Introducing Susan
Susan Feldman aka Tax Ma’am is a former bookkeeper who discovered that her ability to prepare personal tax returns was very needed and appreciated by many people. So she started working hard to do the best she could for each client and clients rewarded her with referrals. Over 25 years, her annual returns prepared grew from 10 to 1300, all thanks to the referrals of her wonderful clients. As a tax preparer, Susan’s busy time of year gets started in January and winds down in June. That leaves July through December as the time to do a bit of work but also to really live and reward herself for her hard work. At 59 years old, she feels she is at her peak in terms of career achievements but is always looking at other professional goals. Personally, she is the happiest she has ever been, feeling grateful to life for bringing love, family, and good friends into her life.
What would you say has been the biggest shift in your life since turning 40?
My confidence in myself grew exponentially. I began to know what I could do and see my value professionally which led to my business growing and being the successful business it is today. Also personally, I hit my stride in my early/mid 40’s, gaining clarity about what I wanted in a partner and the value I bring to a relationship. Both of these converged when I met my wife and my life exploded with joy and success.
When do you feel you’re most powerful?
I’m at my most powerful both as Tax Ma’am and as a partner and parent.
What are the top 3 most important things to you right now?
My relationships (my wife at the top and many others on the list), my work (to improve, find efficiencies, and continue to enjoy it), my health (to be fitter and able to enjoy anything I want to)
How do you make sure your actions are aligned with what’s most important to you?
Mostly I feel I’m in sync but I can always do better especially with my goal of being fitter and fitting into my cool orange jeans.
What seeds are you planting today for the future?
I am trying to do my best every day for the present but also to look at where I want to be in a few years, and in a few years more.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in redesigning midlife?
One thing I have found that has brought me a sense of calm and peace in difficult situations is to say to myself, “I don’t care!”. Now, of course, I do really care about people and issues but for the small stuff, the stuff that tends to annoy me every day, I don’t care. I don’t care if someone is late. I don’t care if a driver speeds ahead of me just to stop. I don’t care if I pick the wrong line at the grocery store. It is very freeing.
How can people connect with you and your work?
Visit my website taxmaam.ca or email me at susan@taxmaam.ca.
