How’s your sandwich?
Nothing like a great sandwich on a Summer afternoon! Whether it’s a picnic or simply on the back porch, biting into the perfect blend of bread, meat, cheese, mayo and other goodies can bring a big old smile to your face. I’m not going to tell you how I make a sandwich because I have learned that the best sandwich happens at your own hands as the fridge reveals its’ opportunities.
But now I want to talk about life’s sandwich. I have a father-in-law who is 101, a beautiful wife, a busy business, 5 children around the western states and 4 grandchildren. How do I devote time and money to those relationships that are most important to me?
I know who, now let’s work on what. By this I mean how much time and money and energy I have available should a need arise among my family members.
First let’s discuss time: No surprise, I have the same 24/7 as all of you. At the end of each day, I know there is something I should have or could have done, but got distracted. Now there are important distractions like a client who calls and needs money for an emergency, but there are also silly distractions; social media, ignoring the dishes that need doing to catch the news, etc. I’m sure it doesn’t happen to you, but I bet I can find an hour that might have been better spent. All I can say is make a list and focus, and continue this practice until changes start to happen.
Next is money – What is available that I can spare to help my kids with. This covers assets I have saved AND income that flows through our fingers. Let’s start with the income and where the money goes. I mentioned that extra hour at the end of the day that might have been wasted, the same rule applies to our budget. If push came to shove there is usually extra money to help out. Before you decide to commit to a ‘helping’ program, make sure you have taken into account ALL the expenses, even those that pop up quarterly. Know your budget.
Now what about your saved assets. You have worked hard and saved for specific purposes, and the money is there working for you -but there is someone close to you in need of help. Let’s talk temporary or permanent. By this I mean is there a possibility of getting paid back. I say possibility because stuff happens. ‘I can pay you back when XX money arrives.’ But as time goes by, this payback doesn’t happen and never will. Consider how your life might change IF you didn’t get the money back. Five hundred dollars might scrap a planned weekend getaway, not too big a deal. Add a few zeros and the result can be catastrophic.
Finally, there is energy. Last weekend my wife and I travelled to Ohio to celebrate her Aunt’s 100th birthday! (did I mention her dad is 101?!) It was a last-minute decision which made it a quick and costly trip and totally exhausting. Three big parties sandwiched between two full days of travel. Worth it? Absolutely! Would I recommend it again – NO!.
Socrates is attributed as saying; ‘A life unexamined is not worth living.’ Take a few moments from scrolling and examine your sandwich: relationships, your assets and your budget and help where you can. If you want assistance, give us a call. Sure, we are professional advisors but as outlined above, we have opportunities all around…thank goodness.