Unless we are properly prepared, unexpected financial problems can sneak up on the best of us. With two small children and a desire to have a business that would allow time to enjoy them, Ruth Samuels decided that opening a tax consulting and preparation practice was the way to go. That was over twenty-eight years ago. Ruth's children are now grown and her "tax practice" has expanded to include other vital financial services for her clients. Recently, we visited with Ruth as she described the growth of her business enterprise;
Samuels Financial started solely as a tax practice in Medina back in 1976. Within a couple years the business had grown significantly and needed larger facilities. In 1978, I moved to larger offices in Brunswick. Many of my tax clients needed other financial services and the tax work was largely seasonal so property and casualty insurance was added for the convenience of my tax clients. Soon many of my tax and insurance clients began asking for help with their long term financial planning. I took the necessary courses through the College for Financial Planning, passed the comprehensive certification examinations and became qualified as a Certified Financial Planner, CFP®. This qualified me to add "Financial Planning" to my growing list of offerings. I wanted my clients to have the confidence that as a professional I was trained properly. There exist too many people that call themselves financial planners but do not have the education or the qualifications.
More recently I have become qualified as a Chartered Financial Consultant, Ch FC, completing the advanced training through the American College to effectively integrate insurance planning with financial planning.
Tax consulting, preparation, and Financial Planning constitute the major portion of services being provided by Samuels Financial. Unfortunately, divorce is a dimension of modern life where professional advice and planning are essential. I have been advising clients in the management of life's financial challenges for over twenty-eight years and have learned that although marriage is about love, divorce is most often about money. At best, it is an emotional and traumatic time in the life of anyone going through a divorce. Divorce leaves people feeling distraught over their failed marriage and confused about their financial future. Professional guidance is needed to reduce emotional influences and reach rational decisions.
I have taken the training and passed the examinations to qualify as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA. Divorce planning is the most recent addition to services at Samuels Financial. There are many extreme financial ramifications involved with divorce, particularly tax consequences. I try to help my clients see all aspects of the divorce settlement and their long-term financial impact. Our goal is to make the divorce work in the best possible way for our client. Fear and anxiety are reduced when you have a plan and understand just what happens next.
The services of an attorney are needed for any divorce or dissolution to assure that all the necessary documents are properly drafted and filed. Attorneys often refer their divorce clients for help with the financial aspects of divorce arrangements. The attorney can concentrate of the non-financial aspects of the divorce and are in a better position to have a more efficient transition through the proceedings. Divorce planning is needed by anyone considering a divorce.
Samuels Financial offers a full range of tax and financial services and is continuing to grow. Each year I look forward to new clients and to new challenges. Tax preparation and consulting are still important segments of my business, but, unlike most other tax preparers, I am here throughout the entire year and am certified and qualified to help clients with all aspects in planning a secure financial future. Taxes, investments, insurance, and long term financial planning are the interwoven threads that make up the fabric of your future financial wellbeing. I welcome all new clients.
We learned a lot from our visit with Ruth. When your financial future is secure, life is certainly more enjoyable. An experienced wealth management consultant like Ruth Samuels should be part of your future. Call Ruth at Samuels Financial today and don't forget to tell her that The Advocate sent you!
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