Acknowledgments

I must begin by acknowledging and thanking Jesse Mecham for being the catalyst in the creation of this book. After his first tax experience with me, which he describes in the Foreword, he insisted that I should write a book. Then he promoted the self-published version for three years through his website, YouNeedABudget.com. Without his insistence I would never have considered such an audacious or presumptuous endeavor. Without his marketing prowess I would never have sold a single book. Without the sales in those first three years I would never have been noticed by my publisher. Thank you Jesse, for helping me turn a silly and whimsical idea (in my mind) into a reality that I still can’t quite believe.

I also must acknowledge and thank my wonderful wife, Anna Marie, who has supported and encouraged me in more ways than I can list. There have been so many times when I wanted to stop and give up; so many times when I felt like it was ridiculous to write a book, or that no one would read it; so many times when I would have rather been home than be at my office before work, after work, and on Saturdays; so many times that it was hard for her to not have me home. But through it all she has kept me going and done it with hope and with a smile. On top of that, she has been the first to read each chapter I wrote and given me the feedback that I needed. This book would not exist without her continuous help, support, and encouragement.

I want to thank my eight wonderful children who have been so patient with their dad being gone; who have put off all of the things that they wanted to do with me; and whose prayers I have heard given in my behalf, and which have resulted in heaven’s help.

I want to thank my cousin Trista, who has been unbelievably positive in her support. She has been a voice from outside my immediate circle of influence who has helped me believe that I could and should write this book.

Finally, I thank the people whom I have worked with at Apress. Thanks to Jeff Olson for taking notice of the book and being willing to make a run with it—even when I kept putting him off during tax season. Thanks to Robert Hutchinson for being gracious and kind throughout the editing process. I really didn’t know what it would be like to work with an editor, but his positive and helpful communications with me have set the bar high. I am also grateful to him for unabashedly using his expansive vocabulary, which has regularly led me to the dictionary in an effort to increase my own. Finally, thanks to Rita Fernando and others who have worked behind the scenes to bring the book to its final presentable form. You have all been great to work with and instrumental in bringing this book to print.