Starting a small business and now getting divorced! How do I pick a financial person?

**karona** · 05-15-2007 11:04 PM

*Please note, I am not asking directly for financial advice, but for a referral to the TYPE of professional financial person and/or the name of a business that could serve me in Pennsylvania.*

I need serious help with my finances. I have never used a financial advisor, planner, accountant, etc before and have no idea which kind I need, or the best way to find a good one.

I am still in the midst of starting up my small housecleaning business, and am now getting prepared for a divorce. We have a house that may either get sold or refinanced over to me, but I need help figuring out my options! I am already overdue for my first quarter income taxes, so someone who could help/advise/handle all of this would be most helpful.

Help! Please tell me what I'm looking for, and how to find it! I want to make an appointment immediately.

Suggestions, experience, stories of your own are welcome!

**3ntrepreneur** · 05-15-2007 11:27 PM

get a JOB!

**jasaunders** · 05-16-2007 06:43 AM

Well you need two things. A divorce lawyer, which will help you settle the divorce. And an accountant that will help you with your business and tax issues.
I don't have any specific referalls in PA.

**karona** · 05-16-2007 09:21 AM

Thank you for your input! We're trying to avoid a divorce lawyer right now. We are going to claim No Fault.

I am going to start looking up accountants this morning.

**Paint and Air Sportz** · 05-16-2007 10:01 AM

You really shouldnt be asking for financial help on the internet.

BUt to help you go in the yellow pages and look up accountants.

**akula** · 05-16-2007 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by karona

Thank you for your input! We're trying to avoid a divorce lawyer right now. We are going to claim No Fault.

I am going to start looking up accountants this morning.

errr...stay away from lawyers

what you need is a mediator to help you guys sort out your settlement

a mediator is a not a lawyer. she is an expert used to help you guys air out and quickly settle all issues (out of court)....you can't do that in court...litigation is a long, expensive, frustrating, unsatisfying process ill fitted for emotionally sensitive circumstances

get a mediator at http://www.mediate.com/Pennsylvania/

I can, if asked, explain the advantages/disadvantages of mediation over litigation...but I suggest that you ask the mediator her self

basically: mediation = cheaper, faster, more satisfying/amicable settlement

**karona** · 05-16-2007 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Paint and Air Sportz

You really shouldnt be asking for financial help on the internet.

BUt to help you go in the yellow pages and look up accountants.

Why is that? I'm not actually asking for financial help, but for referrals to the right type of financial person I can call IRL.

For some reason, this seems to be a sticky subject, which is odd considering it a perfectly reasonable part of entrepreneurial work.

I am on the yellow pages right now! Thank you.

**karona** · 05-16-2007 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by akula

what you need is a mediator to help you guys sort out your settlement

get a mediator at http://www.mediate.com/Pennsylvania/

Thank you Akula! That is extremely helpful! Made the appointment for the accountant, finally, and will be working on getting a mediator next! I feel much less anxious already.

That is just the kind of advice I was looking for. Thanks again.

**MarcL** · 05-16-2007 11:55 AM

Try Prosper.com if you need money...

**karona** · 05-16-2007 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by MarcL

Try Prosper.com if you need money...

Interesting concept. I plan on earning my money, but thanks.

**ltressel** · 05-31-2007 11:15 AM

Hi Karen,

It's good news that you are lining up your issues and dealing with them. I would like to suggest on your cleaning business. I figured if you got your divorced handled and and accountant to "count your money," you need cash flow to come in first.

May I suggest that you get some business cards printed, get your pricing on your services sorted out, and finally for client acquisition: approach apartment building and speak to property managers with cleaning the vacant apartments and houses to be rent ready.

They may have more than one unit at a time that is vacant and is ready to be cleaned. Leave them fliers just in case tenants may also want to have their apartments cleaned for move out or just weekly service.

I certainly hope this helps you some and I wish you good luck on all the endeavors you are going through.

What doesn't kill you will only make your stronger.

Ciao!

LT