“What would my daddy say?"

My work as a financial coach takes me deeply into the lives of my clients, financially, and through money more broadly. I will periodically post anonymous & confidential snippets of stories telling of my coaching experiences in hope that they prove of some value to you as reader, provide insights that enable you to become more financially serene.

A teary-eyed, embarrassed 56-year old client early in our meeting said, “what would my daddy say” about my predicament. This client is suffering from an as yet not fully diagnosed illness that caused her to leave her work and accept early retirement. She and her husband have been forced to move in with their daughter and share household expenses. Their trailer that they used to enjoy traveling in sits in her yard awaiting a person willing to buy it for what is still owed. Her modest expenses exceed their combined income by @ $1K per month.

As we spent time together this morning, I was able to share that her daddy would be proud that she found her way to our office to seek help. People have trouble talking about money difficulties. Her daddy would be proud that she raised a daughter in a way that allowed her daughter to welcome her into her home, and that they can co-exist comfortably in a shared household.

I see many clients every weekday. When they enter my office, they almost always arrive due to one of three challenges:

1.       They are earning less income than they have earned in the past due to downsizing, needing to take a lower-paying job, or being out of work,

2.       Due to illness and medical bills beyond their insurance and repayment capability,

3.       Due to being too generous a spirit in caring for family and others, and now finding themselves needing help.

Each of us can take care of our bodies to enhance the likelihood that we will live with good health. None of us can control our destiny and our health. My client’s daddy would suffer from her illness, and wish her a speedy, comfortable recovery. He would never blame her for becoming ill, and for facing financial trouble related to this difficulty.

My client left my office a few minutes ago. She had tears of joy for the time that we spent together this morning. She left with a plan and a vision of how to proceed. She knows how to reach me when it is time to speak again. She exits my office with hope that her next breath, her next steps will be lighter in this world.

She leaves my office with my spirits lifted, knowing how blessed I am to be here doing the work that I do.