Get a grip on your assets: the first step towards future-proof entrepreneurship
November 2025 - As an entrepreneur, you automatically look ahead: what investments are needed? How do you prepare for your retirement? What if you are unexpectedly unable to work? Answers to these questions start with one fundamental tool: a clear inventory of your assets.
Many entrepreneurs have a vague idea of their assets, but lack a complete and up-to-date overview. And that is a risk. Without insight into your total assets – both private and professional – planning becomes difficult. You then make decisions based on gut feeling rather than facts. With a correct asset inventory, you can make strategic decisions that are right for you.
What is an asset inventory, and what is it not?
An asset inventory is not merely a folder of documents, nor is it a separate list of bank accounts. It is a detailed report that maps out all company assets, shows their value and explains how the assets are distributed. It involves more than just figures: you also gain insight into where your assets come from, how they have changed and where they are headed.
In concrete terms, the report consists of two parts:
· A current state of affairs: what do you own today, how much is it worth, and how is it distributed?
· A dynamic analysis: how has your wealth developed and what are the expected scenarios for the future (e.g. retirement, gifts or death)?
With this insight, you can think ahead, limit risks and make smart choices, both financially and fiscally.
What can you gain from such a report?
A good asset inventory is more than just a list. It answers essential questions such as:
· Where do I stand today? You get an overview of your assets, broken down into real estate, investments, cash, business structures, and so on.
· What about diversification? You can immediately see whether your assets are evenly distributed or whether you are exposed to certain risks due to overconcentration.
· How have my assets grown, and where do they come from? This historical perspective is important for future decisions and for discussions within the family or with advisers.
· What if... Simulations give you an insight into your financial situation at retirement, in the event of death or in an emergency. Inheritance tax is also covered, so you know what your heirs can expect.
The basis of your long-term planning
An asset inventory forms the foundation of a sound continuity plan. It is the first step in protecting your business and your family against unexpected situations.
In addition to the inventory, this plan also includes:
· An overview of measures taken previously, such as gifts or powers of attorney.
· Insight into who is authorised to make decisions and how the inheritance will be distributed.
· A practical step-by-step plan for times of crisis, including contact persons, document management and action lists.
Why this really makes a difference
· Faster response in times of crisis: in the event of an accident, death or sudden loss of the entrepreneur, speed is crucial. A well-documented overview helps you avoid chaos and delays.
· Responsible decisions today: whether it's investing, donating or restructuring, your choices are stronger when you know how your assets are structured.
· Strong foundation for succession planning: who gets what? You don't decide that at the end, but build it up now with insight into what is there, where it comes from and what the impact of different scenarios is.
