What I Hope Never Happens Between You and Your Bookkeeper

October, 21 2018

What if I told you the most jaw-dropping, cautionary tale coming out of Hollywood in 2018 is about what happens when spectacular career earnings meet too little oversight? The high drama, the finger-pointing lawsuits, and the astonishing scope of the alleged negligence will keep you riveted in this wild but true horror story of (cue scary, echoing voiceover) Monstrous Money Management!

Of course we’re talking about Johnny Depp’s real-life (not fictional, I’m afraid) money woes. All $650 million of them. That’s right, according to multiple reports, the three-time Oscar nominee is estimated to have earned $650 million in his career, but apparently most of that is now GONE.

What happened? The lawsuits are now in play–Johnny is suing his management team and they’re suing him back, and perhaps the public will never get the full story. But we’re going to speculate that something must have gone terribly wrong on the financial management side.

There’s a great article on Bloomberg.com that talks about how it is possible to squander a fortune like Johnny did, and what to do to avoid it from happening. It reminded us of the similar stories told in ESPN’s 30 for 30 film, Broke. Both address what happens to people who find themselves suddenly wealthy–like famous actors, pop stars, lottery winners and sports heroes–and end up spending with emotion rather than with long-term thought and careful planning for their windfall.

We don’t have any $650 million clients (yet). And we don’t know what it’s like to have to go through several layers of a client’s “people” in order to get important messages and information to them, let alone any red-hot, on-fire messages about problems we’ve spotted.

But we do know what it’s like to be a hard working small business because we are one, too, just like you. We walk in your shoes every day. We wouldn’t dream of having anything other than a transparent and direct relationship that lets you know the accounting side of your business is well looked after. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Not all treasure’s silver and gold, mate.” – Jack Sparrow

Yes, listen to Jack Sparrow! If trust, integrity, high engagement, confident experience, and the highest ethical standards are important to you, then you should be working with us.

And by the way, Johnny, if you’re listening and in need of new financial expertise, our free consultation offer applies to you, too! Just let us know if you want us to visit your home in France, Los Angeles, or your island in the Bahamas.

Do you know of any suddenly wealthy small business stories? If you do, are they happy ones? Please don’t hesitate to pass along our contact information. I promise we will deliver an experience worthy of any referral, and return the favor when we have the opportunity.