Sharon's Case Studies
TAX ATTACK
WHO IS JOAN?
SHARON: Joan’s intelligence and perseverance have propelled her into a responsible and highly paid career. Her generosity is apparent to all who know her. Joan's complimentary call required more time than 15-minutes. Intensifying her financial concerns was her reluctance to talk to anyone about her financial predicament. Mixed with embarrassment was fear that her predicament was too big to solve.
JOAN: (not her real name): My finances are out of control, and I’ve been too busy keeping up with my demanding work to figure out what to do about the situation. I don’t want to ignore my financial problems, but they seem so insurmountable. I don’t know where to start. I thought making more money would be the answer, but the demands are always more than what I make. Even more distressing are the taxes that I owe from past years. I support my mother who is in failing health and help family members financially. So many people depend on me. I want to help them all. But the IRS demands are the ones that keep me awake at night. I guess when it comes down to it, I’m afraid there is no way out of this financial hole.
SHARON: We decided these questions would guide our work together:
How will I ever pay my back taxes?
Am I strong enough to look at my finances realistically and to do what I need to relieve the financial pressure I’m experiencing?
SHARON: Joan’s intelligence and perseverance have propelled her into a responsible and highly paid career. Her generosity is apparent to all who know her. Joan's complimentary call required more time than 15-minutes. Intensifying her financial concerns was her reluctance to talk to anyone about her financial predicament. Mixed with embarrassment was fear that her predicament was too big to solve.
JOAN: (not her real name): My finances are out of control, and I’ve been too busy keeping up with my demanding work to figure out what to do about the situation. I don’t want to ignore my financial problems, but they seem so insurmountable. I don’t know where to start. I thought making more money would be the answer, but the demands are always more than what I make. Even more distressing are the taxes that I owe from past years. I support my mother who is in failing health and help family members financially. So many people depend on me. I want to help them all. But the IRS demands are the ones that keep me awake at night. I guess when it comes down to it, I’m afraid there is no way out of this financial hole.
SHARON: We decided these questions would guide our work together:
How will I ever pay my back taxes?
Am I strong enough to look at my finances realistically and to do what I need to relieve the financial pressure I’m experiencing?
JOAN'S MONEY DANCE EXPERIENCE
JOAN: With Sharon ’s coaxing, I managed to get a glimpse of what my life could be like when I am free from the financial pressures I’m experiencing right now. I don’t know when and how it will come to pass, but I am willing to begin the work of getting there. Sharon and I worked with my CPA to determine my tax liabilities. Then we embarked on the long process of coordinating with the tax accountant and the IRS. Eventually, we reached an agreement that would satisfy the IRS and still allow me to meet my family obligations. Knowing I didn't have to manage all this alone made such a difference.
JOAN: With Sharon ’s coaxing, I managed to get a glimpse of what my life could be like when I am free from the financial pressures I’m experiencing right now. I don’t know when and how it will come to pass, but I am willing to begin the work of getting there. Sharon and I worked with my CPA to determine my tax liabilities. Then we embarked on the long process of coordinating with the tax accountant and the IRS. Eventually, we reached an agreement that would satisfy the IRS and still allow me to meet my family obligations. Knowing I didn't have to manage all this alone made such a difference.
JOAN'S UPDATE
SHARON: After years of intense stress, Joan finally faced and tackled her tax problems. And despite her already-long workdays, she made time to address her financial priorities, examine her spending decisions and explore non-financial ways to support several family members. It was a long and arduous process, but her commitment paid off. Joan now enjoys a more peaceful and conscious financial life.
SHARON: After years of intense stress, Joan finally faced and tackled her tax problems. And despite her already-long workdays, she made time to address her financial priorities, examine her spending decisions and explore non-financial ways to support several family members. It was a long and arduous process, but her commitment paid off. Joan now enjoys a more peaceful and conscious financial life.
