My Biz: Cedar Rapids duo helps fix finances

Kacy Witten and Paula Buser make a good team - it's something they learned after working together for the past 16 years.

So two years ago, the pair bought Total Financial Solutions in Cedar Rapids, which focuses on debt management, small business bookkeeping and tax preparation. It is licensed and regulated by the Iowa Division of Banking.

At that time, the company's founding owners were looking to sell the business, which opened in 1981.

'We talked and decided that since we'd been doing this work for so long that we could buy the business,” Buser said.

'We just knew we work so well together and love what we do,” Witten added.

Today, the two managing partners work with one other employee to handle their clients' needs for a variety of financial services. While Total Financial Solutions got its start focusing on debt management, the business has grown to include a host of financial services for individuals and businesses.

'It just really branched out,” Witten said. Total Financial Solutions now provides debt and financial management services, bill payer services - which Witten and Buser implemented - budget analysis, accounting and bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation.

'We really are a one-stop shop for finances,” said Buser.

Witten said the two are working to become a representative payee through the IRS. This means Total Financial Solutions would be authorized by Social Security to get Social Security Income and Social Security Disability benefits for their clients.

'This is one area in particular we really hope to grow in coming years.”

While Buser and Witten have developed a good working relationship over the years, they both have financial knowledge and strengths that help balance the business, they said. 'We just mesh well,” Witten said. 'The things I'm good at, she's not as good at and vice versa.”

Witten focuses mostly on commercial bookkeeping, payroll preparation and tax preparation. Buser handles debt management, personal taxes and most of the customer service work.

'The best part is that we can both help each other out if need be,” said Witten.

These 'numbers girls” readily admit that other areas of business can be more challenging, like marketing. 'It's tough keeping people in town,” said Buser. 'So many people go for 1-800-quick-fix but we are right here and can help.”

'I make this comparison all the time,” Witten said, 'but I can't change the oil in my car so I go to a mechanic who is trained to do that. There is no shame in not being good at finances. We don't judge our clients and want to make sure they don't feel embarrassed coming to us.”

'Know a manager or company in business for more than a year that would be ideal for 'My Biz”? Contact Chelsea Keenan at Chelsea.keenan@sourcemedia.net

At a glance

'Name

: Kacy Witten and Paula Buser

'Title

: Managing partners

'Company

: Total Financial Solutions

'Address

: 3330 Southgate Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids

'Phone

: (319) 862-1582

'Website

: www.tfsolutionsgroup.com