How do you choose a bookkeeper?

Ok so you’re either thinking about starting your own business or have already got it up and running and have managed for a while to get by managing your own books by yourself and are now finding all too much to keep on top of the paperwork.

It is an all too familiar position; most people have found that they keep telling themselves that they do it tomorrow or later or at the end of the week, and before you know it your deadline is upon you and your all stressed out to get it in on time, It’s time to get help!


Affordable professional help

Being a small and/or at home business owner are you tired of the lack of affordable professional help available? So you need to find professional help whom are able to offer such things such as:

· Free and up to date accounting advice

· Realistic solutions to card payments and cash flow issues,

· A good supply of Bookkeeping/Accounting forms for the small business readily available

· Advice with managing online card merchant accounts.

· What sort of Accounting software is suitable to your type of business

· Tools & Resources helpful to your Business, those that are current and up to date, to know today, what others will find out tomorrow.

· Where you can access free spreadsheet bookkeeping templates

· Who run forums where Like Minded people, like you, can discuss online business issues that are not just financial issues?

· That have links to other useful sites

· Where you can also advertise your own business.

· The ability to Use the latest of modern technology to effectively manage your accounts from the other side of the country without massive Technical costs to your or themselves.


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My chosen profession

I’d like to tell you what drew me to this choice of profession. I believe that the more you know about me, the easier it may be for you to pick up the phone and call me someday.  From the time I was young, my mother sent me out into the neighborhood to help seniors living nearby by putting the trash out, mailing letters or any other small chores that weren’t as easy for an older person to accomplish. I found that these visits that began as a chore to please my mother, turned into a few moments of getting to know neighbors who had been around for many years before I was even born, who had gone through school and then lived many decades after that raising their families, sharing their home with other family members, running out back into the woods to use the outhouse in the winter cold… They shared stories of living through certain social events that I had only heard of during Civics classes at school - The Great depression; World Wars I & II; the Potato Famine in Ireland…I learned about families that sat in front of the radio together every night and heard the first announcements about World War II; the advent of television: the beginning of Rock ’n Roll…When I enter the home of a senior client, this is the experience that I enjoy again and again.

What is a typical visit like for me as a daily money manager?

I visit my clients at a time that is most convenient for them, therefore my visits range from mid morning to early evening. Depending on the client, the mail may have already been opened and reviewed before my visit. When I sit with the client, I review each piece with them separating the junk mail from the important bills. Together, we determine what plan of action will be required for each. Examples of the most common items that I help my clients with are: utility bills; putting the doctor’s appointments on the calendar; reading over medical insurance forms; personal letters and the like. For my clients that require a little extra help, I will even write out the checks for them to sign.  Once the outgoing mail is in order, I file the bill stubs into the client’s filing system. Creating neat, easy-to-use filing systems are another service that I provide for those who want it. I set up small carrying case files, either in black plastic or fabric covered. My clients like having these file boxes close by, where documents can be found easily when needed, whether it’s a medical form or a paid bill that’s being questioned.

Who are my typical clients?

My typical client lives in the Greater Seacoast Area of NH or in Southern York County Maine. Their living situations vary; some may have lost a spouse that was the primary bookkeeper in the family… A few may live in Independent Living Facilities where many of the day-to-day challenges are handled for them, however they still enjoy keeping up to date with their finances.

The Sandwich Generation...an Excerpt from Making Points News

April 1, 2010-Dover, NH-Boomers have a new moniker to wear “the sandwich generation”, people caring for aging parents while simultaneous raising children. According to AARP 22 million Americans are caring for aging parents. Our society has become more mobile than ever so that often translates into trying to care for a parent across long distances.


Helping a parent manage money and monthly bills is a difficult transition in the parent/child relationship. Making this transition across long distances due to work or military service obligations can be frustrating and difficult for you and your parent.


Dianne McMillen understands how sensitive this time is for everyone and how difficult it can be. Simple tasks like getting the cable bill paid on time, making sure prescription medication billing forms have accurate and up to date information and having correspondence organized can all be overwhelming. Ms. McMillen bridges that gap. She makes prearranged home visits to her clients and helps keep them on top of their financial obligations and responsibilities with financial acumen, complete confidentiality and good humor.


Penny found herself struggling to help her elderly father continue to live independently from her own home so far away from him. She brought in Ms. McMillen to help bridge the gap. “My father looks forward to her visit each week. Dianne keeps Dad’s financial matters organized, among other things. This takes a huge load off my mind, knowing that things are being taken care of in a secure manner. She also notices little things on her visits and she will actually go out and pick up small items my father might need. She also keeps me informed, by letting me know things Dad has said to her that he might not mention to me when I talk to him on the phone. For instance, he told Dianne he would love a roast beef dinner, I am bringing one this weekend! She is wonderful!”



Ms. McMillen’s personalized bookkeeping services are helping Seacoast Seniors maintain their independent living status. The moment you realize the people who helped guide you into adulthood now need your help is a sobering one. Everyday Money Matters treats your loved one with care and professionalism.


Everyday Money Matters’ Dianne McMillen can be contacted at (603) 801-5210 and you can find more information about her on both the American Association of Daily Money Managers web site or by signing up for her monthly newsletter in the sidebar

What does a Daily Money manager do?

I work with clients to help them catch up on current money matters. I offer personalized, confidential, on-site money management; helping to organize and maintain your personal and financial records, files and correspondence. Can I make you a personal filing system that will help you find your financial documents in an instant?

Keep track of and pay your bills on time. I can create an easy bill pay schedule to help you avoid those late fees due to losing bills in the piles of mail piled on the counter… I also will write the checks for you, you sign each one and I get them mailed out on time!

Reconcile your bank statement. Have you been reconciling your bank statement monthly? Does an unreconciled bank statement make paying bills the following month rather confusing?

Does a Daily Money manager only handle money related matters?

No. a daily money manager’s services extend beyond the paying of bills or making bank deposits for you.

For some of my clients, organizing and creating a simple file box to hold important financial documents is what they need for peace of mind. I create a place where they can easily retrieve medical records, receipts, wills and tax related documents (especially as tax season approaches!).

I can help you schedule appointments, fill out complicated medical forms, talk with your physician office about your prescriptions.

When organizing of files is desired I can make clients feel more put together. I create order out of piles of weekly mail that mess up our homes, making us feel confused and disorganized.

Who needs the help of a DMM?

There are many factors which contribute to the need for a DMM. DMMs work with senior citizens, people whose careers make it difficult for them to find time for their own paperwork, and with people whose medical issues simply make it difficult to keep up with their finances, among others.

Within the senior client base, most have a need for DMM services due to a physical change precipitated by the aging process, such as limited vision, arthritis or other conditions which limit the ability to write, dementia, or a simple loss of ability to follow through on tasks. Some others are so active in their retirement that travel and social activities make it difficult to keep up with paperwork, and they prefer to simply let someone else handle things for them.

It is not uncommon for the adult child of an older person to seek the assistance of a DMM if the child does not feel they have the time or ability to maintain their parents’ affairs.