Happy Thanksgiving from Florida West

November 2010
IN THIS ISSUE

A Moment with Dianna
Spotlight Partner
Happy Thanksgiving from Florida West

A MOMENT WITH DIANNA

Last year around this time, I wrote about taking risk and being happy. The 2010 year would be different and we should all shake off the bad 2009 year and get started making the coming year great!

When I wrote those words I really had no idea how my life was about to change, or that I would have the courage to really go for it and risk everything familiar to me.

Some of my changes include my 24, 22 and 18 year old children all moving out of the house at the same time. I expected the two oldest boys would, but never my daughter. That was tough. She is after all the baby, and now that her brothers were leaving, she would have me and her dad all to herself so life should be perfect for her right? Wrong! She had other ideas and it included some pretty big surprises like a husband and then in true Ashley fashion, another bomb shell to immediately follow. Check out the next paragraph.

Second, I am going to be a grandmother this November to what I know is going to be the most beautiful boy on the planet! John Preston is due 11/14 and I am excited to get my hands on him, cover him in hugs and kisses and spoil him rotten. I am also looking forward to my daughter finding out how much I really do love her as she is now going to be a mom herself and will understand that deep, unmoving love that we mom’s have for our kids. There is no other love that measure up to a loving mother.

Third, my children’s dad and I after 25 plus years of marriage have decided to be happy separately.

Marriage is a beautiful partnership that should never be broken, but in saying that, some people are just not meant to be married to each other. We were one of those couples. I wish him all the best and let’s just leave it at that.

The point is, change is sometimes hard, unexpected, and can cause growing pains. I adapt pretty easily to change, but I have family and friends who really struggle sometimes to get back into forward motion when they have been hit with a surprise.

Maybe if I had not spent the last 25 plus years as a military wife moving every 3 years, changing jobs every time we hit a new duty station, and having to make new friends at every new location I would be a little more ‘wigged’ out at all the changes. BUT the bottom line is we can’t stop change. We are not in charge or in control of the universe. As much as we wished we could have the ability to ‘fix’ all the problems of the world, it is not in our power to do so.

We do have the ability to make changes and improvements in our lives to some degree, but the real power comes in our ability to ask for help through the power of prayer.

I know sometimes I get stressed out and worried about the future, and if I am making the right decisions, saying the right words to help someone in need of comfort or encouragement.

Do my children know that every decision I ever made, was based on what I felt was in their best interest? That my life revolved around their needs until they were able to take care of themselves?

And, Am I getting the message across that I want to get across when writing the newsletter? Can our clients really see and feel the true love and care we have for them and in protecting them in the event bad things happen?

Just those few things could keep me sweating with worry and give me sleepless nights, but it changes nothing. My friend and life coach Cheryl Healey once said,’ Worry is a negative prayer’. She was right!

So every time I get scared about life changes and start to worry about what I should do, or if I am doing the right thing, I remember to stop sending negative prayers out, fire myself from being in charge of the universe, and remember I have been empowered to speak to the person who IS in charge of the universe about my fears and worries. He can take it from there and I can go on about my day, doing what it is I was put on this earth to do and let him handle the rest.

If you need some help in learning how to let go of worry, stress and fear or if you have had major life changes that have held you back in your life, have negatively affected your personal family relationships, going through a divorce, lost a loved one or have a child who is really struggling with who they are or what they want to do with their life, and these things have you stressed out and worried, then please consider contacting Cheryl Healey at www.thegiftofyou.com I hope you too will consider leaving worry behind this year and have a great rest of the year!

LIFE CHANGES EVERYTHING!
INTRODUCING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY IN THE WORLD. JOHN PRESTON NOVOTNY BORN 11/10/2010 WEIGHS 7 POUNDS 19 INCHES LONG

SPOTLIGHT PARTNER

VJ CONSULTING LLC
JAY L. STEINBERG, EA

Today’s tax laws are so complex that it takes an expert to understand them. But many experts are so focused on their particular specialty that they lose sight of the big picture. The professionals at VJ Consulting, however, take a holistic approach to their clients’ financial health.
“We don’t just tell our clients what to do; we show them,” said Jay Steinberg, the president and CEO. “We’re in partnership with our clients. We try to add value to their business.”

Steinberg has a master’s degree in taxation and spent more than 30 years as either the vice president of finance or the chief financial officer of several corporations. VJ Consulting started in mid 1990’s in New York and recently returned to Belleair, FL.

The company specializes in tax planning and preparation for individuals, and financial and organizational development for small and medium-sized businesses.

“We look at the details, said Steinberg’s wife, Victoria, who has an MBA in accounting and management and CHAE designation in Hospitality with 18 years of experience in small and medium-sized companies.

“If a client isn’t making the profit they should be making, we can make suggestions to improve their profitability. We’ve worked with small companies and helped them grow”.

The couple’s internal auditing background gives them insight that many of their competitors lack. In addition, Steinberg is an Enrolled Agent, which means that he is licensed to represent clients at all levels of the IRS. But it also means that he must take a minimum of 24 hours of continuing professional education each year.

“We’re able to analyze a business’ operation instead of just its financial information” Steinberg said “Our specialty is small & medium sized business operation.”

VJ Consulting does all types of individual, fiduciary and corporate income tax returns. People wanting to set up a Subchapter S corporation or a limited liability company can register to do so right on the company’s highly informative website: www.vjconsultingllc.com For existing businesses, VJ provides accounting, tax, consulting and accounts payable and receivable services. Free initial consultations are available for anyone with tax or business affairs or challenges. Jay and Victoria Steinberg love being part of the local community. They’ve already joined the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, where Jay serves as a Ambassador, and the Rotary Club of Largo.

If you have a tax issue or business situation that could use the professional services of VJ Consulting, call 727- 437-7109.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM FLORIDA WEST INSURANCE
WWW.FLORIDAWESTINSURANCE.COM 813.886.4446