***Financial Security and Relationships Walk Hand-In Hand

Many people neglect to see that financial security and their relationships with others are strongly connected to each other. Let’s look at the way this works.

Many of us think that knowledge alone qualifies us to making good financial decisions and thus entitles us to better positions and financial security. In truth, John Maxwell says it the best. “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

If you want financial security, ask yourself the following questions as they pertain to your working life:

1. Are you performing diligently at work?
2. Are you avoiding hypocrisy?
3. Are you showing love to your staff, fellow employees and boss in a kindly manner?
4. Are you hospitable? – When did you last take in a treat for the group just because you were appreciative for waking up that day? Do you say excuse me, please and thank you?
5. Do you turn the other cheek and acknowledge that the hurt someone is directing at you, which most likely has nothing to do with you, with kindness and respect?
6. Do you acknowledge the suffering or challenges your co-workers are dealing with? Are you willing to help in anyway possible no matter how small?
7. Are you open-minded toward the solutions others present?
8. Do you work on strategies which will make the workplace a peaceful environment?
9. Do you recognize revenge is not yours to administer?

What would happen if we exercised these practices everyday? Our fellow workers, clients, customers and suppliers would want us working for them. We would get our work done faster with more efficiently and receive greater co-operation especially when difficult times strike. We would show others that they could trust us, that we care about them and are not self-centered and only out for number one.

These traits put us in demand and make us leadership material. When it comes to finding reasons to right-size, employers are more likely to keep those who have good relationships than those who grind the gears. I do realize in unionized environments, seniority place a part. Even if this is the case, everyone has contacts and when one door closes another opens. Who do you think is most likely to be referred to an outside position when asked? Usually the most caring so why not be both the most caring and the most knowledgeable?

Take these exact same questions and ask them as they relate to your family relationships. You would like your spouse and children to assist you with making ends meet and reaching your family financial goals. Have you sat down and communicated these goals with them? Humans are not very good at mind-reading so the best way to get others on the same page is to give them the information they need to help us all get where we want to go.

The best way to get your family on the same side regarding the finances is to set a budget. Write it down. Show them how much money is coming in and how much is going out and on what items. This tells them where you are today.

Next, ask them what their goals and dreams are. Do your children want to go to college or university? Would they like a new iPod? Do they want to go on vacation? Do some research and figure out how much that activity is going to cost.

Take a look at where you are today and at what your dreams will require you to adjust in order to reach them. How will you reach this goal?

The easiest way to reach your family goals is to become a leader in your own family. Leaders are humble. They care deeply about their families and they are loyal to them. They avoid hypocrisy and lead by example. They keep the peace and lift up the moral and self-esteem of the ones they love. They put others’ needs before their own yet recognize their own need to rest and recharge. They are open-minded and willing to try new things. They not only communicate well but also are great listeners.

In an environment such as this, your family members will be a blessing to one another and everyone will be willing to do whatever it takes to get the family into a financially secure position.

When you honor, respect and communicate effectively with others, your rewards are many and your future treasures great. Keep your eyes on the end desired while enjoying the road trip to your final destination. Today is a new day. I recommend you learn from the past and put a cover on the rearview mirror so you can focus on the present moment since that is all you are guaranteed. It takes courage, stepping out of the box into uncomfortable waters but the risks are well worth the rewards.