Together, Apart: Connectivity During Quarantine

by | Apr 8, 2020 | Community | 0 comments

Currently, more than 90% of Americans are observing stay-at-home orders due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In total, 43 states, along with Washington D.C., have issued shelter in place directives to limit the exposure and the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential businesses are closed, kids are home from school and we are banned from gathering in small and large groups alike. Heading to the grocery store every 1-2 weeks is a planned, well coordinated event, typically consisting of gloves, face masks and a healthy dose of hand santizer. The scope of this pandemic effects everyone in nearly every way of life. How do you bring normalcy, connectivity and togetherness during this time?

6 Simple Ways to Live Your Best Life, #TogetherApart

Make social distancing fun with video chat – Zoom, Webex, Facetime or even Facebook Video Call with teachers, classmates, family members and neighbors. Seeing all those happy smiles will lift your spirits immediately.

Share positive news or acts of kindness on social media – Do a fun activity with the kids? Spot cool sidewalk chalk while on your walk? Maybe you read an inspirational quote or book. Post it to your social media account(s). It’s refreshing to view content that gives hope and steps away from the gloom of COVID-19 headlines. Don’t forget that acts of kindness are everywhere too, even while in isolation. Often times, it’s something as simple as a hand picked dandelion given or an extra hug during the day. It’s there; and if you don’t see it, then challenge yourself to the act of kindness itself. Do something kind everyday.

Talk to one friend each day – Balancing work and home school might make a phone call difficult. That’s ok! Text messaging is often preferred and allows you to multitask as needed. Check in with parents, co workers, think about who you haven’t heard from lately. The simple meaningful gesture of asking “How are you?” goes a long way and can really remove a friend from their island of isolation.

Send a thank you email – Personally, I’m a big fan of a handwritten thank you note. Lately though, it’s safer to email what you’d like to say. Thank someone for taking time out of their day for checking on you, thank someone for a small favor, or express gratitude for the longevity of a friendship.

Have a family member read to your child(ren)  at bedtime through Facetime – Chapter books for the big kids or maybe a book a day for the littles, maybe both. Either way, your kids will love to see and hear family and friends.

Embrace solitude – Learn to appreciate the quiet time. Review your short and long term goals, read the book you’ve been putting off, go for walks, organize/declutter, journal. Allow yourself to binge on your favorite show at the end of the day. Accept that some days are easier than others, know that finding joy and hope in both the good and bad days is a great start to accepting our reality, as a whole.

We here at Senter, CPA are thinking of our clients, friends and family all over the globe. We are thankful for each of you and grateful for the health we share. #TogetherApart #SenterCPA

Please feel free to contact us at (248) 934-0550 if you would like to learn more about the services we offer.  We are here and we are honored to help.

Disclaimer

This communication is intended to provide general information on legislative COVID-19 relief measures as of the date of this communication and may reference information from reputable sources. Although our firm has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, we make no warranties, expressed or implied, on the information provided. As legislative efforts are still ongoing, we expect that there may be additional guidance and clarification from regulators that may modify some of the provisions in this communication. Some of those modifications may be significant. As such, be aware that this is not a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide specific recommendations to you or your business with respect to the matters addressed.

Always remember, Senter, CPA is here for you if you need any assistance.

Don't hesitate to give us a call at 248-934-0550, or contact us below.

From the Fantasy Football Draft Board to the Balance Sheet

If you’ve ever spent hours researching your fantasy football draft only to watch your first-round pick get injured, you’ve experienced something every business owner understands: Even the best plans sometimes get sacked.

Your Guide to IRS Tax Transcripts

Taxpayers have the right to request tax transcripts from the IRS. These may be needed if you do not have a copy of your tax return.

2026 Clarkston Rotary Wine Party: Come Hang Out With Us

I can think of worse ways to help local kids than spending a Thursday night eating, drinking, bidding on stuff you probably do not need, and hanging out with 350 to 450 of your favorite Clarkston friends.

Planning Ahead: Small Steps That Can Save Big Later

Even in the middle of tax season, it’s not too late to make moves that can save your business money and headaches down the line. Many business owners get caught up in the day-to-day and wait until the very end to think about taxes. The truth is, a few small steps now can make a big difference later.

Keep Your Receipts Nearby and Organized

Business owners understand that receipts are everywhere and also can seemingly end up nowhere to be found.

Are Unused Subscriptions Costing You Money?

As household expenses continue to rise, identifying unnecessary recurring charges is a practical way to improve cash flow without making significant lifestyle changes. Many consumers unknowingly pay for subscriptions they no longer use, forgot to cancel after a free trial, or no longer find valuable. While individual charges may seem insignificant, the combined annual cost can amount to hundreds of dollars.

Your Year-End Tax Bill Shouldn’t Be a Surprise

December has a way of making tax planning feel urgent—but by December, you’re already behind the strategy and some of the best planning opportunities could have already passed you.

Fall Accounting

It’s like spring cleaning, but now we’re working on it in between Back to School and Football and Pumpkins and Mostly Great Weather!

Trump Accounts: What Parents—Especially Michigan Families—Need to Know

Trump Accounts are a new type of savings vehicle designed to help families build long-term financial resources for children. Structured as a special type of traditional IRA, these accounts have specific rules governing eligibility, contributions, investments, and withdrawals.

Senter Forward: The Kind of Client Relationship We Want to Build

I will start with something that may sound strange coming from a CPA firm: we are not trying to take every piece of work that walks through the door.
We have reached a point where the question is less “Can we prepare this return?” and more “Can we build a relationship here where our team can actually help?” That difference matters.