Meet Detrich Martin | Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

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

Hi Detrich, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

During the 2000 or 2001 tax season a group of people, all going to the same tax preparer, were audited by the IRS. Everyone of those people had to pay back more money than they received all due to fraudulent tax preparation. These individuals were not aware the tax returns were prepared fraudulently because the tax preparer did not explain Form 1040 to them. He simply asked if the refund amount was sufficient, then submitted. I was one of those individuals.

I decided I would assist people as much as possible by educating taxpayers while preparing tax returns. It was risky but I felt it best to be honest with people and allow them to make the best decision for their household. People perish from a lack of knowledge, so why not help.

I love to see people living free. A lot of individuals are bogged down with debt which drives their everyday decisions. How much happier would people be if their day-to-day actions could be driven by wants (taking a great vacation, paying cash for a newer car, etc) vs needs (paying a monthly high interest credit card bill, struggling to pay utility bills and rent). I remember seeing my mother sit down at the kitchen table to “figure out the bills”. I would always ask myself, “Why does she always scratch her head during this time?” As time passed, I started seeing others have that same look. I decided I didn’t want to have that look. How can I help individuals not have that look and make the “figure out the bills” time period be less stressful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Martin Money Management (MMM) is a company promoting financial health to enrich, empower, and educate society to debt-free living. The motto is “Helping you keep more of the money you earn”. I really want people to live better on the money earned. It can be achieved if we are stress free which for a lot of people is debt-free. MMM provides individuals with knowledge about money, debt traps, and Uncle Sam to create opportunities for better financial decision making ultimately making for a better financial future. After all, time is our most precious commodity. How would you like spend that time? In debt or living free?

My road hasn’t been easy. My husband and I were drowning in debt and couldn’t see out way out. I didn’t know how anyone would listen to me if they knew the situation I was in when I first began. Additionally, when I started preparing taxes I kept getting audited. There was no way I would touch anyone else’s taxes and I couldn’t do my own. I was struggling to obtain my CPA. With all the life going on around me, I kept failing my exams. I had to reset. I took a moment to realize what I was doing to myself, applying unnecessary pressure. I re-organized my life and priorities. I decided the first book I needed to read and study was the Bible. If I put that first, all else will fall into place. That’s scripture (Matt 6:33). Once I did, all else fell into place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t really hang out. However, we would start with dinner at Kendall Karsens off of Highway 67 and Polk St. This is a very delicious upscale soul food restaurant owned by Kevin Winston. I would have her try the chicken and dressing or the grilled fish. Actually, no matter what you order, you will be very pleased. That place is amazing.

Afterwards, I would find out where Deon Q (actress, singer, songwriter) was performing and take my best friend to that venue. I am certain she would find Deon’s music relaxing, enjoyable, and fun. Deon can sing just about any song and her sound is very smooth.

That would do it for one of the nights. The other night, we would have to chill and catch up. Like I said, I don’t really hang out. I guess I need more of an outside life. LOL

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Besides my handsome husband (Charles) , exceptional mother (Beverly), zealous grandmother (Erma), and “don’t stop for anyone” bestfriend (Anitra) who are always by my side and my biggest supporters, there are two people who constantly push me to realize my dreams (Dr. Sandra Gates and Ms. Farah Vann). These two ladies were very instrumental in me obtaining my CPA and starting Martin Money Management. Dr. Gates wouldn’t let me stop pursing my CPA when I wanted to give up because studying got too hard with my growing family. Ms. Farah Vann (always mind on task) wouldn’t allow me to not realize my pursuit of starting Martin Money Management. She has been there from the beginning and still keeps me focused to this day. I love and greatly appreciate both of these ladies very much!

Website: www.martinmoneymanagement.com

Instagram: Martin Money Management

Facebook: @martinmoneymanagement

Image Credits
Tamyra Campbell Photography