The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I surprised myself the other day when I heard some commercial about financial planning drone on in the background as I was doing some chores.
The surprise? I actually thought to myself "Hey... that's a good idea. I think I could really use some professional assistance with planning out my financial future."
My finances, among a plethora of other things, have been one of those things that I always thought "I should know how to do this. I don't need help planning to save."
But then the other day, I was talking with my parents on the phone and they were telling me how they've had to change their retirement plans because of how the recession hit their investments and savings, and I was thinking "wow... I don't even have a CLUE how much I really need to be saving for my own retirement..."
There's that, and the fact that I would love to some day liberate myself from the renter's ball-and-chain and finally own a home.
I thought I had a clue how to take care of this... but here I am, still in debt with credit cards, paying rent, and not a whole lot to say for myself where savings goes.
Been doing it on my own for this long and apparently, it ain't working trying to do it all by myself. So why not get some HELP?
This reaching out for help stuff doesn't only need to include my relationship challenges. There are LOTS of things where I could get some help if I'd stop trying to convince myself I can just do it ALL like some Super Woman.
Was nice to think about that. I mentioned it to my AH, and I was actually kind of amazed he agreed... but I said it to him while he'd been drinking most of the day, so his opinion might change later on... but it's also great knowing I can go see a financial advisor myself without HAVING to have him tag along unless I'm starting to make plans that would require legal spousal agreement.
It's really a relief to take responsible for ourselves. When we're in control of our lives, how we feel becomes up to us; I agree, I come from a world where "I should know" But what I've come to see is everything I thought I knew wasn't worth knowing, and everything I didn['t know, someone else did. Keep up the great work
If it were me I think I would start by reading Suzi Ormans books , she particulatry works with wemon . Seems to be very clever and realistic about savings . I am sure she must have a WEB site , if not go to Oprahs web site she is frequently a guest and it will be there .
You are absolutely correct. Growing up with alcoholism I too thought I should know everything and it was "bad" or "stupid" to ask for help. This was one of the biggest defet of character that I turned up in my 4th step.
Thanks for reminding me that alanon tools and principles can and should be practiced in all areas of my life.
