CHOICE Tax Solutions Review

I used yelp this year to find a tax professional that could help me with my complicated tax return and Abby was the perfect solution. Abby is fast, organized, knowledgeable, and professional. I'm self employed with multiple business expenses and I also had to do NJ and NY returns this year. She walked me through it all and made sure I got the most out of my federal and state returns.

I must admit, before meeting Abby at Choice Tax Solutions, my tax and money situation was in a chronic state of disarray, to put it mildly. in my mind, I was just not a person who could 'do money'. Abby really showed me the light and gave me the motivation and the confidence I needed to start making things right. She is also a skilled negotiator, really amazing in fact, when you need someone to fight for you.  One of the coolest things about her I think is the respect she has for the tax system. She is brilliant with taxes because she understands the system.  And I must add that she's saved me a bunch.

65 Broadway
Ste 741
(between Exchange Aly & Morris St)
Manhattan, NY 10006
Neighborhood: Financial District
(347) 598-0111

AdAsia Communications Review

I've had the opportunity to work at AdAsia as the English copywriter for the past two years.  While working at a boutique agency of this size doesn't carry the weight of larger mass market agencies on my resume, virtually all of the projects I've worked on have been published, adding strength to my portfolio.

As a business, AdAsia continues to grow, having added three new clients in the short time I've been working there.  As an employer, well, it didn't pay the best, but I've had the experience to work long nights with some of the most talented and dedicated people I've ever met. 

And as I leave the great city of New York and head back to my hometown of San Francisco, I'm going to miss commuting to work through the snow, lunchtimes spent in Union Square with my coworkers, and cigarette breaks leaning by the window, watching the traffic on 16th Street come and go.

85 5th Ave
7th Fl
(between 14th St & 15th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Flatiron
(212) 871-6886

Clinton Hill Business Services Center Review

Clinton hill RE is an independent real estate and management company committed to providing outstanding service and offering a comprehensive selection of real estate products including rental sales, home selling and buying, property and construction management.  We are known for developing quality working relationships with our clientele; relationships based on respect, integrity, and trust.  As a boutique real estate and management company, clinton hill RE offers a refreshing departure from the traditional RE service model and, instead, provides a highly personalized, owner/client-centered service.

Clinton hill Business Services Center (CHBSC) is a one stop shop for all of your small office/home office (SO/HO), shipping and mailing needs. CHBSC assists local entrepreneurs by providing them with needed services such as copying, faxing, document printing, express mail, mail box rentals, shipping, packing, stationery, and business cards.

115 South Oxford St
(between Lafayette Ave & Fulton St)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
(718) 624-9500

Ariva Review

I refer to the teams of IRS trained and certified volunteers who worked with community financial organizations such as Ariva this winter, myself included. This tax season, I put aside Tuesday evenings to prepare tax returns for low income individuals and families up at Ariva's HQ in the Bronx. What is Ariva? Ariva is a community organization with a focus on providing financial services and empowerment to low income residents primarily in the South Bronx. Financial coaching, alternative financial products and programs are all offered with the goal of greater savings and community economic development in mind. And let's not forget the free tax prep program! Each tax season Ariva, their staffers and their army of volunteers-New York Cares-tackle a flood of clients seeking to file properly and on time. For many low income new yorkers, Ariva is a shining beacon of hope that helps to ease the stress associated with crunching numbers this time of year. Benefits are screened for, credits identified, payment vouchers explained, tax questions answered patiently-Ariva has got it covered for many.

As for the volunteer experience itself?  I'd be fibbing slightly if I implied that poring over W2's, 1099's and filling out Schedule CEZ's were the bee's knees. Many of the Ariva staffers were patient and helpful, guiding me along the process or assisting with my queries. And my colleagues in filing were a jovial, dedicated bunch. However, the stories shared and the gratitude earned on many of the clients faces after a shift ensures that I'll be back for a second round of number crunching next winter.

69 E 167th St
Bronx, NY 10452
Neighborhood: Concourse
(718) 292-2983

Publicide Review

Publicide is truly a one stop shop for everything you need for business printing!  I launched a new company this year and finding a quality printer was one of my hardest tasks!  After wasting money on sub par business cards, we used Publicide for our printing services and have never needed to use another printing resource again!  Publicide also accomodated us on a rush order that would have been impossible for another printer to do and we couldn't have appreciated it more!  I 100% endorse Publicide for any and every printing need!

It's really a breath of fresh air to have ONE company at the helm of ALL of your media needs, meaning that as a small business owner I have a single go-to person for graphic design, business card printing, web design and web programming/trouble-shooting. I have received the best customer service from Dusty at Publicide. I have complete faith in him to deal efficiently with the minutae without sacrificing the big picture. He understands the aesthetic and values of our business and just gets it done.

163 Varick St
Ste 6B
(between Vandam St & Charlton St)
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhood: South Village
(212) 629-6517

Wachovia Review

I have been wanting to change from my current bank to another, but, there are issues as to how quickly my direct deposit from my employer will change over to my new bank of choice. This has always been an issue. I dropped into the Wachovia Bank on P St today, across from Whole Foods, and was introduced to Justin Silvers, a Financial Consultant. I explained my situation to him, and he offered to call my company and discuss options. I put him in contact with a member of my Corporate Payroll team via telephone. After a 10minute conversation with my company, and you do not understand how difficult my company is...he worked it out for a seamless change over from my current bank to Wachovia. My company usually makes you get paper checks for up to 3 pay periods to make a bank direct deposit change.  Kudos to Justin Silvers at Wachovia, and I highly recommend him for financial advise and direction.

1447 P Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Neighborhood: Logan Circle

(202) 234-1063

Financier Patisserie Review

This place makes me miss working on Broad Street. Financier is the most delectable little pastry place I've ever visited in the Continental United States. Madelines served with every cup of coffee. Little cafe tables and a buzzing vibe due to the centralized location amidst financial firms. They have WiFi and you can work from here if you can grab a table during slower (late morning) times. Financier's brioche pastries are fresh and perfect! They serve Illy coffee and I've always found it to be just the thing. Part of the joy of this place is it acts as an oasis in a very rushed and busy work environment. Kudos to the owners for running a clean, bright, professional establishment.

62 Stone St
(between Hanover Sq & Mill Ln)
New York, NY 10004
Neighborhood: Financial District

(212) 344-5600