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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about our Daily Money Management services. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out to us directly.
General Questions
- What is a Daily Money Manager (DMM)? A Daily Money Manager helps individuals and families handle everyday financial tasks such as bill payment, account organization, and financial recordkeeping. We simplify money management so you can stay in control without the stress.
- What makes a Certified Daily Money Manager® different? A Certified Daily Money Manager (CDMM®) is a professional who has met the national certification standards set by the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM). This certification requires passing a rigorous exam, demonstrating professional experience, and adhering to strict ethical guidelines and ongoing education.
- Who typically benefits from your services? We support seniors, busy professionals, people in major life transitions, and adult children caring for aging parents. Anyone who wants more time, less stress, and peace of mind around their finances can benefit.
- Will I lose control or independence if I hire a Daily Money Manager? Not at all. Our goal is to support you, not take over. A Daily Money Manager helps you stay independent and in full control of your finances while taking everyday financial tasks off your plate.
- Can you help temporarily if I just need short-term support? Yes. Whether you need help for a few months or ongoing support, we’ll adjust to your situation.
- What is the difference between a Daily Money Manager and bookkeeper? Bookkeepers usually handle business accounting, while we focus on personal finances. We work alongside CPAs and financial advisors to ensure clients’ daily finances are in order.
- Will I still need my CPA, financial advisor, or attorney? Yes. We complement, but do not replace, your professional team. We handle the day-to-day financial details, so your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor can focus on their specialized areas.
- How to get started? Call us at (503) 851 2449 or fill out our online contact form. We will schedule a free consultation to assess your situation and provide a service proposal
Services & Process
- What types of financial tasks do you handle? We manage bill payment, organize mail and documents, reconcile accounts, track expenses, and create clear financial reports. Our services are flexible and tailored to your situation.
- Can you handle household payroll for domestic employees such as caregivers, nannies, cooks, housekeepers, and gardeners? Yes. We can manage household payroll and help ensure compliance with applicable employment and tax laws. This includes tracking hours, preparing pay schedules, and coordinating with your CPA or payroll provider.
- Do you only help with personal finances, or can you manage my small business as well? While our primary focus is on personal finances, we also assist small business owners with bookkeeping, bill payment, and payroll, particularly for service-based, pass-through entities such as sole proprietorships or LLCs. We do not handle businesses involving inventory or manufacturing.
- How do you work with my financial advisor, CPA, or attorney? We complement, not replace your financial team. We provide them with accurate records and reports so they can focus on planning, tax, and legal matters.
- Do I need to approve every bill before you pay it? No. To make things easier for you, we set up an approval list for recurring bills within an agreed amount and handle those automatically. For any unusual or one-time bills, we will always seek your explicit approval before proceeding.
- I am very much behind on organizing my records. Can you help me sort through the piles? Definitely! It’s never too late to get organized. No matter how overwhelming it feels, we’ll work through your paperwork and leave you with a clear, organized system.
- How do you make sure my bills are paid on time if I don’t want to handle them myself? We set up a reliable system for paying bills promptly and tracking due dates. That way, you never have to worry about late fees or missed payments.
- Do you help with organizing medical claims and bank statements? Yes. We sort and track medical claims, insurance paperwork, and financial statements so you have accurate records. This reduces errors and makes tax time easier.
Seniors & Families
- Do you help elderly parents in Portland OR and Vancouver WA with money management? Yes. We provide compassionate support for seniors, including bill paying, mail management, and organizing financial records. Families appreciate knowing their loved ones are supported while seniors maintain independence and peace of mind.
- Do you provide daily bill-paying help for seniors? We do. Whether it’s setting up auto-payments or sitting down to review bills, we make sure seniors stay current and avoid late fees.
- Do you help seniors with both finances and healthcare paperwork? We do. We organize medical claims, insurance correspondence, and financial paperwork so seniors aren’t overwhelmed by the details.
- Do you provide personal finance help for seniors in Oregon or Washington? We serve seniors in both states within the Portland/Vancouver metro area, providing steady support to keep their finances organized and protected.
- Can you help my parents in the Vancouver/Portland area who aren’t comfortable with online banking? Yes! We can meet regularly with them, review bills, prepare checks for signature, and assist with handling official matters, while involving you as much as needed.
- Do you provide in-home help for organizing mail and managing expenses? Yes. We can visit clients in their homes in the Vancouver/Portland area and Clark county, or work remotely if preferred, to manage mail, bills, and household expenses in a way that feels comfortable.
Life Transitions
- Can you help me with paperwork and bills after my spouse has passed away? Yes. We understand how overwhelming this time can be and can step in to organize bills, statements, and paperwork, giving you space to focus on healing.
- Do you help widowed or recently retired seniors manage bills in Oregon and Washington? We do. Our services provide a steady routine so widowed or recently retired seniors don’t feel alone in handling their financial responsibilities.
-Do you help with organizing finances after a divorce? Yes. We help clients establish new financial systems, organize documents, and track expenses so they can move forward with clarity.
Remote & Local Support
- Do you only serve clients in Vancouver/Portland, or can you help remotely? We offer both. Many clients choose a mix of in-person and remote support depending on their needs and comfort level. This flexible approach not only saves you time but also helps reduce costs, since many tasks can be handled efficiently without the need for in-person visits every time.
- How do you keep remote services secure? We use encrypted file sharing and secure communication tools to ensure your financial information remains private and protected.
- Can you help if I live out of state but need support for a loved one’s bills in Portland/Vancouver? Yes. Many adult children rely on us to assist their parents locally while staying connected with regular updates.
- What technology do I need to work with you remotely? A computer or tablet and internet access are usually enough. We’ll guide you step by step so it feels simple.
Privacy & Security
- How do you keep my personal and financial information is secure? We take your privacy and security seriously. Sensitive documents and communications are encrypted for secure transfer, and all information is handled with strict confidentiality.
- Are you bonded and insured? Yes. SDS Smart Daily Services is fully insured with professional liability coverage and bonded for all employees. Every team member undergoes regular background checks. We take your trust seriously and are committed to safeguarding your financial well-being.
- Do you ever have access to my accounts? Only if you authorize it. Some clients choose to give us view-only access, while others prefer we handle payments on their behalf. You remain in control.
- Do you work with my healthcare providers or insurance company directly? Yes, with your permission, we can communicate with healthcare providers and insurance representatives to resolve issues and clarify claims on your behalf.
Service Costs & Payments
- How much do your services cost? We bill on an hourly basis. Our clients find that outsourcing financial tasks not only brings peace of mind but also saves valuable time freeing them to focus on what matters most. You can find sample rates and example service scenarios on our Services Overview Page.
- When are payments for your services due? We ask for a retainer covering the first six hours before starting. After that, invoices are sent monthly for services provided
- How do I pay for your services? We accept zelle, checks, electronic invoice payments, and debit & credit cards.
Credentials
- Where can I find a Certified Daily Money Manager in Vancouver, WA? Right here! SDS Smart Daily Services is led by Rita Kuehnis, the only Certified Daily Money Manager® in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.
Still have questions? Contact us today for a free consultation.