Zooming Through the Week

There is no question that we are all unsettled. I have been home since last Monday, yet all my work is getting done. I also have some added time because I don’t have to travel anywhere. It’s amazing how much time I save not having to pack, unpack and repack my brief case to go back and forth to my office.

I also save 25 minutes a day, three times a week, not going to and from my gym and have learned how easy it is to have a brisk walk around my neighborhood and pump the weights I have at home (after getting rid of the dust on them). Here are some other things:

• I’ve been conducting client meetings on ZOOM. I need to prepare a little differently, but with tight and more focused agendas and less chit chat, a lot more is getting done in less time. Zoom takes a minute to sign up with – just go to zoom.us. It is free but for $16 a month, you can get more services and unlimited meeting time.
• I hosted a Zoom meeting Monday night with 35 accountants across the country to discuss greatly altered tax season procedures under the “lockdown.” I will conduct another meeting this Monday with more colleagues expected to attend. Brian Lovett (my partner and go-to tax guy) will also be joining to provide a concise technical update and to answer tax questions.
• My class at Fairleigh Dickinson University is being conducted on Zoom. I took two FDU webinars last Friday that trained us on teaching, engaging students and giving exams using Zoom. I also saved two hours of round trip driving to and from the class, and was able to have dinner at home. I do miss my office there, but I also have a nice calendar on the wall in my den at home.
• Being out of my Withum office is not fun, and I miss the interactions with the staff, but I’ve been using some of that freed up time to call people I haven’t spoken to in a while. The trick is to keep the calls short or to end them when they’ve reached the end. What I do at that point is just say “well, it’s been great talking with you and catching up. I got to go, so be well. Bye.” I also begin the call by saying “Hi, its Ed Mendlowitz. I am just checking in. How are you doing? Is everyone well?” Four or five minutes with someone this way works wonders for both of us.
• My wife surprised me yesterday with hot dogs for lunch. I cooked them on the grill on my screened in porch and they were a real treat. Little pleasures…
• I also noticed something that I never thought about. Why do the hot dogs come in packs of six and the rolls in packages of eight?
• The grass outside is getting green especially after Monday’s rain, and that, brings me optimism and cheer.
• Well, nice catching up with you. Be well. Bye.

Consider this blog as a short break from the Coronavirus and stock market updates.

My next blog will be a special one and will be posted April 1st. Look for it. Only one blog next week.

Do not hesitate to contact me with any business or financial questions at [email protected] or fill out the form below.