DRIVING LESSONS ARE FINANCIAL LESSONS

DOLLARS AND SENSE

by Joe Plemon 

When my wife’s Dad taught her to drive, he imparted not simply the mechanics of operating a vehicle, but a philosophy which transcends into life and, of course, finances.  I think Irvin Smith’s advice on driving can help us all.

 ·         Don’t stare at the oncoming headlights.   One can become mesmerized by staring at something that is potentially harmful.  Is your debt overwhelming your life?  Don’t let it!  Force yourself instead to focus on the solution.  Your stress level will drop and you will start to experience hope.   Those headlights or your dilemma can’t harm you if you only look away from the problem and toward a solution.

·         If you think you can make it, don’t go.  If you know you can make it, go.  How many of us have bought stuff because we thought we could make the payments?  Here is a thought:  save up and pay cash.

 ·         When you see brake lights ahead, take your foot off your accelerator.  Respond appropriately to the world around you.  Don’t over-react.  Take time to read, study and think.  Be savvy.  Know your financial climate.  Your decisions are your responsibility. 

·         Look toward the end of the road.  When Janice felt the need to steer constantly in order to stay between the lines, Irvin said, “Jan, if you will look to the end of the road, the car will automatically stay in the driving lane.”   Before I begin counseling with a client, I require them to write down their long term financial goals.  Only by knowing those goals can I help them devise a plan that will give them clarity about what they need to be doing today.  If you feel like you are constantly juggling your finances, it is probably because you have no written long term goals.  Look toward the end of the road. 

Irvin’s driving lessons, because they are life lessons, have a timeless validity.  Whether you are driving in traffic or in life, I hope they help.