Use tax season to strengthen relationships.

Remember the mantra "health, wealth, and children" from Never Eat Alone? Well, tax season is a prime opportunity to offer some very generous assistance to others in the wealth category.

So do your best to look beyond the stress and hassle we all deal with this time of year and find opportunities to strengthen relationships by helping others -- and yourself -- save a few bucks. Here are two suggestions:

1 - Identify three people in a similar tax situation as yourself and reach out to them to discuss legal and appropriate strategies for tax savings that you might have in common.

2 - Gather those people for lunch with a financial advisor. You'll all benefit from the advisor's expertise (at no charge) and the advisor will appreciate the introduction a new group of potential clients. Also consider holding a series of these lunches with a different financial advisor each time, even after you file your taxes. You'll learn from the varied perspectives and your friends will appreciate the help in proactively planning for next year.

Warmest,

Keith Ferrazzi