Financial planning

Question: I have always had a hard time with numbers. I mean I can do basic math, but beyond that it’s just a lot of noise to me. I know this hurts me financially, mostly because I don’t know who to trust or what to believe. What would you suggest?

Answer: There is a difference between being unable to read at all and being “functionally illiterate.”

Question: I was on the fast track in a big corporate job in Chicago, but once I got a taste of what that life was going to be like, I realize I don’t want to live like that. Now I’m faced with taking a similar job in my field (back here at home) or taking a chance on doing something a little crazy, but following my dreams. What do you think?

Answer: I think you need to learn how to make decisions.

Question: I was just recently fired from a job I loved. I won’t go into it, but I honestly feel my firing was wrong. I’m not going to try to fight it – it wouldn’t be worth it and now I don’t want to go back. But I just feel totally hollowed out inside and am having trouble moving forward. Any suggestions?

Answer: It’s something that seemed like it couldn’t happen in a million years…but it did…twice…in the same year.

Question: I’m trying to get my brother to go see a financial planner. He makes plenty of money but I think he spends even more. I’m always having to bail him out of one financial mess or another. He usually pays me back, but that’s not even the point. I know he could be fine if he just got some discipline and got on a plan.  Can you recommend a financial planner for my brother to see?

Answer: Sure – one that I don’t like very much.

Question: I think I may be opposite of most people – I am a compulsive saver. Or at least that’s what my wife says. I am always concerned that we will need the money and it won’t be there because we’ve spent it on something frivolous. I’m sure it’s how I was raised. I grew up poor. But my wife is about to get tired of it and I can see her point. How do I free myself from thinking this way?

Answer: Undefined dangers loom large in the mind.