Change is in the air—and it’s not the enemy. Fall is near. The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, the robins have flown south, and the hummingbirds are on their way. My summer flowers are fading, school is starting, and of course, football season is here. These are expected changes, the ones we can count on year after year.
Other changes, however, can be unexpected or less familiar. For me, change is easier when I initiate it—or when I can see the good in it. At FOCUS CPA, we’ve experienced some exciting changes.
We’ve moved into a new location with more space and a layout designed to encourage collaboration. We now have multiple conference rooms and even a lunchroom. While it takes a little longer to find things, I’m looking forward to learning how to use the space more efficiently as we head into busy season.
Another major change is the new tax bill signed into law on July 4, 2025. This will significantly affect our tax environment.
We’re working to understand how best to apply it, giving us new opportunities for tax planning. It will also bring big updates to 2025 tax software and add more responsibilities for the IRS. Our goal is to uncover the benefits this legislation may offer.
I’ve also started experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI). While we don’t use it with financial information, it has already saved me time by helping create checklists, generate ideas, and explore new ways of doing things—all in the name of efficiency.
Over the years, I’ve learned that change is neither good nor bad; it’s what we make of it. Change isn’t the enemy.
At times, it may be a challenge, but when I work with it, life is better.
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom, CPA