"If it’s not something you can decide about, if it’s not something you can avoid, then all you can do is worry. And what’s the point of that?" -Seth Godin
There are just some stories where nobody comes out looking good — and this "debt ceiling" debacle is one of them, in my humble opinion.
Yes, a deal was struck. Congressional Republicans and President Obama both get to claim some credit for getting it all done … but let’s step back from it all and realize that this entire debate has revolved around an issue which has been almost custom-designed to accentuate that the way Washington DC "works" is different from how our families and businesses have to work.
When the conversation is mostly about "winners and losers" (e.g. see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/the-debt-ceiling-deal-winners-and-losers/2011/07/31/gIQAHl7FmI_story.html ) — instead of "is this a sustainable fiscal model?", then Washington is really leaving us all behind, it seems.
Which is why so many of my clients tell me it’s nice to have a mediator, so to speak. A bit like being the real world’s ambassadors to IRS-land, we tame that tax code, with all of its committee-written language, and we’ve also found that these dog days of August are the PERFECT time to be reviewing our client information, and planning out adjustments to ensure that we’re pursuing the most advantageous tax strategies.
If you’d like to sit down, call us: (610) 353-0686
I’ve also noticed that this debt ceiling debate has ramped up the worry level for some of my clients. So let’s talk about that today…
Stephen J. Venuti’s
"Real World" Personal Strategy
Money Worries
With all of the news about spiraling federal debt, it’s natural that Americans are taking a hard look at their own situation, and it sometimes leads to worry–even for those who are relatively secure.
Interestingly, my clients who have MORE cash in the bank often worry more! Funny, right? But it’s normal human nature….
After a lengthy time of thinking, discussion and some more thoughts into the matter, below are a few techniques I’ve settled on which can help us ALL reduce our worries over money.
1. Realize that It’s Exaggerated – Worry is a funny feeling – it seems to exaggerate any problem. While there are certainly many people who actually run out of money, those are usually not the people that tend to worry.
2. Spend the Same Time Making Money Instead – If you are going to spend time worrying about money, why not use that time and get a side job instead? Maybe start a website (or two, or three). I know it’s easier said than done, but the more you work at it, the easier it gets.
3. Confidence – Part of the reason why we worry about money is because of the lack of confidence in our own abilities to earn an income. How can we boost our confidence you ask? Confidence comes from success, and success starts from taking action. So try a few low-risk entrepreneurial ventures. If they bomb, see it as a laboratory: learn from it and try again.
But never (never) allow it to touch your identity as a person.
4. The workplace plays a big role in worry. Are your colleagues encouraging? Is your boss supportive? If not, then do something about it. Don’t get into the thinking of "I can’t find another job". Yes you can — especially if you HAVE a job right now. If you got this job, you can get another one!
5. Worrying is Actually Good – A little, measured worrying is actually healthy for us. It’s what drives us to be better. It’s what turns our energy switch to the "On" position. The right way to deal with it is to channel it into your work ethic, and your desire to be better.
How Do You Deal with It?
Of course, what I listed above is just the tip of the iceberg. How do you deal with worrying about the lack of money? Or do you? What has worked for you? I’d be interested to hear.
Lastly–ELIMINATE worry by calling us for advice! You do NOT have to walk this financial road alone…
To You and Your Family’s Peace of Mind!
