money talks

well, after years of avoiding the issue, i've finally hunkered down and started evaluating myself financially. with the help of a friend, i'm going to start investing in some stocks and other stuff. he says part of getting started in that is to figure out what my net worth is. determine my assets and liabilities. see what's available to liquidate and invest. it's a good thing to do from time to time anyway - especially when planning for future retirement.

now if you ask me to take an ad or brochure and analyze the layout from the color choice to the font and paper, no problem. i understand that stuff. i'm comfortable with doing that. but taking a hard look at my finances, spending habits and b-b-budget? blech. no fun. boring. and scary. why? because i'll be forced to take a good look at where i am and where i want to be in a few years and realize that i'm no where near the course i need to take to get there.

now, i do have SOME retirement funding in place, but if wanted to retire in the next few years or so AND live at the level i'm at now, i would last no more than a year. i'm not poverty level, but if i lost my job right now (God forbid i go through that again) i'd really be in some serious trouble. so, now i have to be a grown up and really take a look at and plan for my golden years. and also realize what my short term goals are as well. and so i take a look at what i'm worth–financially speaking... and, boys and girls it's a little scary.

but where do i begin? i really don't understand all that mambo jumbo money talk. and i don't really think that most financial advisers are really out for helping the client unless they've got pockets lined with gold. i'm one who truly WANTS to understand HOW it all works and not just be told this is what i need to do.

wake up call! so with that being said, it's time to make some adjustments to ensure a great financial future and even more enjoyable present. maybe i should pick up "investing for dummies." but i still don't think i'd learn enough to make a well-educated decision that ultimately affects my financial well-being in my twilight years. ah, what happened to the days when i'd get a dollar from my granddaddy and believed that was all the money i'd ever want and need?

be blessed.