Money, it is the number one cause of divorce in marriage and in reading comments to yesterday’s article about President Obama taking on the financial crisis it was evident that emotions are highly agitated and the nation is divided. Is American heading for a divorce with itself? Calling Doctor Phil, America needs you.
Like in a marriage when couples squabble over money usual problems occur; one over spends, while the other in the marriage wants to skimp and save. This is evident today in the country with credit cards. Some have found their way into credit card debt others pay in full. Others like to live life to the fullest careless of money and finances, others live life by their check books. Other money problems result due financial crisis ironically like car troubles, health care emergencies and unemployment. All this leads to financial strife in a marriage and a nation. How do many cope? Split?
One of the first things Doctor Phil might ask, “Do you still love your spouse?” So I ask this question, do we still love America? If we have answered yes that question we are off to a good start. Are you willing to make the relationship work? Yes, okay then follow me to the next paragraph.
The next question I believe Doctor Phil might ask America is what do you value most; money or people? Some no doubt value money above all things. Some like to roll around in money and rub it all over their naked bodies before going to sleep. Money is the best mistress and it really is hard to break that affair, but if you value your family, marriage and country you may just need to end it. Others like me value life and people; in fact I sometimes value it too much a bill may be paid late. For some, honestly life is about a stock portfolio, zero credit card balance or a perfectly balanced check book. For some, life is about living, but then for us folks sometimes a dose of reality does us good. What we need to do is appreciate and understand ourselves and each other. Can we do this? If so, let’s move along.
If someone in your family has money problems, or trouble handling money what is your reaction; kick them to the streets, offer handouts, or do you give them support and counseling? This was the main argument yesterday against President Obama calling for financial reform-throw all Americans who don’t read the fine print to the streets. One person even mocked my comment saying, “Should we help all those who walk with a cane-financially speaking?” Why uhm yes. We do make ramps for the handicap that cannot use the stairs right; so we should make it easier for all people to understand financial contracts. Honestly, I’d like to split with that particular person. That’s not very neighborly American-Mister Idaho. But I digress-onward.
How do we handle a financial crisis in our own home? Many get caught up in bickering, arguing tossing out false prides and accusations. But does that solve the problem? Is getting angry and crying foul to another the solution? I don’t think so, do you?
The answer is analyzing the problems, regulating bad behaviors and finding new saving solutions. This change may be uncomfortable and even scary, but if we value America and the relationship with have with one another, perhaps we should be open-minded to help find solutions that work for all and realize that sometimes in our past relationships our methods of managing finances have been destructive and caused chaos and crises.
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