Meet Shay Bachelder | Licensed Tax Consultant and Enrolled Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shay Bachelder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shay, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think work life balance is so important for our mental and physical health. Sometimes being self-employed, or owning a business, can become more than a full time job. It is up to us to know our limits, our worth, and put our priorities in the right places – for us as individuals… and that’s going to be different for everyone.

For me, owning my own business has allowed me the flexibility to be home with my kids over the years and has given us the freedom travel and experience lifestyles and cultures different than our own.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t have good boundaries or a good work life balance for a number of years. It has taken discipline to set schedules for myself, use time blocking strategies, and allow for flexibility when unforeseen circumstances come up. It also took a leap of faith, giving up a guaranteed W2 position every year to focus on my own clients and building my own business. But that leap of faith has paid off and my life is so much more balanced and fulfilling now that I can focus 100% of my business energy on my own clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner and founder of Casler Financial, a tax preparation and consulting business that I started in 2008, about four years after I began helping clients save money on their taxes. Casler is my maiden name, and I wanted a way to carry on the family surname, even if it wouldn’t be by way of naming my offspring.

I started out small, just helping friends and family during the “busy season” of January through April, but have recently expanded to offer tax representation services in addition to tax preparation and planning services on a year round basis.

I believe what sets me apart from the competition is the personal contact I choose to have with my clients. I meet with all of my clients personally and am available to answer questions year round. I’ve found that many larger tax and accounting offices can make people feel like just a number, or can leave people feeling lost and confused at tax time when they pick up their tax returns with no explanation as to the outcome.

I want my clients to feel taken care of. I have their best interest at heart and I am here to help them stay compliant and save money. I am happy to educate and explain complicated tax topics in a way that they can comprehend. I want to equip my clients to make smart business decisions and wise choices when it comes to their finances.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life and I love almost everything outdoors, especially if it’s sunny. In the PNW, this can be challenging in the winter time, so I like to plan at least one “snowbird” vacation somewhere warm. Our family was even able to spend two full winters in Mexico a few years back. If I could suggest somewhere to meet up, I love the Playa del Carmen area of the Mayan Riviera. We would visit cenotes and tour ancient pyramids, eat amazing food and relax on the beach with a tropical beverage and a good book.

If you come visit my home just outside of Portland, Oregon, come during the summer and do some paddle-boarding or kayaking on any of the beautiful rivers and mountain lakes we have within a couple hour drive. Trillium Lake on Mt. Hood is a favorite of mine for hiking, paddle boarding, or even snow-showing in the winter. (Be sure to arrive early, it’s become quite a popular spot over the years and parking fills up quickly.) No trip would be complete without some time at the Oregon Coast! Lincoln City and Seaside are two of my favorite Oregon beach towns but you can find fun activities and beautiful scenery up and down the Oregon Coast.

My favorite places to eat in the area consist of the many “food cart pods” that have become so popular lately. Corner 14 in Oregon City is my current fave. I also love all the McMenamins restaurants – they convert old eclectic buildings that offer great ambiance and their food and drink menu has classics as well as local favorites. Try the cajun tots and a Ruby! You won’t be disappointed! Some of their venues offer overnight hotel options, live music, movie theatres and soaking pools.

I love to go for scenic drives and the Columbia River Gorge is stunning. A quick stop at Multnomah Falls, or a longer hike to one of the many other falls along the historic highway make for a perfect afternoon. There are also plenty of wineries in the area that offer tastings, events and sometimes live local music artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my early 20’s I became a fan of Robert Kiyosaki, best known for his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad.” I would attribute much of how I look at money to his teaching and am very thankful for his influence on my life and my finances over the years.

I also had a boss during one of my first jobs out of college, Thom Shauklas, and although I only worked for him for about 5 years, he was and continues to be a huge influence and roll model in my life as I’ve branched out on my own to become an entrepreneur and business owner myself. His encouragement, vision, mentorship and experience has helped my personal and career development exponentially throughout the years and I’d love to take this opportunity to give him a shout out! If you’ve read Robert Kiyosaki’s books, you’ll understand when I say that Thom has fondly held the role of my “rich dad” throughout the years – teaching me about business in a way that no one else has. Thanks Thom!

Website: https://www.caslerfinancial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casler_financial_llc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bachelder-301b1a75/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caslerfinancial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx2LqYq35CB8VmfXC5Ippog

Other: Google Reviews: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Casler+Financial/@45.3744761,-122.6069098,17z/data=!4m7!3m6!1s0x549571036f6ac861:0x355706cf36237c1e!8m2!3d45.3744724!4d-122.6047211!9m1!1b1