Focus CPA

Financial security is important for today and tomorrow. Living our life is dependent upon money. It may be your money or someone else’s. We need it to meet our basic needs such as food and shelter. However we can do so much more than just meet our basic needs. Do you dream of financial freedom? To live the lifestyle you desire? How close are you to your dream? To find out start with creating your own personal financial statement.

This Fourth of July I lounged in my backyard and took some well needed down time. I sank into my Adirondack chair, soaked up the warm air, had a large glass of ice tea and settled in to read a good book. My goal was to get lost in a book and savor the day. Summer in Wisconsin is so very precious; actually every single day is precious.

As I ventured into the work world my primary focus was to earn an income. I wanted to go to college and needed to find a way to pay for it. I looked for something that I could do, hopefully enjoy doing it. I wanted job that paid fairly well – college is expensive and I was paying for it by myself. As the years have gone by, my needs have changed. Now that my basic needs have been fulfilled I can reach out with greater expectations for the job that I have.

In my world February, March and the first part of April feels like a race – a 75 day race. There is a constant push for more. The adrenaline is flowing. Other responsibilities get pushed aside. The pressure is always present. I am always looking out for something – do we have all the information, is the software working, is there bad news we need to tell the client about? The work seems to keep piling up. I know the end will come, but in what condition will I be in? Every year is different. I have been running this race the last 30 years or so. Some are good and others could have gone better.

Many start their own business to take control of their life or to get away from someone’s control. Many do it for freedom to live under their rules. Ideally having your own business is a great opportunity to live your dream. In my experience the challenge is defining the dream, your dream.

Many start their own business to take control of their life or to get away from someone’s control. Many do it for freedom to live under their rules. Ideally having your own business is a great opportunity to live your dream. In my experience the challenge is defining the dream, your dream.

Every day we make decisions, some big, but many are small. Some impact only you. Business decisions will impact you, your investors, your staff, vendors, your customers and possibly your family. Sorting through the details of your current situation, determining what resources are available, and the various options available takes time to sort. Being overwhelmed can cause procrastinating, but even procrastinating is a decision. So how do you improve the odds of making the right decision?

Spring is here! I have my own little spring garden and within the confines of my fenced-in backyard, a burst of color explodes in April. Yellow, red and purple are the primary colors. I like the vibrant green of grass and the start of tree buds, but the colors of spring flowers make it much more explosive. Even through the dreary rain, I can still see the splash of colors.

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln paid income taxes throughout the Civil War, but after his death, Treasury returned all his payments? Here’s the story…..

An entrepreneur can spend years starting and building a business. For many, we live and breathe our passion, put in long hours, and give up being with family and friends. You can invest your blood, sweat and tears trying to increase and protect your business value.