You see – that’s the problem.  Most financial services firms are obsessed with the “about us” view of the world.  But this isn’t about us at all – it is completely about you.

Because our focus is you centered and not us centered we can take the time and energy to really look at the issues, consider all the opportunities, and recommend the solution that best serves you.  Our advice is based on what is best for your needs, not ours.  Doing this potentially costs us in the short run, but because of the benefits it provides for you it ultimately is the most profitable advice we can give.

The result you get motivates you to refer family and friends; encourages you to expand the scope of advice you seek; and enhances the mutual value of our relationship.  Your success creates our success!  That kind of organic symbiosis affords us both maximum rewards for minimum effort.

The beginning point is your tax return.  Everything you do financially throughout the year impacts your taxes.  (And taxes represent 41% of the average household budget.)  By working together to create the most efficient tax profile we discover all of the interwoven aspects of your finances; we uncover the complex interdependencies of your spending and savings patterns; we expose the strengths and weaknesses of your financial plan.

The best part is that every year we find out how well the plan is working and what adjustments need to be made.  Your financial plan isn’t static – it’s dynamic.  But we need to be able to measure our results to determine if changes are in order.

The foundation of all financial plans is risk management; commonly called insurance but more accurately defined as our opportunity to transfer life’s risks to someone else.  We may have medical problems, or become temporarily disabled, or lose our property through an accident, or worse, lose our physical or mental faculties years before we die. And yes, eventually we all will die.

Each of these financial risks can be mitigated and transferred to a third party by purchasing insurance.  Securing the end game of our personal financial plan may require purchasing insurance against these risks until we can protect ourselves with our own assets.

Once you’ve protected yourself against known risks it’s time to pay-off your debts and build your nest egg.  We work with you to identify the optimal plan for debt reduction and the fastest way to create wealth.  An integral part of your debt management is a smart mortgage plan.  That includes protecting your identity and managing your credit standing.  We’ll also work with you to use qualified and non-qualified savings plans to create your retirement, educate your children, and become fiercely independent.  This part of your financial journey results in freedom – it is anything but free.

Because no one gets out of this alive you need to make plans for the inevitable.  This includes everything from who will be responsible for the kids to where the money goes.  You need to make sure your healthcare desires are followed.  You want to make sure decisions about your assets are directed by you – not the state, or strangers.  The bottom line is that after all the work you’ve done you don’t want to leave the end game to chance.  So don’t.  We can help to make sure everything goes according to your wishes.

So you can see it’s true.  It is all about you.  Reducing your taxes.  Covering your risks.  Paying off your debts.  Creating your path to freedom. Making sure your final wishes are carried out.  This is a life well lived – and a life lived well.  We’re here for you – helping you keep more of the money you make and make more of the money you keep!

As a founding partner of Your Money Matters, Inc., I’ve been providing individuals and businesses with tax and financial planning solutions since 1981.  My approach is simple.  I develop money strategies just for you.  I ask the “right” questions, listen to your answers and together we implement a plan that maximizes tax savings and builds wealth. This client-centric methodology has been most successful for securing your financial independence.    

My background is more diverse than others in the profession.  I’ve owned and operated a tax and financial planning practice, retail stores, entertainment businesses, a manufacturing company, and most recently, post-production facilities.  I’ve also taught classes at Saddleback Community College and conducted seminars throughout the West for consumers and financial professionals.  This broad experience allows me to relate to your unique circumstances and confidently conceptualize and utilize a variety of successful financial tools.

A native New Yorker, I’ve lived most of my life in Los Angeles and Orange County.  I am available for appointments in both our Los Angeles and Mission Viejo office.

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I am a certified open water diver, certified sailor, amateur horseback rider, former marathon runner, and future single engine pilot.  I approach life from a “wide angle” perspective.  (That just means that at 48 years old I’m a learner and welcome the opportunity to challenge myself.)

Professionally I’ve held licenses in California to sell insurance, securities, real estate, and variable annuities.  I’ve worked in venture capital, mergers & acquisitions, business succession planning, personal finance, accounting, and tax preparation.  All of that qualifies me for the position of Senior Partner at YMM.

Born in Michigan, I currently live in Mission Viejo with my wife, Trish.  We continue to raise our (collective) 25, 21, and 11 year olds.  I have been very active in local AYSO the last ten years as a coach, referee and board member.  I continue to serve on the Boards of several profit and volunteer organizations.

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Can you say that you’ve been on the same career path since you were 16 years old?  I can.  During high school, every year from January to April 15th, I spent 3 afternoons a week processing tax returns for Chris and my father.  I knew the intricacies of tax returns before I even had to file my own.  Sure, there have been curves along the path, such as earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English, and playing drums and singing in a band that actually played gigs.  But along the way I always had jobs that involved bookkeeping, accounting, and tax reporting.  I spent 3 years managing the accounting department of what was once the country’s largest privately held internet service provider.  Then in 1999 I decided it was time to return to the family business, and I came to work for Chris.  In the years since I have grown to become a partner in the firm.

But it’s not just about dollars and cents to me.  It’s about making sense of your dollars.  Proper financial decisions require not only an understanding of a client’s goals, but also the motives behind those goals.  I pride myself in my ability to communicate openly with my clients, not only listening to what they say, but hearing what they mean.

And really, don’t you think it’s cool that your tax guy can play a Brazilian bossanova, straight ahead jazz, or a foot stomping rock jam on the drums; discuss the subtexttual themes of Shakespearean sonnets; and then get you the tax refund you deserve?

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My professional background includes Bookkeeping, Human Resources, Office Management, and Accounting plus a brief stint in the Advertising industry.  I have worked for small businesses and large corporations in their accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll departments. 

My attention to detail and dedication to completing the task makes me a integral part of the YMM client service and fulfillment team. 

During my 21 years of marriage, I have assisted my husband with his successful contracting business.  I am a native Californian, born in Encino and currently living in Trabuco Canyon with my husband and two teenage sons.

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Previous to joining YMM I worked in the legal field as a paralegal for 18 years.  I’ve also worked in the public schools as a family liaison counseling with at risk children.

I am a green thumb and would love to own and operate a greenhouse.  I enjoy hunting for antique pottery and am comfortably at home in the “great outdoors.”  I was born in Dayton, Ohio, but my 29 years in the Boulder, Colorado area was very influential in creating my enjoyment of nature and the outdoor life.

We moved to Laguna Niguel five years ago and my husband Tom and I happily reside there still.  

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