Are You a Financial 2 Year Old?

Have you ever tried to understand what a two year old is saying? I have a young son and sometimes trying to make out what he’s telling me can be exasperating. Then there are the times when my son is courageously trying to communicate something very important to me. That’s right, I may not know what he’s saying, but I can sure tell when it’s important to him.

Sometimes the important topics can deal with how his older sister has upset him. Other times the issue of what he wants to drink can seem very important. But nothing is more important than when he has a boo-boo! During this time, the pain and inability to communicate only serve to aggravate him even more.

BOO-BOO’S

However, it’s not just my son who feels the frustration and pain. Once I understand what he’s upset about I try to console and explain how I can make it better. Unfortunately many times he doesn’t understand and he just gets very scared. This fear can almost paralyze him and he would rather just leave the boo-boo as-is rather than risking the help and comfort I can provide. My inability to make him understand that I’m only trying to help can tear at my heart. No father wants to see his child in pain.

Beginning the process of becoming financially responsible may make you feel just like my son. You’re unsure of how to communicate what you want. You mess up financial terminology. Or maybe, so you don’t feel embarrassed you simply smile when somebody says something you don’t understand.

Then again, there are the times of boo-boo’s when the path to financially responsibility can be even thornier. Why? Because you’ve had a major financial ouchy! Maybe you’ve lost your car. Maybe your home has been foreclosed upon. Or maybe you’ve watched your 401k dwindle away.

For you, perhaps the fear and anxiety is as testing as a two year old’s first experience with a pair of tweezers! So how can you relieve some of the pressure and move yourself forward financially? I suggest taking a lesson from my son!

WHAT’S THAT?

Right now my son’s favorite phrase is - “What’s that?” Basically he’s figured out to communicate better he has to understand the various names of things. I probably hear “what’s that” no less than 100 times a day! (Okay, I haven’t really counted.) Many times each day I get asked for the name of the same thing over and over and over again! And while many people would think this would be annoying … it isn’t! I realize the little man is just trying to learn so we can communicate better.

If you don’t understand a financial term then ask ~ “What’s that?” If your HR department starts talking about 401k allocations and you don’t understand ask ~ “What’s that?” If you spouse starts talking about investing in mutual funds and you don’t understand ask ~ “What’s that?” Your favorite financial phrase should be ~ “What’s that?!” “What’s that?!” “What’s that?!”

Here are a couple of helpful financial links to let you start asking ~ “What’s that?!”:

• http://www.morningstar.com/InvGlossary/ (Defines almost any financial term you can come up with.)
• http://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/home/ (Great for getting definitions and advice.)

What has financially scared you? Is there something you need defined? Do you wish you understood those bloggers or financial guys on the radio? Being financial responsible means learning to talk. Welcome back to the terrible two’s!

Do you have children? What are some of the lessons you’ve learned from your young ones?

Photo by Boa-sorte&Careca