Key #4: Find a Tax Advisor

Did this year's tax season feel like a never-ending nightmare of tax forms and a huge tax bill? Then now is time to take another look at 2003 and plan for current tax year. First look back at process you went through in compiling your returns. Do you have a huge tax bill or tax refund? Was your tax preparation software helpful? Did your professional tax preparer meet your needs?. Any good preparer should save you at least as much as fee they charge. You may also gain valuable advice on how reduce your taxes for coming year. But don't wait until last minute.

Ask friends and family for recommendations. Ask about credentials and professional designations. There are two designations to look for in a tax preparer. Enrolled agents (EAs) have passed rigorous IRS exams and are certified to represent clients in tax court. CPAs, or certified public accountants, have also passed several examinations and are licensed to practice by state.

Interview your top candidates to see if you feel comfortable with them. Do they have expertise for your specific situation? And will they be available for questions after tax season is over. When you first meet to talk about your taxes, be prepared to talk about your personal life. Your preparer isn't just being nosy. Personal details can have important tax implications. Are you planning to get married or divorced? Are you looking to buy a house? Such life events show up on your tax return as dollars and cents.

Savvy overseeing of your financial books will enable you to build a life and/or company that thrives. And it's literacy that enables you to do that.

This is a first step. You want to put your true best forward. The picture you paint should be upbeat and positive. Everyone has a past. It's not wise too tell too much too soon. If you feel something is important, than put it in. A good example is "single mom", "divorced father of two", etc. Leave out part about looking for someone to help me heal from a painful divorce. Do not mention past relationships except to inform that you had one.

* Highlight Your Uniqueness

There are things about us all that make us uniquely who we are. Let your ad portray this. If you have a special talent, interesting career or pastime, let people know about it. If it's important to you, it tells others much. If someone out there shares it, they will be drawn to what you have written.

Find a unique way to highlight yourself. If you look like someone well known, put that in. Just remember, if you look like Woody Allen, don't portray yourself as a Robert Redford type.

* Avoid classic turn-offs

If you place a heavy emphasis on finding someone who is "beautiful" or "wealthy", you will turn off many people- often very people who hope to attract. No one wants to be wanted for his or her looks or bank account. It also says something about you. How about superficial?

* Use a Picture

This is very important. Ads that don't have one get far fewer responses. Many singles are having a professional picture made of them. You want to look like your BEST self. A professional can usually do a much better job at a very reasonable cost if you shop around a bit.

* Post Your Ad On The Right Site

There are so many choices out there. Look for one that has a large membership of people who appear to be compatible with you. Make sure they have an enforced safety and privacy policy. There are specialty sites for people who seek a partner with a very particular passion or lifestyle. These include but are not limited to: animal lovers, vegetarians, advanced degreed professionals, and sites for people seeking those of same faith.

If your requirements include someone within a close geographical distance, look for sites that offer you a good selection.

Once you have given it careful thought and a little research and energy, write and post your ad for success.

Remember, we attract what we are, not what we want.