I would like to acknowledge the many hands and inspirations that allowed me to write this book. Of course, my editors, Jake Johnson and Mona Gambetta, without whom this book would sound like an accountant wrote it. My business partner and Systems Wiz, Ann Mathis, and our Executive Ambassador, Clarissa Urquidez, who made sure any inaccuracies were addressed and corrected, and who gave me constant encouragement throughout the writing and editing process. My other business partner, Karen Manahan, who manages my CPA firm, allowing me the luxury of time for writing and speaking about how to do what we teach our clients to do.
Then there are my inspirations early in my career. Thank you to Dr. Haney, my first tax professor, who truly loved the tax law and instilled this love into his students. My professors at the University of Texas, especially Sally Jones, who loved teaching the tax law and inspired me to teach others. My mother, to whom this book is dedicated, who was my inspiration in all things when I was young, and who, as the controller for my father’s printing company where I worked as an accounting clerk through high school, was my first accounting supervisor.
Thanks also to Robert and Kim Kiyosaki for introducing me to the seminar and publishing world and for allowing me to be their tax advisor. Sometimes, I’m not sure who is really advising whom. They constantly get me to think about money and business differently, even while I am teaching them new ways to think about taxes.
Last but certainly not least, thanks to my adorable wife, Louanne and my children, Max and Sam. They have always supported my career. Louanne has long been a source for inspiration; long before she was my sweetheart and was simply my friend. I always knew I could trust her opinion and that she would give me sound counsel. My sons, Max and Sam, have always inspired me to reach higher and become a better person.
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