APRIL 2026 - Easter & Taxes

Welcome!

My project this month is gathering documents to complete my personal IRS & NY State Tax Returns.

This year I had another challenge as my accountant of 45 years retired. I was happy for him and sad for my loss of a trusted relationship.

I began my search to find an accountant / accounting firm, I could feel comfortable and trust with my personal finances and tax obligations.

In my search for an accountant, I not only had to take in consideration their credentials but my “gut feelings”. I asked myself, “can I trust they will honor their word?”

Jimmy Wales -Founder of Wikipedia, book THE SEVEN RULES OF TRUST – A blueprint for building things that last gave me answers to my questions -   What is trust?  How do we build trust with individuals unknown? 

As a business entrepreneur, I was fascinated reading Jimmy Wales story of the origins of Wikipedia an Internet Encyclopedia he noted “the organizations biggest challenge was how to build Global Trust among strangers?” 

Mr. Wales offers a guide in how he developed Global Trust using his Wikipedia’s experiences, valuable lessons learned and institutions he considers world master – trust makers.

My first question – What is trust? Mr. Wales simply defines:

·       Trust is about reliability. 

o   Are you going to do what I need you to do? Can I rely on you? 

o   If yes, I can rely on you, I trust you.

My second question – How do I build trust? - Mr. Wales attributes Wikipedia’s success to building TRUST to SEVEN RULES – PLUS ONE THAT TRANSCENDS THEM ALL below:

Rule 1 – Make it personal - person to person.

Rule 2 - Stay positive about people.

Rule 3 - Have a strong clear mission - purpose.

Rule 4 – Give trust to Get trust - assume good faith.

Rule 5 – Mutual respect- Keep it Civil.

Rule 6 – Independence – Insist on sticking to purpose. 

Rule 7 – Be clear and transparent.

Rule 8 – “You must do it” – “Walk the walk.”

Mr. Wales summarized “The Bottom Line – Winning Trust and keeping it is ultimately about delivering as promised. The rules of trust will not deliver if you don’t.”

Bottom Line is a terrific book to reflect on: How do you build trust in your life?

Looking forward to meeting you over a cup of coffee and conversation!

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HAT – Perfect for the NYC Easter Parade

A fancy, tall stove pipe with small rim. 

The material for the entire hat is a wonderful black velvet & cut silk in a multicolor art deco abstract pattern.

 The Large front bow completes the design.