Many people start their own business to take control of their life—or to escape someone else’s control. Many do it for the freedom to live by their own rules. Ideally, having your own business is a great opportunity to live your dream.

May is the month for me to reset my life. The rush and demands of tax season are over. I’ve had a chance to take a deep breath and recharge for the next quarter. Now, I look to the future and think about how we can best support our clients.

As a business owner the most useful tool to measure your success is your financial statements. First step is to have a system in place to ensure your financial information is complete, accurate enough to use and timely.

Sorry for the late publication—tax season took over my life. It seems like every year, I spend November and December preparing for it.

Magic, is defined as the art of creating seemingly impossible feats using natural means. This can occur in business when we deliver exceptional customer service by utilizing the company’s unique skills and personality for value.

As a business owner I feel it is my challenge to provide value in the work that we do, for the team and for the clients we serve. That value can be financial such as a paycheck or return on value for the price the clients pay us.

One of my values is “put your heart into it.” This time of year, my heart goes on a wild roller coaster ride. This is when a client must decide whether to sign an engagement letter. Most clients love us, which is an incredible high.

Yes, it is time to prepare your 2024 tax return. However, your future tax situation is becoming more uncertain—and not in your favor. As tax law currently stands, we will experience major tax law changes on January 1, 2026, that will increase your tax bill.

Reflecting on 2024, the year brought several unexpected life events. There were more trips to Arizona than planned. The year began with my son John’s wedding to Alicia on December 31, 2023, in Peoria, Arizona—a beautiful evening of celebration.