Aloha from Oahu! 🌺
As I write this, I’m watching my son Kainalu play with his grandparents in their kitchen that overlooks the ocean, and it got me thinking about something important I want to share with you.
Our journey here started at 4:45 AM yesterday (yes, that’s pre-coffee time!) when our amazing friend Maggie showed up with her 4-runner to help us wrangle our luggage and a very excited baby to the airport. Looking back, it could have been a disaster…
Picture this:
- 6 AM airport arrival
- TSA line snaking like an old Nokia phone game
- 2-hour flight delay
- 5.5 hours across the Pacific with a baby
- Enough luggage to make a sherpa nervous
But you know what? We made it. Not just made it – we actually enjoyed the journey. Why? Because we had:
The right tools (CLEAR membership = skipping that terrifying TSA line)
The right help (Thank you, Maggie!)
A plan in place
And that’s when it hit me – this is exactly what I see with clients who come to me panicked about their taxes right after the holidays.
Every year, I meet wonderful people who:
- Spent their holidays stressed about tax problems
- Missed precious moments with family worrying about the IRS
- Put off making memories because of financial anxiety
- Waited until April to start thinking about tax preparation
Here’s the truth: Just like our holiday travel, tax season doesn’t have to be chaotic. You don’t have to miss out on building gingerbread houses with your keiki because you’re sorting through shoebox receipts in January.
Let me share a quick story about one of my clients from last year. She was a small business owner who usually spent her entire holiday season stressed about taxes. Last year, she decided to do things differently. We put a plan in place before the holidays, and you know what she told me in January?
“This was the first Christmas in five years where I was actually present for my family.”
That’s what this is all about.
As I sit here in Oahu, watching three generations of my family together, I’m reminded why I do what I do. It’s not just about numbers – it’s about giving people their peace of mind back. It’s about making sure you can focus on what really matters during the holidays.
Here’s My Holiday Gift to You:
I’m putting together a special “2024 Tax Referral” for my email subscribers. It includes:
- Getting $100 off your annual tax prep fees per client refereered
- 4 clients referred (free prep)
How to Get It:
Let your friends/family know I can solve their tax woes.
If they sign up with me and mention you ill credit you $100
Easy.
Remember: Just like our airport adventure, sometimes you need the right tools and the right people to make the journey easier.
Bonus Tip: Like how CLEAR saved us from that TSA line, getting your tax prep started early can save you from the April rush. Early birds get the best service (and often find more deductions!)
From my ohana to yours, Mele Kalikimaka! 🎄
P.S. What’s your holiday travel story? Share it in the comments – I’d love to hear how you manage the chaos of holiday logistics!
Until Next Time,
Andrew “Shaka” Samaniego, EA, CTRC
Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution
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