There’s a reason we call our firm Back40 Financial —it’s not just where we come from, it’s what we believe in. Our roots are in the soil, literally. Our founders grew up with boots in the field, hands in the dirt, and a deep respect for the process of cultivating a harvest. And if there’s one thing farming teaches you—it’s that success doesn’t happen by accident.
Farming is strategic. It’s patient. It’s disciplined. And it holds one of the greatest analogies for financial planning and retirement: you can’t reap what you haven’t sown. Let’s walk through how the timeless wisdom of a farmer can help you create a financial plan that stands the test of time, protects your legacy, and ensures you and your loved ones are taken care of for generations.
Step 1: Preparing the Soil — Building Your Financial Foundation
Before a farmer plants a single seed, they prepare the soil. They remove rocks, test nutrient levels, check for moisture, and ensure the environment is right for growth. The same applies to your retirement plan. We start with clarity : What do you want your financial future to look like? What risks are in the way? What protection do you already have—and where are the gaps? We use tools like risk assessments, retirement income projections, and estate plan reviews to make sure your foundation is solid. This is the point where we engineer the blueprint—just like an architect designs the framework before breaking ground.
This step includes:
● Reviewing current assets and income sources
● Identifying risks like market volatility, taxes, and inflation
● Ensuring emergency reserves are in place
● Defining your goals: income, lifestyle, legacy
Without this step, every seed (or dollar) planted is subject to chance. But with it, your plan becomes rooted in purpose.