But I liked the idea that a person’s books, like a person’s life, could be reviewed carefully and understood differently when new facts came to light.

My first clients were small businesses: a bakery, a plumbing company, an independent physical-therapy clinic, and the catering company whose invoices I’d organized months earlier.

I was transparent about my professional history where required and careful about the services I was qualified to provide.

I didn’t promise miracles.

I promised clean records, honest questions, and calls returned on time.

Russell occasionally referred clients with uncomplicated needs, and I helped him organize documents in a few pro bono cases.

I learned how many people were overwhelmed by invoices, debts, and legal forms they did not understand.