the waves during periods of recovery. Contact the experts at Vesta today to secure your comfort for tomorrow.
