06/12/2026
Reflections on 23 Years in Business
Growing up, I always thought I would become an elementary school teacher. It wasn't until high school that I decided to pursue accounting—and I never looked back. Once I made that decision, I knew that someday I wanted to own my own firm.
My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of earning what you have. While in college, I began working at a local tax firm doing clerical work, assembling tax returns, and helping wherever needed. That experience gave me insight into every aspect of tax season and the profession I had chosen.
After graduation, I interviewed with what were then the Big 8 accounting firms, as well as several local firms. I quickly realized that my passion was serving people in our community rather than working for a large national firm.
I eventually became a part-owner of a local firm, but my vision for the future was different. In 2003, I took a leap of faith, left the firm, and started a new venture.
While working part-time as the CFO of a nonprofit organization, I launched Lifetime Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. In 2008, I left the nonprofit and began working full-time in my own business.
One of the greatest blessings along the way came in 2013, when Kim Nauman and Joyce Snyder joined my team. Thirteen years later, they are still by my side, and I am incredibly grateful for their dedication, friendship, and support.
As I reflect on the past 23 years, I am thankful that I took that leap of faith. While tax season hours can sometimes be overwhelming, this profession has provided me with the flexibility to be present for life's important moments. From raising young children, navigating their teenage and college years, and now watching them build lives of their own, to caring for aging parents and being by their side through their final days, I have been fortunate to build a career that allowed me to balance work and family.
To my clients—many of whom have been with me since the very beginning—thank you for your trust and loyalty. To my staff, who are also dear friends, thank you for your hard work and unwavering support through every busy season. And to my family, thank you for your patience, encouragement, and understanding throughout this journey.
Twenty-three years later, I have no plans of going anywhere. I simply wanted to take a moment to reflect on how far we've come and to say thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.
I am truly grateful
Penny L. Wasem, CPA, CFP, PFS
